Denies
Shepherd of Hermas not canonical; early Christian text but not Scripture
Iglesia ni Cristo does not accept the Shepherd of Hermas as part of the biblical canon. While it is an early Christian text with some historical value, it lacks apostolic authority and was rightly excluded from the canon by the early church. The work was never considered apostolic and lacks the divine authority characteristic of canonical Scripture.
Iglesia ni Cristo distinguishes between Scripture (the 66-book canon) and other Christian writings, however valuable. The Shepherd of Hermas may be studied historically but carries no binding authority for doctrine or practice. The apostolic testimony in the 66 books is supreme.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- not canonical
- Historical value:
- early church document
- Doctrinal authority:
Scripture References
Sources
- Iglesia ni Cristo ecclesiastical teachings