For much of the NT, it was very smooth. The 4 Gospels and the writing of Paul and 1 Peter and 1 John were, IIRC, all accepted almost immediately as scripture. Revelations and Hebrews were not, and 2 Peter, 2,3 John were also in doubt.
From my perspective, the Good News does not rest on 2 Peter or Revelations or Hebrews. I read them and accept them as scripture, but I wouldn’t have to change any of my beliefs if they fell out of the Bible.
Over a year ago, I posted this thread on how we got the New Testament, and kosta50 & I discussed things at length at that time. I post it here for any who want to re-read the articles or the debate.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2320483/posts
The Baptist in me says each of us is responsible for his/her decisions under God, and we make them and will be judged for them as individuals. As I’ve explained (admitted?) to kosta50 before, I BELIEVE what I believe, but I do not think logic forces us to become Christians, or to believe the scriptures.
I sometimes argue with birthers on other threads because I do not believe the courts are the proper place to settle a political question. In like manner, I don’t believe logic is the proper tool for relating to God or other people.
I’m an Arminian, not a Calvinist, but I appreciate the scripture that says, “14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” (Acts 16) As an Arminian, I don’t believe we come to God by our own power - God has to draw us. But we can reject the will of God, and will do so if we insist logic must be our guide.
Long ago, I read a book called “A Severe Mercy” (http://www.amazon.com/Severe-Mercy-Sheldon-Vanauken/dp/0060688246/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284485093&sr=1-1). Logic lead him to the point of decision, but he realized that decision required faith. However, he also realized that refusing to take the step of faith was also a decision...and we will be held accountable for the decisions we make. It takes a leap to accept Christ, but also one to reject Him.
Would you divorce reason altogether from the understanding and discussion and explanation of religion? (I admit I dislike the phrase "relate to" -- it's soooo 60s!) C.S. Lewis certainly didn't reject logic in composing his essays.
Very excellent points and rather close to my own perspective, it appears.