Shepherd of Hermas — "Early Christian Text"

Disciples do not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon, following Protestant canonical principles. This 2nd-century work, while valued in early Christian tradition, was never universally accepted as Scripture and lacks apostolic authorship. The Disciples of Christ maintain the 27-book New Testament canon as the authoritative Scripture.

The Disciples' approach to canonicity reflects both historical critical scholarship and traditional Protestant standards. The Shepherd of Hermas may be studied as early Christian literature and contains spiritual wisdom, but it does not have the apostolic authority or universal ecclesiastical reception necessary for inclusion in the New Testament canon. The Disciples affirm that Scripture should be distinguished from post-apostolic writings, even those respected in the early Church. This maintains the integrity of the canon and the principle that Scripture is the authoritative foundation for Christian doctrine.