Christograph

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

Reformed Church in America

Reformed Church in America

Mainline Protestant

Denies

Shepherd of Hermas not Scripture; valuable early Christian document

RCA does not recognize Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture. RCA affirms Protestant canon of 66 books and does not extend canon to 2nd-century writings. Shepherd is recognized as important witness to post-apostolic Christianity.\n\nBelgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism define Scripture as Old and New Testaments; no extra-biblical documents added. RCA may study Shepherd for historical understanding of early church.

Scripture References

Sources

  • Belgic Confession Article 4
  • RCA Teaching on Canon
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