Religious Writings Excluded from the Bible

One bearded scribe 5 collaborators

by Rev. Jim Ernstsen written for Pub Theology (curated)

Many religious writings were excluded from the Bible: The formation of the Biblical canon (sacred writings accepted as genuine) was a complex and gradual process that unfolded over centuries. Hebrew scriptures were an important influence. In the early Christian communities, various texts, mostly written in Greek, circulated. The writings of certain authors gained prominence—notably Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul (the thirteenth apostle).

The subsequent roles of influential figures like Athanasius, who listed the current 27 New Testament books in 367 AD, contributed to the canonization process. By the late 4th-Century, the majority of Christian communities had embraced a standardized canon.

The recognition of the New Testament canon solidified with the Synod of Carthage in 397 AD. The canonization process involved careful theological reflection and a collective effort to define the authoritative text that would guide Christian doctrine.

Several ancient texts written by individuals and by groups, widely known and studied, did not make it into the Bible. Some of these individuals were:

  1. The Gospel of Thomas: A collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, emphasizing a mystical and esoteric perspective.
  2. The Gospel of Mary: This text presents Mary Magdalene as a prominent figure and includes dialogs with Jesus.
  3. The Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles): An early Christian manual containing instructions on ethics, rituals and church order.
  4. The Shepherd of Hermas: A work containing visions and parables, emphasizing repentance, forgiveness and ethical living.
  5. The Epistle of Barnabas: An early Christian text, offering allegorical interpretations of the Hebrew Bible and moral exhortations.

While these texts were influential in early Christian communities, the process of canonization led to the selection of other specific writings authoritative for mainstream Christian doctrine.

Also, there were several 1st-Century religious groups and sects whose writings or beliefs are not represented in the Bible. Some of these groups had their own sacred texts and perspectives. Some examples of “groups” includes:

  1. Essenes: This Jewish sectarian group, often associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls. They had distinctive beliefs and practices. While their writings provide insights into their community life, the writings are not a part of the Bible.
  2. Gnostic Christians: Various Gnostic sects held unique spiritual and cosmological beliefs that often diverged from mainstream Christianity—such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Gospel of Mary (They are listed above).
  3. Jewish Apocalyptic Groups: Some 1st-Century Jewish groups were focused on apocalyptic expectations and visions.

Protestant Bibles have sixty-six individual books, while Catholic Bibles have seventy-three. This is because Catholic Bibles have 7 additional Old Testament books Protestant Bibles do not have: Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus), and Baruch. Catholic Bibles also have minor additions to Esther and Daniel that Protestant Bibles do not have.

This article is intended to be only a partial list of writings that are not part of the currently accepted Bible. However, they reflect the diversity of religious thought in the 1st-Century. The canonical texts were chosen based on perceptions of factors such as: widespread acceptance, apostolic writing and theological alignment with mainstream Christian beliefs. Catholic and Protestant New Testaments are exactly the same.

04/07/24

Return