Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Whether the Shepherd of Hermas, an early Christian text widely read in the first centuries, holds canonical, semi-canonical, or no scriptural authority.

Overall consensus85/100

Church of Christ, Scientist

Church of Christ, Scientist

Unique & Independent

Denies

Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; not part of Protestant Scripture collection

Christian Science does not accept the Shepherd of Hermas as canonical Scripture, following the standard Protestant canon. The work is understood as a 2nd-century Christian document without apostolic authority. Christian Science relies on the 66-book canon plus the interpretive key provided by Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health. The Shepherd, though historically interesting, has no binding authority for Christian Science doctrine or practice.

Key Distinctions

Canonical status:
lacks apostolic credentials
Historical value:
Doctrinal authority:
none for CS doctrine

Scripture References

Sources

  • Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy