In religious contexts (e.g., the Bible):
* Authorship: Traditionally, the Bible was considered canonical if it was written by an apostle or someone closely associated with Jesus. This was based on the idea of divine inspiration. However, this criterion has become more nuanced over time.
* Early Church Acceptance: Books were accepted as canonical if they were widely used and respected by the early Christian communities. This often involved a process of debate and consensus.
* Orthodoxy: Books had to align with the core beliefs and teachings of the faith. This is a complex and sometimes controversial criterion.
In literary contexts:
* Authorial Intent: A work is considered canonical if it was intended by the author to be part of a larger body of work (e.g., a series of books).
* Critical Reception: A work becomes canonical if it receives widespread acclaim and influence from critics, scholars, and readers.
* Cultural Impact: A work is often considered canonical if it has had a significant impact on the culture and/or the literary landscape.
In other contexts:
* Authenticity: The work must be genuine and not a forgery or fabrication.
* Historical Context: The work should be understood within its historical and cultural context.
* Significance: The work should have enduring value and relevance.
It's important to note:
* No set of criteria is universally accepted. Different communities and individuals may have different criteria for what constitutes canonicity.
* The concept of canon is dynamic. It can change over time as new interpretations, discoveries, and perspectives emerge.
Therefore, there's no definitive list of three criteria for canonicity. Instead, it's a complex and fluid concept that depends on context and individual interpretation.