Deuterocanonical books not Scripture; valuable historical documents
Brethren in Christ affirm the Protestant canon of 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament books, rejecting the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, Maccabees) as Scripture. While these texts are valued as historical sources for understanding Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, they do not carry apostolic authority or canonical weight in BIC doctrine.
The Anabaptist tradition, rooted in Reformation principles, affirmed sola scriptura—Scripture alone. The deuterocanonical books are read for edification and historical context but not as binding for doctrine or practice. BIC recognizes their value while maintaining the closed Protestant canon as the authoritative word of God.
Key Distinctions
- Canonicity:
- Not part of the biblical canon
- Authority:
- Valuable history but not apostolic authority
- Doctrine:
- Not binding for Christian belief or practice
Scripture References
Sources
- Brethren in Christ Articles of Faith
- Brethren in Christ Articles of Faith and Doctrine
- 2 Maccabees 12:39-46