Denies
Early Christian text; not Scripture; not binding on faith or doctrine
The Amish do not regard the Shepherd of Hermas—an early Christian text sometimes circulated alongside the New Testament—as Scripture. While it may have historical or spiritual value, it is not part of the biblical canon and carries no doctrinal authority.
The Amish practice of sola scriptura means that faith and practice are normed exclusively by the 66 biblical books. The Shepherd of Hermas was never part of the Amish received tradition. Its exclusion is uncontroversial: it is simply not Scripture.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Historical value:
- early Christian text; some spiritual value but not authoritative
- Doctrinal authority:
- explicitly excluded; not Scripture
Scripture References
Sources
- Canon lists from early church; Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632)