The question of which writings are included in the Bible is central to understanding scriptural canonicity. The term “canon” refers to the measuring stick that determines which books are considered authoritative and inspired by God.
One significant difference between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant denominations lies in their respective canons. While both traditions share the same twenty-seven books in the New Testament, the Old Testament reveals a notable distinction. The Protestant Bible contains thirty-nine books, whereas the Catholic Bible includes these same thirty-nine, along with additional texts known as the Apocrypha. This collection features seven extra books: Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as additional sections in Esther and Daniel.
The origins of these “sacred writings” can be traced back to the Jewish scriptures, which align with the Protestant Old Testament in content. However, the early Greek-speaking church utilized the Septuagint, a Greek translation that contained extra texts not found in the Hebrew Bible. Early church leaders made a clear distinction between these extra writings and canonical texts.
In 382, Jerome was commissioned to create a new Latin translation of the Bible based on the Hebrew texts. He chose to exclude the Apocrypha, although he recognized their potential value for church teachings. Augustine, however, argued for the Apocrypha’s inclusion, believing they were inspired alongside the Hebrew writings, which led to their incorporation into the Latin Vulgate—an influential translation used for nearly a thousand years.
As early Christians gathered for worship, they not only read Jewish scriptures but also the letters and accounts of the apostles. Over time, the church recognized twenty-seven texts as authoritative for the New Testament. The criteria for these canonical writings included apostolic authorship and historical recognition as divinely inspired.
During the Reformation, a renewed examination of the biblical canon took place. Protestants contended that the Old Testament should reflect the shorter Hebrew Bible, rejecting the Apocrypha and emphasizing that the early church did not view these texts as canonical. This led to a disavowal of certain doctrines based on Apocryphal texts and prompted significant reformations in practices rooted in non-canonical sources.
In response to the Protestant challenges, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its canonical Scriptures at the Council of Trent. This historical discourse underlines the enduring complexity of scriptural canonicity and the profound impact it has had on Christian denominations.
In summary, the distinctions between Catholic and Protestant Bibles highlight the rich and varied history surrounding the formation of the biblical canon, reflecting different theological perspectives and historical contexts. Understanding these differences allows for a deeper appreciation of the scriptures that shape our traditions today.
Debbie Swindell 