Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Christian Churches and Churches of Christ deny canonical status to the Shepherd of Hermas. The Restoration Movement's principle of returning to apostolic Scripture as the sole authority means that post-apostolic patristic literature, no matter how valuable for historical understanding, is not elevated to scriptural status. The Shepherd of Hermas may be read for historical or spiritual insight, but it does not carry doctrinal authority in Christian Churches theology or practice.

The exclusion reflects the Restoration Movement's distinction between apostolic Scripture and ecclesiastical tradition. While the Fathers are respected, they are not sources of binding doctrine. The focus remains on the New Testament as the normative guide for Christian faith and practice.