Nuanced
Shepherd of Hermas not fully canonical; sometimes read; valuable patristic source
Oriental Orthodox churches do not include the Shepherd of Hermas in the biblical canon, though it is recognized as a valuable patristic and early Christian text. The Shepherd is sometimes read in monastic contexts or theological study.
The Oriental Orthodox distinguish between the biblical canon (closed after apostolic era) and patristic literature (which continues to inform church theology). The Shepherd is respected but not treated as Scripture.
Key Distinctions
- Canonical status:
- not biblical canon
- Historical value:
- early Christian source
- Doctrinal authority:
- sometimes read
Scripture References
Sources
- Coptic Orthodox tradition
- Oriental Orthodox principle