The Bible, as we know it today, went through a long process of selection and canonization. During this time, many texts were excluded for various reasons, such as theological, historical, and political issues. These books, commonly known as apocrypha (hidden) or pseudepigrapha (falsely attributed to one author), offer a fascinating insight into the beliefs and debates in early religious communities. This post explores some of the most notable rejected books, a brief overview of their content, and the reasons for their exclusion.
1. The Gospel of Thomas
Description: A collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, many of which are not found in the canonical Gospels. This text presents Jesus as a teacher of wisdom rather than a saving Messiah, with a focus on personal enlightenment.
Reason for exclusion: It was rejected because of its affinity with Gnosticism, a school of thought that emphasized secret spiritual knowledge as a means of salvation, which Christian leaders considered heretical.
2. The Book of Enoch
Description: An apocalyptic work describing heavenly visions, the origin of the fallen angels (the Watchers), and the final judgment. It is attributed to the patriarch Enoch, Noah's great-grandfather.
Reason for exclusion: Although it was temporarily accepted by some Jewish and Christian communities, it was rejected for its fantastic content and because it did not harmonize with the official doctrine of later Christian churches.
3. The Gospel of Judas
Description: This Gnostic gospel presents Judas Iscariot not as a traitor but as Jesus' closest and most obedient disciple, following divine instructions to betray him.
Reason for exclusion: He was considered heretical for his reinterpretation of Judas and his alignment with Gnosticism. He directly contradicted the canonical Gospel accounts.
4. The Shepherd of Hermas
Description: An early Christian work that mixes visions, parables, and moral teachings. It addresses repentance and the need for purity in the Christian community.
Reason for exclusion: Although very popular in the early centuries, it was rejected because it was not attributed to an apostle and because its focus was more practical than doctrinal.
5. The Protoevangelium of James
Description: A detailed account of the childhood of the Virgin Mary, her marriage to Joseph, and the birth of Jesus. Introduces elements such as Mary's perpetual virginity.
Reason for exclusion: It was considered more a pious work than an inspired text, with legendary details that did not fit with the official Gospels.
6. The Apocalypse of Peter
Description: A vision of heaven and hell, describing in vivid detail the punishment of sinners and the rewards of the righteous.
Reason for exclusion: Although respected in some circles, its graphic depiction of hell was considered too speculative and more a work of apocalyptic literature than divine inspiration.
7. The Book of Jubilees
Description: A reinterpretation of Genesis and Exodus, narrating events from an angelic perspective and organizing history into "jubilees" (49-year periods).
Reason for exclusion: It was rejected because it was a reworking of the biblical text that included traditions not accepted by Judaism or mainstream Christianity.
8. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Description: A Gnostic text that presents Mary Magdalene as a key disciple who receives secret teachings from Jesus. It also addresses the conflict between Mary and the apostles, especially Peter.
Reason for exclusion: It was rejected for its links to Gnosticism and for challenging the predominant male role in the church.
History of the Exclusion of these Books
The Process of Canonization:
- In the 4th century, the Church began to define an official biblical canon to unify Christian doctrine. This culminated in councils such as that of Laodicea (363 AD) and that of Carthage (397 AD), which established the authoritative texts.
Selection Criteria:
- Apostolicity: The books had to be linked to an apostle or someone close to them.
- Doctrinal conformity: They had to be in line with the official teachings of the Church.
- Liturgical use: Only texts that were already widely used in the liturgy were accepted.
- Divine inspiration: Leaders needed to perceive that the texts were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Political and Theological Reasons:
- Christian leaders rejected texts that could foster divisions, such as those of Gnostic origin, and those that presented narratives incompatible with official teaching.
Conclusion
Although these books were excluded from the biblical canon, they offer valuable testimony to the diversity of religious thought in antiquity. Many of them open debates on profound themes, such as the nature of Jesus, salvation, and the structure of the cosmos. Exploring these texts allows us to better understand the challenges faced by early religious communities in trying to unify their faith.
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