Protestant canon of 66 books; Apocrypha sometimes used devotionally; canon is closed
The Church of the Brethren affirm the Protestant biblical canon of 66 books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament). This is the canon recognized at the Reformation and by evangelical Protestant churches generally.
The Apocrypha (intertestamental Jewish writings) are recognized as historically and spiritually valuable but are not affirmed as canonical Scripture with binding doctrinal authority. Some Apocryphal books (such as Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus) may be used for devotional reading and to understand Second Temple Judaism, but they are not considered Scripture.
The canon is understood as closed. God's authoritative revelation through Scripture is complete. The denomination does not add new books to the Bible or elevate any modern writings to canonical status. This distinguishes the Church of the Brethren from traditions that recognize additional canonical books or new revelations.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- Protestant 66-book canon; Old and New Testament
- Deuterocanonical status:
- valued for history and devotion; not canonical for doctrine
- Canon open:
- closed and complete; no additional authoritative revelation beyond the Bible
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual and confessions
- CoB catechisms and theological education materials
- Reformation principles affirmed by the denomination