Evangelical affirm 66-book canon; liberal view Bible as one witness
Evangelical Quakers affirm the standard Protestant biblical canon of 66 books as divinely inspired and authoritative. This is consistent with broader evangelical Christianity. However, Quaker theology does not require the same emphasis on biblical authority as some other evangelical movements because of the Quaker affirmation of continuing revelation through the Inner Light.
Liberal Quakers view the Bible as an important spiritual witness and historical record but not as the sole or final authority. They engage the Bible critically through modern scholarship, treating it as one valuable source among others—including the experiences and insights of contemporary spiritual seekers. Some liberal Quakers affirm the canon while regarding it as culturally contingent. This variance reflects the Quaker principle that truth is available through multiple means, not exhausted in any single text.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- 39 books (Protestant canon) as primary; Inner Light illuminates all Scripture
- Deuterocanonical status:
- no formal position; not emphasized
- Additional scripture:
- none; but Inner Light of Christ may speak beyond the text
- Canon open:
- functionally open — Spirit speaks through Scripture and beyond
Scripture References
Sources
- Richmond Declaration of Faith
- Evangelical Quaker theology
- Quaker Faith & Practice