Why Did Protestants Remove Books from the Bible and Do Cats Dream of Electric Sheep?

The question of why Protestants removed certain books from the Bible is a complex one, intertwined with theological, historical, and cultural factors. To understand this, we must first delve into the origins of the biblical canon and the divergent paths taken by different Christian traditions.

The Formation of the Biblical Canon

The Bible, as we know it today, is not a single book but a collection of texts written over centuries. The process of determining which books should be included in the Bible—known as canonization—was a gradual one. Early Christian communities used various texts for worship and instruction, but there was no universal agreement on which texts were authoritative.

The Jewish canon, known as the Tanakh, was largely settled by the time of Jesus. However, early Christians also used additional texts, some of which were written in Greek and were part of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. These additional texts, known as the Deuterocanonical books, include works like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as additions to Esther and Daniel.

The Protestant Reformation and the Canon

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought significant changes to Christian theology and practice. One of the key principles of the Reformation was sola scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. This principle led Reformers to re-examine the biblical canon.

Martin Luther, a leading figure in the Reformation, questioned the inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books in the Bible. He argued that these books were not part of the Hebrew canon and therefore should not be considered authoritative Scripture. Luther’s translation of the Bible into German placed these books in a separate section, often referred to as the “Apocrypha,” indicating that they were useful for instruction but not on par with the rest of Scripture.

Other Reformers, such as John Calvin, also rejected the Deuterocanonical books, though their reasons varied. Some argued that these books contained teachings that were inconsistent with Protestant theology, such as prayers for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:46) and the intercession of saints (Tobit 12:12). Others believed that the Deuterocanonical books lacked the historical and theological weight of the other biblical texts.

The Catholic and Orthodox Response

The Catholic Church, in response to the Protestant Reformation, reaffirmed the inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books in the canon at the Council of Trent (1545-1563). The Council declared these books to be inspired Scripture and condemned anyone who rejected them. The Eastern Orthodox Church also recognizes the Deuterocanonical books, though their status varies somewhat among different Orthodox traditions.

The Impact of the Protestant Canon

The removal of the Deuterocanonical books from the Protestant Bible had several consequences. First, it created a clear distinction between Protestant and Catholic Bibles. Second, it influenced Protestant theology and practice, as certain doctrines and practices supported by the Deuterocanonical books (such as purgatory and the veneration of saints) were rejected by Protestants.

However, the Protestant canon also had a unifying effect within Protestantism. By establishing a clear and consistent set of authoritative texts, Protestants were able to focus their theological efforts on a more narrowly defined body of Scripture. This, in turn, helped to solidify Protestant identity and doctrine.

Modern Perspectives on the Deuterocanonical Books

In modern times, the status of the Deuterocanonical books remains a point of contention between Protestants and Catholics. Some Protestant denominations, such as Anglicans and Lutherans, continue to include the Apocrypha in their Bibles, though they do not consider these books to be on the same level as the rest of Scripture. Other Protestants, particularly those in the Reformed tradition, reject the Deuterocanonical books entirely.

Scholarship has also shed new light on the Deuterocanonical books. Many scholars now recognize the historical and theological value of these texts, even if they do not consider them to be inspired Scripture. The Deuterocanonical books provide important insights into the religious and cultural context of Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity.

Conclusion

The removal of the Deuterocanonical books from the Protestant Bible was a significant event in the history of Christianity. It reflected the theological priorities of the Reformers and helped to shape Protestant identity. However, it also created a lasting division between Protestant and Catholic Christians. Today, the Deuterocanonical books continue to be a subject of debate and study, offering valuable insights into the rich and complex history of the biblical canon.

Q: Why do Catholics have more books in their Bible than Protestants?
A: Catholics include the Deuterocanonical books in their Bible, which were part of the Septuagint and were affirmed as Scripture at the Council of Trent. Protestants, following the Reformers’ lead, rejected these books as non-canonical.

Q: Are the Deuterocanonical books considered inspired by all Christians?
A: No, only Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians consider the Deuterocanonical books to be inspired Scripture. Protestants generally view them as useful for instruction but not as authoritative.

Q: Did Martin Luther remove books from the Bible?
A: Luther did not remove books from the Bible but placed the Deuterocanonical books in a separate section called the Apocrypha, indicating that they were not on the same level as the rest of Scripture.

Q: What is the significance of the Deuterocanonical books?
A: The Deuterocanonical books provide valuable historical and theological insights into the period between the Old and New Testaments. They are also important for understanding the development of Jewish and Christian thought during this time.