What Books Were Taken Out of the Bible and Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

The Bible, as we know it today, is a collection of sacred texts that have been curated over centuries. However, not all texts that were considered sacred or influential in early Christianity made it into the final canon. The process of determining which books were included in the Bible and which were excluded was complex and often contentious. This article explores the books that were taken out of the Bible, the reasons behind their exclusion, and the broader implications of these decisions.

The Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical Books

One of the most well-known sets of books that were excluded from the Protestant Bible is the Apocrypha. These books, which include texts like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, and Maccabees, were part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. While they were included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, they were excluded from the Protestant canon during the Reformation. Martin Luther and other reformers argued that these books did not meet the criteria for canonicity, such as apostolic authorship and widespread acceptance among early Christian communities.

The Gnostic Gospels

Another group of texts that were excluded from the Bible are the Gnostic Gospels. These texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Judas, were discovered in the 20th century and offer a different perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. The Gnostic Gospels were often written from a Gnostic perspective, which emphasized secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Early church leaders, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, rejected these texts as heretical and excluded them from the canon.

The Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is another text that was excluded from the Bible. This ancient Jewish text, which is attributed to the biblical figure Enoch, contains apocalyptic visions and detailed descriptions of the heavenly realm. While the Book of Enoch was highly regarded by some early Christian communities, it was ultimately excluded from the canon due to its controversial content and lack of widespread acceptance.

The Shepherd of Hermas

The Shepherd of Hermas is a Christian text that was widely read in the early church but was eventually excluded from the Bible. This text, which is presented as a series of visions and parables, was considered by some early Christians to be inspired scripture. However, it was ultimately excluded from the canon due to its late composition and the fact that it was not written by an apostle.

The Epistle of Barnabas

The Epistle of Barnabas is another early Christian text that was excluded from the Bible. This letter, which is attributed to the apostle Barnabas, contains theological reflections and interpretations of the Old Testament. While it was highly regarded by some early Christians, it was ultimately excluded from the canon due to its controversial interpretations and lack of widespread acceptance.

The Didache

The Didache, also known as the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is an early Christian text that provides instructions on Christian living, worship, and church organization. While it was highly influential in the early church, it was ultimately excluded from the Bible due to its practical rather than theological focus.

The Broader Implications

The exclusion of these texts from the Bible has had significant implications for Christian theology and practice. The decisions about which books to include in the canon were influenced by theological, political, and cultural factors. The exclusion of certain texts has shaped the way that Christians understand their faith and the teachings of Jesus.

For example, the exclusion of the Gnostic Gospels has meant that the emphasis on secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment has not been a central part of mainstream Christian theology. Similarly, the exclusion of the Apocrypha has meant that certain stories and teachings, such as the story of Tobit and the Wisdom of Solomon, are not part of the Protestant tradition.

Conclusion

The process of determining which books were included in the Bible and which were excluded was complex and often contentious. The exclusion of certain texts has had significant implications for Christian theology and practice. While some of these texts, such as the Apocrypha and the Gnostic Gospels, continue to be studied and debated, they are not part of the official canon of most Christian traditions.

Q: Why were the Gnostic Gospels excluded from the Bible?

A: The Gnostic Gospels were excluded from the Bible because they were considered heretical by early church leaders. These texts often presented a different perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, which was at odds with the orthodox Christian teachings of the time.

Q: What is the significance of the Apocrypha in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions?

A: The Apocrypha is significant in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions because it includes texts that are considered inspired scripture. These texts provide additional stories, teachings, and historical context that are not found in the Protestant Bible.

Q: Why is the Book of Enoch not included in the Bible?

A: The Book of Enoch is not included in the Bible because it was considered controversial and lacked widespread acceptance among early Christian communities. Despite its influence on some early Christian writings, it was ultimately excluded from the canon.

Q: What is the Didache, and why was it excluded from the Bible?

A: The Didache is an early Christian text that provides instructions on Christian living, worship, and church organization. It was excluded from the Bible because it was seen as more practical than theological, and it was not written by an apostle.