The Historical Reliability of the New Testament

[Jenny A]

That once the texts were considered sacred they were copied with care, I've not much doubt.  But we know little of how they were treated before that, so I can't follow you as far as the original author's intent being followed. It's clear the authors of the gospels used other source material that they did not necessarily treat so carefully.  It follows that what they did unto the texts of others might well have been done unto them by others. And there are certainly cases were where theological ideas were purposely inserted, rather than merely being mistakes in copying.  Paul's prohibition of women participating in the service for example:

"As in all the churches of the holy one, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate even as the law says. If they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church." 1 Corinthians 14:33-35

And then there are the faked letters of Paul.  Why would anyone think a text written by someone fraudulently pretending to be someone else was sacred?