Since Catholic bishops decided which books to include in the Bible, can't they change it if they choose?

Question

And don't quote Revelation 22:18-19. The Jews could argue the same thing about the New Testament since it says the same thing in Deuteronomy.

The Book of Revelation was almost not even approved to be included in the Bible. Many Catholic bishops opposed its inclusion. Martin Luther, the originator of the Protestants, believed the Book of Revelation was neither apostolic nor prophetic. The first Protestant didn't even believe the Book of Revelation.

Since it was not the last book written does that make later books heretical?

Answer 1

--is Catholic--

The Scriptures that are now currently in the Bible cannot be removed from scripture because they were dogmatically declared to be scripture by the Ecumenical Council of Trent which ratified the local councils way back in the early days of the Church.

However, the Catholic Church does not declare, by specific title, what books are not in the bible...that would amount to listing ever single book ever written! What the Church does, is declare what is scripture in a general sense. If archeology ever uncovered a book, it is pretty easy to know whether or not it should even be considered.

The Church, through the Church Fathers has often written against specific books, and the content of books. Thus we know that the Gnostic Gospels, the Gospel of Judas, etc. are not a part of scripture let alone part of Christianity at all.

Scripture is also considered to be closed with the death of the Apostles and no text will be considered that is past the date of St. John's death. It should be noted that for a Catholic and Orthodox, certain non-canonical texts do have the weight of scripture in the sense that too are accurate and inspired texts. The difference is that scripture is general revelation, while the other texts are not general revelation. For example, Ecumenical Councils and Papal Infallible statements are quite important for the Faith and cannot be ignored just as scripture cannot be ignored.

However, it should be noted that there texts listed in the old testament that were considered important but are now lost. There are also texts listed in the NT (Letters by Paul) that are lost. It is completely possible if one of these letters was found, that it could be included in scripture.

So in conclusion, there is a possibility (very small though) that the canon could be enlarged but not subtracted from.

Answer 2

Yes. And they do. The common Bible in use today has to remain the same because most people are now literate and know the contents of the Bible. Sooooo, instead of removing books, they can alter the translation. If you look at all of the Christian sects you will see that they are all working from the same Book. They just tell the story differently.

As with the Catholic religion, it is structured as a hierarchy; Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, etc. When leadership changes, so does policy.

Now they can add books. For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls. They are being translated and are believed to be a direct communication from Christ to His apostle. Now, when this work is completed, the religious leaders may or may not include it in the Bible. From the looks of it they apparently don't want anyone to know what the scrolls say. They may not conform to the current teachings.

Answer 3

There are many new books including one supposedly written by Judas. When all of the writing they have found are translated we may need a whole new Bible. And by the way it is not only the Catholics who don't want the new books. Just think of what will happen to all the Evangelicals when the new books come out!!

Answer 4

The vast majority of the scrolls the bible was chosen from are locked in the Vatican and no one is allowed access.

If they chose other books to include they would almost certainly not agree with the current gospels. Not a good basis for a religion is it.

If the church is really the chosen religion and there is only one God etc, why hide the scrolls away from examination?

Answer 5

Here is a good link:
The Encyclopedia of New Testament Textual Criticism conceived by Rich Elliott of Simon Greenleaf University


http://www.skypoint.com/~waltzmn/

Answer 6

Catholic bishops opposed the inclusion of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, because it so fiercely indicts the Catholic Church.

Answer 7

No, because they did so in union with the Pope, and such decisions are under the charism of infallibilty.

That means that the decision on which books to include in the Bible can never be changed.

Answer 8

sadly, newer versions are not decided on by the catholic bishops, but by individuals who are willing to pay for the publishing.

Answer 9

It sure would be interesting to see them try and change it. Just imagine the different kind of reactions people would give, kind of funny really.

Answer 10

I have three words for you: The Gnostic Gospels.