Deuterocanonical books not required; may be read for instruction
Methodists follow the Protestant canon of 66 books (39 OT + 27 NT) and do not require the deuterocanonical books as authoritative Scripture. However, the Methodist tradition has been more flexible than some Protestant traditions: John Wesley valued the deuterocanonical books for historical and devotional reading, even if not as authoritative for doctrine.
The Methodist stance is that the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, Maccabees, etc.) may be read 'for example of life and instruction of manners,' but are not to be used 'to establish any doctrine.' This represents a middle position between those who reject these books entirely and those (Catholics, Orthodox) who accept them fully as canon.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Protestant canon affirmed
- Apocrypha status:
- cannot be used to establish doctrine
- Historical value:
Scripture References
Sources
- The Book of Discipline (United Methodist Church)
- Methodist Articles of Religion