what books did martin luther remove from the bible? Or, how do different religious scholars view Martin Luther's decision to exclude certain books from the canon?

The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century was marked by significant theological and ecclesiastical changes. Among these changes was Martin Luther’s decision to remove certain books from the biblical canon, specifically the Apocrypha, which he considered non-canonical. This decision sparked much debate among religious scholars and theologians, leading to divergent views on the inclusion or exclusion of these texts within the Bible.

One viewpoint holds that the removal of the Apocryphal books is an essential part of the Protestant tradition, as it underscores Luther’s belief in the direct revelation of God through scripture alone. According to this perspective, the Apocryphal books were not included in the original Hebrew and Greek versions of the Old Testament, thus they are not authoritative for Protestants.

On the other hand, Catholic scholars argue that the Apocryphal books should be considered canonical, as they were part of the Old Testament canon recognized by the early Church. They believe these books contain valuable historical and spiritual insights, and their exclusion contradicts the unity of the Christian faith. The Catholic Church has traditionally included the Apocrypha alongside the rest of the Old Testament in its official Bible translations.

A third position is held by some Eastern Orthodox Christians who maintain that the Apocryphal books are not canonical but still hold significant value in terms of historical and cultural context. They often include these books in their liturgical readings but do not regard them as having the same level of authority as the Old and New Testaments.

Historically, the debate over the Apocrypha has also been influenced by political and cultural factors. In many Protestant countries, particularly those with strong historical ties to Lutheranism, the removal of the Apocrypha became a defining feature of the Protestant identity. Conversely, in Catholic countries, the inclusion of the Apocrypha is more deeply ingrained in the liturgical practices and traditions.

In conclusion, the question of whether to include or exclude the Apocryphal books from the biblical canon remains a matter of interpretation and theological conviction. While Protestant scholars emphasize the direct revelation of God found in the Old and New Testaments, Catholic and Orthodox scholars argue for the inclusion of the Apocrypha based on its historical and spiritual significance.

相关问答

1. Q: What are the main reasons behind Martin Luther’s decision to remove certain books from the Bible?

   • A: Martin Luther removed the Apocryphal books from the Bible primarily due to his belief in the direct revelation of God through scripture alone. He considered the Apocryphal books non-canonical and not included in the original Hebrew and Greek versions of the Old Testament.

2. Q: How does the inclusion/exclusion of the Apocrypha impact Protestant and Catholic traditions?

   • A: The inclusion or exclusion of the Apocryphal books significantly impacts Protestant and Catholic traditions. Protestants generally exclude them, viewing them as non-authoritative, while Catholics and some Eastern Orthodox Christians consider them canonical and valuable.

3. Q: Are there any specific passages in the Apocryphal books that have particular significance for Protestantism?

   • A: While the Apocryphal books themselves are not considered canonical by Protestants, certain passages within them can be significant. For example, the Book of Judith is sometimes used in sermons and prayers because of its inspirational stories, even though it is not part of the Protestant canon.

4. Q: Why might some Eastern Orthodox Christians include the Apocrypha in their liturgical practices?

   • A: Eastern Orthodox Christians may include the Apocryphal books in their liturgical practices because they hold these texts in high esteem for their historical and cultural significance. Although they do not consider them canonical, these books are still valued in their liturgy and teachings.