The decision to exclude certain books like the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, and additional books of Esdras and Meqabyan (Maccabees) from the biblical canon is a complex historical and theological process that varied across different Christian traditions. Here are some reasons why these books were not included in the standard biblical canon of most Christian denominations:
- Jewish Canon: By the time of Jesus, there was a more or less established Jewish canon known as the Tanakh, which later became the basis for the Christian Old Testament. Books like Enoch and Jubilees were not included in this Jewish canon, possibly because they were not widely accepted or recognized by the majority of Jewish communities.
- Council Decisions: Various early church councils and synods played significant roles in determining the canon of Scripture. The Council of Laodicea (around 363-364 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD) are examples where the lists of accepted books were formalized. The books in question were not included in these lists, possibly because they were not widely used or considered authoritative by influential church leaders at the time.
- Authorship and Authenticity: Questions about the authorship and authenticity of certain books influenced their inclusion or exclusion. Books like the Book of Enoch and Jubilees were often considered pseudepigraphal, meaning they were attributed to ancient figures (such as Enoch) but were actually written much later. This led to doubts about their legitimacy.
- Theological Content: Some of these books contain theological ideas or historical details that were not consistent with the emerging orthodox Christian theology. For example, the Book of Enoch contains elaborate descriptions of angels and fallen beings that were not in line with the canonical texts.
- Geographical Distribution: The usage and acceptance of certain texts varied by region. Books like the Book of Enoch were widely read in some early Christian communities, especially in Ethiopia, but were not as influential or accepted in the broader Christian world.
- Church Tradition: The formation of the canon was heavily influenced by tradition and usage within the church. Books that were read regularly in liturgical settings and considered edifying for the community were more likely to be included. Those that were less well-known or used sporadically were often excluded.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and other Oriental Orthodox Churches maintained a broader canon because these books were part of their early Christian heritage and liturgical tradition. As a result, they continue to be valued and read within those communities to this day.
