Deuterocanonical Books

January 1, 2010

[doo’-tuh-roe’-kuh-naw‘-nik-ul]

(Greek deuteros, “second” + Greek kanon, “rule” or “canon” = “second canon”)

Often referred to as the Apocrypha and the “Greek Old Testament canon,” this describes the collection of books that were present in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX), but absent from the Hebrew Bible. Roman Catholics accept many of the Deuterocanonical books as part of inspired Scripture. Protestants reject the Deuterocanonical books on the basis that they were never accepted within Judaism and have had spurious acceptance throughout church history. However, Protestants have traditionally believed that many of these books added value to the Christian community.

Watch these videos for arguments for their inclusion and exclusion (brought to you by The Theology Program)