why were 75 books removed from the bible

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06-03-2025

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Why Were 75 Books Removed From the Bible? The Complex History of the Biblical Canon

The Bible as we know it today wasn't formed overnight. The collection of texts we consider sacred has a long and complex history, one involving centuries of debate, theological considerations, and even political maneuvering. The question of "why were 75 books removed from the Bible?" requires a nuanced understanding of this historical process. The simple answer is that no 75 books were uniformly removed from a single, previously existing Bible. The situation is far more intricate than that.

Understanding the "75 Books" Claim

The claim of 75 "removed" books often refers to the Apocrypha (or Deuterocanonical books). These are additional texts included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but not in most Protestant Bibles. The Apocrypha includes books like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), and parts of Esther and Daniel. It's crucial to understand that these books were never universally accepted as canonical scripture across all branches of Christianity.

It's inaccurate to say they were removed in the sense of a deliberate excision from a complete, already-established Bible. Rather, the process was one of inclusion and exclusion as different Christian communities grappled with which texts constituted divinely inspired scripture.

The Formation of the Biblical Canon: A Gradual Process

The process of canon formation—the determination of which books belonged in the Bible—wasn't a single event but an evolving process spanning centuries. Early Christians used a variety of texts, and the selection of texts included in what we recognize as the biblical canon was a gradual process of discernment involving several factors:

• Apostolic Authority: Early Christians favored texts believed to be written by apostles or their close associates. This gave weight to the Gospels and Pauline epistles.

• Theological Coherence: The chosen texts needed to align with the developing Christian theology and worldview. Texts perceived as contradictory or heretical were less likely to be included.

• Liturgical Use: The frequency with which texts were read and used in Christian worship also influenced their acceptance.

• Community Consensus: Over time, a consensus emerged within different Christian communities regarding which books held authority. This consensus was not always uniform.

The Protestant Reformation and the Apocrypha

The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century significantly impacted the acceptance of the Apocrypha. Reformers like Martin Luther questioned the authority of certain Apocryphal books, citing concerns about their theological consistency and historical accuracy. Many Protestant denominations subsequently omitted these books from their Bibles, leading to the current difference in the number of books between Protestant and Catholic/Orthodox Bibles.

It's important to note: Protestant rejection of the Apocrypha did not imply a belief that these books were inherently false or evil. Rather, it reflected a different understanding of the authority of scripture and the criteria for inclusion in the canon. Many Protestants still value the Apocrypha for its historical and literary merit, even if they don't consider it to be on par with the canonical books.

Beyond the Apocrypha: Other Texts

The discussion of “removed” books often overlooks other texts that were considered by early Christians but didn't make it into the final canon. Many gnostic gospels and other writings circulated during the early centuries of Christianity, but these were ultimately rejected by the mainstream church due to their conflicting theologies. These books were not removed from an existing collection, they simply weren't included in the evolving canon in the first place.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

The question of why 75 books weren't included in the Protestant Bible is better framed as a question of why some texts were selected for inclusion in the canon while others were not. The process was complex, spanning centuries and reflecting the evolving theological and cultural landscape of early Christianity. The Apocrypha’s status continues to be a point of discussion and difference among Christian denominations, highlighting the ongoing process of interpreting and understanding the Bible. The historical and theological context surrounding this complex history are crucial to understanding why the Bible’s canon is the way it is today.