As we delve into biblical history, we’re often intrigued by unseen, unheard facets of this spiritual treasure trove. One unexplored area is that of the books removed from the Bible – texts constituting the so-called ‘Apocrypha’ or ‘Deuterocanonical’ books. In this comprehensive blog post, we explore these books, reasons behind their removal, and their relevance today.
The Apocryphal And Deuterocanonical Books: A Brief Introduction
In early Christian and Jewish history, certain texts were part of the Bible but eventually removed. These are the ‘Apocrypha’, derived from a Greek word meaning ‘hidden. In Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, they’re labeled ‘Deuterocanonical’, meaning ‘second canon’.(source)
The collection of the apocryphal or deuterocanonical books varies. Commonly included are books like the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Tobit, Judith, and Maccabees. They provide historical, moral, and doctrinal content augmenting the established Biblical canon.
Why Were These Books Removed?
From a historical perspective, the exclusion of these books primarily happened through differing opinions on what constituted the ‘canon’ of Scripture among early Churches. The Protestant Reformation, spearheaded by Martin Luther, played a role by endorsing the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) over the Greek Septuagint. The latter included the apocryphal books.(source)
Theologically, many Protestants argue that the books contain teachings inconsistent with accepted canon. Furthermore, these books weren’t featured in the Jewish canon on which the Old Testament is founded. Hence, they argue, these books shouldn’t form Christian canon either.
Consequences of the Removal
Having these books removed created a divergence in biblical canon among Christianity’s branches. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches included these books in their Bible, while the Protestant Bible excludes them.
Though controversial, ceasing the use of these books didn’t hinder the core message of Christian faith. However, it impacted the understanding of some historical and cultural facets of the biblical era.
Relevance In Today’s Christian Life
The decision to include or exclude these books from the Bible indirectly affects our understanding of Christian tradition, hermeneutics, and biblical scholarship today. These books provide cultural insights into Jewish and early Christian life, and they’ve influenced Christian art, literature, and thought.(source)
Should one read these books? The answer comes to personal conviction and the specific standpoint of your Christian tradition. While some might see them as deviating or less authoritative, others consider them part of their Holy Scriptures, bringing deeper comprehension and broader perspective to biblical events.
A Balanced View
While we recognize that parts of the Christian tradition revere these books as sacred scripture, it’s essential we also understand why others have objection. As Christians, our unity is in Christ and His teachings, which means respect, dialogue, and understanding towards each other’s interpretation of Scripture is paramount.
Conclusion
In our quest to comprehend the Bible’s mysteries, the journey takes us through uncharted waters of historical decision-making and theological complexities. Regardless of our stances on the books removed from the Bible, these texts provide rich historical insight and provoke valuable theological reflection. Thus, regardless of our denominational preferences, exploring these books might enable us to appreciate the incredible sheer diversity and depth within our shared Christian heritage.
