My daily walk in Christ

The 66 Books (Canonical)

Reasons for the Exclusion of Certain

Books from the Biblical Canon

Br.Musaazi Dennis PART 4

The formation of the biblical canon was a significant undertaking that involved meticulous evaluation

and theological discernment. Certain texts were excluded from the canon for specific reasons aimed at

preserving the doctrinal integrity of Christian teachings.

The primary criteria for inclusion included apostolic authorship, adherence to established doctrines,

widespread acceptance in liturgical practices, and recognition by the broader Christian community. Texts

not included in the canon are frequently categorized as apocryphal, deuterocanonical, or extracanonical,

reflecting the careful thought exercised in curating the sacred scriptures.

Common reasons for the exclusion of specific texts include:

Absence of Apostolic Origin:

Many writings failed to establish a credible connection to an apostle or a direct disciple of Jesus Christ.

This absence was critical, as apostolic authority was considered essential for the validation of any

scripture.

Theological Inconsistencies:

Some texts contained teachings that contradicted established Christian doctrine, introducing concepts

that diverged from core beliefs recognized by the early church.

Limited Acceptance and Usage:

Certain writings were not widely utilized or acknowledged in worship across various Christian

communities, which raised questions about their spiritual significance and relevance.

Questionable Authenticity:

Numerous writings were identified as pseudepigraphical, falsely attributed to prominent figures; this

undermined their legitimacy and heightened concerns regarding their theological soundness.

Examples of Books Not Included in the Canon

Old Testament Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical Books:

Tobit: a narrative that intertwines folklore with moral teachings, emphasising virtues such as

faithfulness and piety.

Judith: This text recounts the story of a courageous widow who saves her city through tact and

bravery.

Wisdom of Solomon: Philosophical reflections attributed to King Solomon, exploring the nature of

wisdom and righteousness.

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus):A collection of ethical teachings and proverbs that offer guidance on moral conduct.

Baruch: A reflective work attributed to the scribe of Jeremiah, addressing themes of faith and

repentance.

1 and 2 Maccabees: Historical accounts documenting the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid

The 66 Books (Canonical)

Empire and its implications for Jewish identity.

Additions to Esther and Daniel: Expanded narratives that provide further insight into Jewish faith and

resilience.

(Note: These texts are accepted within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions but are not included in

Br.Musaazi Dennis PART 4

the Protestant 66-book canon.)

Non-Canonical New Testament Gospels and Writings:

Gospel of Thomas: Ascribed to Jesus, this collection of sayings aligns closely with Gnostic thought,

emphasizing personal spiritual knowledge.

Gospel of Peter: This narrative presents an alternate portrayal of the passion of Christ, offering

perspectives distinct from the canonical Gospels.

Gospel of Judas: This text provides a complex view of Judas Iscariot, framing him in a manner that

challenges traditional interpretations.

Acts of Paul and Thecla: A narrative detailing the adventures of Apostle Paul alongside a young female

disciple, highlighting issues of gender in early Christianity.

Infancy Gospel of James (Protoevangelium of James): This narrative delineates the early life of Mary

and the nativity of Jesus, contributing to the understanding of cultural context.

Epistle of Barnabas: An early Christian writing that delineates the theological distinctions between

Christianity and Judaism.

Shepherd of Hermas: A Christian literary work composed of visions and parables, providing insights

into the morality and ethics of the early church.

Apocalypse of Peter: An early Christian text depicting visions of heaven and hell, reflecting on

eschatological themes.

Rationale Behind the Exclusion of These Texts

Absence of Apostolic Authorship: Many of these writings were composed significantly after the

apostolic era, often by authors whose identities remain uncertain. This lack diminishes their

authoritative weight.

Theological Conflicts: Certain writings presented teachings inconsistent with established Christian

doctrine, particularly regarding issues of salvation and the nature of Christ, which were critical at the

time.

Limited Early Recognition: Many of these texts did not achieve widespread acceptance within early

Christian churches, which favored texts shared among congregations.

Concerns Regarding Authenticity: A significant number of these writings were recognized as pseudepigraphical, falsely naming apostolic figures, thereby casting doubt on their theological

credibility.

The 66-Book Protestant Canon:

The Protestant canon was firmly established during the Reformation, underscoring a commitment to

The 66 Books (Canonical)

scriptures that were authentically apostolic, doctrinally consistent, and widely recognized across various

Christian communities. This consolidation resulted in a collection of 66 books (39 from the Old Testament

and 27 from the New Testament), intentionally excluding apocryphal and disputed writings that did not

meet these rigorous criteria. This process was essential in ensuring the preservation of a coherent and

authoritative scriptural foundation.

Br.Musaazi Dennis PART 4

In summary

Certain texts were excluded from the biblical canon due to their lack of apostolic authority, the presence

of theological errors, or the absence of acceptance by the early church. This meticulous selection process

significantly contributed to the preservation of doctrinal purity and unity within the canon of scripture as

it is recognized today.