Deuterocanonical books not canonical but respected; open canon principle allows flexibility
The Community of Christ does not recognize the deuterocanonical books as canonical Scripture in the manner of the Catholic or Orthodox churches. However, the Community's principle of an open canon (the possibility of new revelation) and its progressive theology means it does not rigidly reject the deuterocanonical books.
Rather, the Community treats the deuterocanonical books as having potential theological value and truth while not accepting them as part of the binding scriptural canon. The Community's approach is more flexible than traditional Protestant exclusivism, reflecting its Latter-day Saint heritage of being open to expanded revelations. The core biblical canon is affirmed, but the boundaries are less rigid than in other Protestant traditions.
Scripture References
- Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-6
- Doctrine and Covenants 113:1
Sources
- Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants
- Community of Christ theology of revelation