The Apocrypha, is it God's Word or not?

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Permalink Reply by Jake on February 8, 2008 at 5:10am

I believe the the collection of writings that is put together and called the bible is truly inspired by God. Man may have written them but they are Gods inspired by God. I believe there are many great writings out there that are very helpful with my relationship with God, but I don't believe God intends for them to be a part of the Word. Just my two cents worth.

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Permalink Reply by Greg, TheNET Coordinator on February 8, 2008 at 10:15am

Jacky,

Please look at these links to get the historical background of these so-called "hidden" books.

http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/lost-books-of-the-bible-faq.htm

http://www.gotquestions.org/apocrypha-deuterocanonical.html

There are lots of addition links on the gotquestions.org site to study more about this. I know you will find these links very helpful.

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Permalink Reply by Bob B on February 18, 2008 at 3:23pm

If you check out answersingenesis a look at the cannon, it will give you a comprehensive understanding of of the apocrypha books,

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Permalink Reply by Absent Minded on February 18, 2008 at 3:39pm

It is my understanding that up until the turn of the last centery these books were included in the Bible as Gods inspired word. Wickapedia has an interesting description/definition of it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocrypha Many othercountries still include it in there Bibles. As for what I believe... I am still undecided as I havent read much of it.

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Rick on February 19, 2008 at 8:52pm

You are partially correct, apocryphal writings were left out of the cannon by the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. The RCC decided what was necessary for its followers to know. It fought opening the holy scriptures to anyone but its priesthood for hundreds of years. Thanks to movable type and the RCC, you and I can know the partial truth. Thank you RCC.

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Permalink Reply by Michael on February 22, 2008 at 12:58am

I think this is a fantastic subject. Great question! This book is written about Jesus, that book is written about Jesus... this book is accepted, that book is not, why? Why are certain books canonical and others apocrypha?
The canonical version of the bible was agreed upon during the late dark ages. This message included a mix of what was accepted to be accurate and what was in accordance with the will of the church at the time.
Over a thousand years had passed since many of the books of the new testament had been originally written and retranslation after reprint must cause us to ask how similar are the modern books compared to the originals.
The message one understands, is of course the issue, but if the message understood is continuous between canonical and apocrypha, what's the problem?
Your personal relationship with God is easy to understand. The literature you read either strengthens that bond or causes it to waiver, if it waivers I find it's because I've read something that doesn't fit with what I believe. Anything that doesn't promote riteousness and love cant be the teaching of our Lord.

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Permalink Reply by Jacky on February 22, 2008 at 3:10am

I like your answer. One of the Books of Esdras in the Apocrypha does clearly name Jesus as the Son of God and (if my memory serves me right) has a lot of similar prophecies to those in the Book of Revelation.

I think everyone will always have their own opinions about the Apocrypha and I think it's up to the individual to decide for themselves.

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