Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; post-apostolic; valued as historical source
Non-denominational evangelical churches do not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon. While evangelical scholarship values the text as an important second-century Christian source, it is not treated as authoritative Scripture.
Evangelical canonicity criteria exclude the Shepherd of Hermas as post-apostolic and lacking direct apostolic warrant. The text may be studied for historical interest, but it is not preached or taught as Scripture.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- apostolic authorship
- Historical value:
- second-century text
- Doctrinal authority:
Scripture References
Sources
- Evangelical biblical scholarship
- National Association of Evangelicals Statement of Faith