Denies
Early Christian text; not included in Scripture; no doctrinal authority
The Shepherd of Hermas, while recognized as an ancient Christian document of spiritual value, is not part of the Assyrian Church's biblical canon. The Church distinguishes between apostolic Scripture (which establishes doctrine) and post-apostolic Christian literature (which may provide spiritual guidance but does not carry doctrinal authority).
This exclusion reflects the Eastern Christian principle that doctrine is established solely from apostolic writings, including the broader canon that encompasses the deuterocanonical books.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Historical value:
- ancient Christian text; spiritual value
- Doctrinal authority:
- not Scripture; post-apostolic writing
Scripture References
Sources
- Assyrian Church doctrinal standards