Definitions of Scripture and Canon

So far in the semester, Dr. Spigel and Dr. Dupertuis, have been talking to us about the definitions of Scripture and canon. After analyzing our readings, I think that there is no ultimate definition of what Scripture and canon mean—which could be the reason why we keep on having problems on how to use it. Therefore, I wanted to focus on the definition that Dungan provides us with on page 2.

In the first chapter Dungan states, “In the comparative study of religions, the term scripture refers to a semidurable, semifluid, slowly evolving conglomeration of sacred texts (not by any means necessarily in all written form) in use of members of a religious tradition over hundreds or even thousands of years” (2). The word that was somewhat disconcerting was semidurable because that would mean that the scripture we have in religions is not durable… which seems the opposite of what scripture in the canon is. We’ve talked about how it would be close to impossible to open up or change the canon—therefore, it seems that the scripture is durable and is there to last.

Therefore, I think that there are many different definitions of scripture; because just like the word bible, the word scripture can mean something different to different people.