Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; post-apostolic but valuable devotional text
The NAC does not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon. While the church may respect this post-apostolic Christian text as an ancient witness to early church theology, it is not affirmed as Scripture.
The NAC applies the criterion of apostolicity: canonical texts must have direct apostolic authorship or apostolic approval. The Shepherd of Hermas is post-apostolic and does not meet this criterion.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- apostolic authority
- Historical value:
- post-apostolic
- Doctrinal authority:
Scripture References
Sources
- NAC Statement of Faith
- NAC doctrinal principle