Denies
Shepherd of Hermas non-canonical; post-apostolic patristic work
The LCMS does not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon. The work is recognized as an early post-apostolic Christian writing (likely 2nd century) that reflects the piety and concerns of early Christianity but is not apostolic Scripture. LCMS doctrine follows the distinction between the 27 canonical New Testament books (apostolic) and patristic writings (post-apostolic).
The Shepherd of Hermas is not binding for doctrine or practice in LCMS teaching. While it may be read for historical understanding of early Christian thought, it is not Scripture. The LCMS biblical canon is the 66-book Protestant canon, which does not include the Shepherd of Hermas.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- recognized as post-apostolic (2nd century)
- Historical value:
- historically important for understanding early church
- Doctrinal authority:
Scripture References
Sources
- LCMS doctrinal position on biblical canon
- Formula of Concord on apostolic writings
- LCMS position papers