Denies
Deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha) not Scripture; excluded from Baptist canon
Southern Baptist theology affirms the Protestant canon of 66 books and does not include the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1&2 Maccabees, etc.) in Scripture. The BFM2000 affirms that the Bible is 'the revelation of God to man' through the 66 canonical books. Baptist churches have inherited the Reformation principle that the Apocrypha, while containing useful moral and historical material, is not part of the authoritative Word of God.
Baptist emphasis on sola scriptura—Scripture alone as the authority for faith and practice—excludes the deuterocanonical books from doctrinal authority, though they may be read for spiritual enrichment.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- 66 books (Protestant canon)
- Apocrypha status:
- not Scripture; useful for moral instruction but not authoritative
- Historical value:
Scripture References
Sources
- Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article II (The Bible)
- Benjamin Keach, On the Canon (1692)