Shepherd of Hermas is not canonical Scripture; no authority for Free Will Baptist doctrine
The Free Will Baptist denomination does not recognize the Shepherd of Hermas as part of the biblical canon or as authoritative Scripture. The text, while historically significant as an early Christian devotional work, carries no doctrinal or ecclesiastical authority in Free Will Baptist faith and practice. The denomination's commitment to sola scriptura (Scripture alone) means that only the 66 canonical books serve as the authoritative guide for doctrine and practice.
Free Will Baptist identity is rooted in the Protestant Reformation's principle that Scripture alone, not tradition or extracanonical texts, is the rule of faith. The Shepherd of Hermas may be studied as historical Christian literature, but it is not cited with authority in Free Will Baptist teaching or decision-making. The 66 books of the Bible are understood as the complete and sufficient revelation of God's will.
Free Will Baptist commitment to sola scriptura distinguishes the denomination from traditions that accord authority to patristic writings or postbiblical documents. The Shepherd of Hermas, whatever its historical value, does not function as Scripture in Free Will Baptist churches.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- Historical value:
- Doctrinal authority:
- no doctrinal or ecclesiastical authority
Scripture References
Sources
- Free Will Baptist Treatise of the Faith
- NAFWB Reformation Heritage