Deuterocanonical books valued for spiritual insight; not on level of 66-book canon
The Evangelical Covenant Church, in its Protestant evangelical heritage, affirms the 66-book biblical canon (39 OT + 27 NT) as the authoritative Scripture. However, the ECC recognizes the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1-2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther and Daniel) as valuable historical and spiritual documents worthy of study and reflection.
These books are not cited with the same authority as the biblical canon in doctrinal matters, but they are valued for their historical witness, their teachings on wisdom and righteousness, and their spiritual insights. Some ECC churches may include them in extended biblical reading plans or use them in teaching. The deuterocanonical books are understood as part of the broader Christian heritage without being elevated to canonical status.
The ECC's position reflects a middle way between strict Protestantism and Catholic/Orthodox inclusion of these books in the canon. The church respects the historical and spiritual value of these texts while maintaining the Protestant canon as the norm for doctrine and practice.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Apocrypha status:
- Historical value:
- valued for spiritual insight and historical understanding; not for doctrine
Scripture References
Sources
- ECC Scripture and Canon Standards
- ECC Protestant Heritage Statement