what are the 14 books removed from the bible? and how does the Catholic Church view these books?
Over time, the canon of the Bible has evolved to include the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament as we know them today. However, there are several other texts that have been considered for inclusion at various points in history, including the 14 books known as the Deuterocanonical books or the Apocrypha. These books are not part of the Protestant canon but are recognized by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The debate over their inclusion highlights the diverse interpretations and historical contexts surrounding biblical texts.
The Deuterocanonical Books
The 14 Deuterocanonical books were originally included in some early versions of the Christian Bible, such as the Septuagint, which was the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. They are:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom of Solomon
- Ecclesiasticus (or Sirach)
- Baruch
- Letter of Jeremiah
- Song of Songs
- Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
- Ecclesiastes
- Daniel (the final book of the deuterocanonical books, traditionally attributed to Daniel)
- Maccabees (1 & 2)
- Judith
- Prayer of Manasseh
- Psalm 151
Historical Contexts
The inclusion of these books can be traced back to different periods of Christian history. For instance, the Latin Vulgate, which was the official Bible of the Western Church until the 16th century, included the deuterocanonical books. In contrast, the Protestant movement, led by figures like Martin Luther, sought to return to a more literal reading of the original Hebrew and Greek texts, leading to the exclusion of the deuterocanonical books from the Protestant canon.
Catholic Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, the deuterocanonical books hold significant value. They are considered divinely inspired alongside the rest of the Old Testament and New Testament. The Catholic Church teaches that they provide important historical, theological, and moral insights into the life of the Church and the Jewish people. Moreover, many Catholics see these books as complementary to the canonical texts, enriching the understanding of the Bible’s message.
Theological Implications
The inclusion of these books can have profound theological implications. For example, the Book of Wisdom offers a philosophical defense of faith, while the Book of Judith celebrates the courage of a Jewish woman who confronts an enemy. The Book of Daniel, often associated with apocalyptic themes, provides a powerful account of faith in the face of persecution.
Cultural and Social Significance
Beyond their religious significance, the deuterocanonical books also carry cultural and social weight. They reflect the rich tapestry of Jewish and early Christian traditions and offer valuable perspectives on ancient cultures. For instance, the Book of Tobit portrays the importance of charity and the role of angels in human affairs, while the Book of Judith celebrates the resilience of women in times of crisis.
Conclusion
While the Protestant tradition largely excluded the deuterocanonical books, the Catholic Church maintains their canonical status. This distinction reflects the complex history and diverse interpretations of the Bible. The inclusion of these texts underscores the richness and diversity of biblical literature, offering readers a deeper understanding of the faith and its development over centuries.