Comments on: Are the right books in?

By: Doug

Doug — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:44:29 +0000

“The primary reason why so many of these “hidden” texts were left out of the cannon was the lack of ability to prove authenticity.”
Hmm, I would really like to see the Proof of authinticity for all if the books that are in bible today! There are none!

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:17:35 +0000

The bigger problem could be not why some of these other books were not included, but why some of the books we have were included. It seems that it is quite likely that books such as the pastoral epistles were not authored by the historical author, yet we apply all kinds of principles derived from these. Growing up in an evangelical background this is a problem, because it makes it hard to decide what is and is not trust worthy.

By: Rev. D. J. Myers

Rev. D. J. Myers — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:07:27 +0000

On the question of which books to include and which to exclude, may I ask all you readers this question ? ” Where exactly did evil spirits (that is called devils ) come from ? The King James tells us they exist. God certainly did NOT create evil. Satan has NO creative powers. The fallen angles are now prisoners in Tartaras. Who are they and where did they come from ??
The only REAL story we have that explains all this is found in the Book of Enoch.Don’t take MY word for this. Read it for yourself. Is it heavy reading ? YES ! Enoch tells us that the souls of the hybred giants would roam the earth, never finding rest nor peace. They would torment mankind
with temptations, irritations, and trouble, They’re still here. Read it for yourself. djm142@gmail.com

By: RK

RK — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:45:29 +0000

Interesting take on things. Although I would agree with the general stereotype you paste onto the average Christian, we don’t all fit into this view.

The primary reason why so many of these “hidden” texts were left out of the cannon was the lack of ability to prove authenticity. How do we know Enoch actually wrote this text? How do we know Thomas actually wrote that text? The Council of Laodicea was closer to the authorship of any of these text than any of us are now. That is why so many leave it to the Divinity of God that the right books where chosen. We wouldn’t know which ones are authentic and which ones “sound good.” The primary reason why the cannon was created was to try and centralize the teachings – to prevent false teachings within the church.

Sure, they could have chosen Enoch. But how do we know Enoch truly wrote it? It sounds good, but it was supposedly written thousands of years before Moses wrote the Pentateuch? Many people already question whether or not Job should be included. Do we need more reasons for people to question the authenticity of Scripture?

The books that were chosen where basically the “tried and true”. The controversial ones where left out. These were the books everyone agreed on. And the Laodicean Canon wasn’t the first canon to be put together. The fragments we have of the Muratorian Canon are the oldest – potentially as old as 170AD.

People can bicker and argue about the old “potential” books, but I’ll stick with the “tried and true.” Words are powerful things. That is why the church has been so particular about which ones to include. But, then again, I’m no Bible Scholar. I just simply pay attention and think for myself.

By: Oceanaffair

Oceanaffair — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 03:40:38 +0000

Mmm. Good point about Enoch