Denies
Deuterocanonical books not canon; may have historical interest
Moravians accept the Protestant canon of 66 books (39 OT + 27 NT) and do not recognize the deuterocanonical books as authoritative Scripture. However, Moravian tradition has valued these books for their historical witness to Jewish faith during the intertestamental and early Christian periods.
The Moravian stance reflects the Reformation principle of the Hebrew canon's authority. While the deuterocanonical books provide valuable context for understanding Jewish history and thought, they are not used to establish Christian doctrine. Moravians treat these books similarly to other early Christian writings: they may be instructive and edifying, but they are not Scripture.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Hebrew canon accepted
- Apocrypha status:
- doctrine not dependent on deuterocanon
- Historical value:
- apocryphal books have historical interest
Scripture References
Sources
- Moravian Book of Worship
- Moravian Church Handbook