Why did the Church do this?

Question

In the Christain Bible community, how come so many scriptures are left out? There are many scriptures that are left out that could contradict other things said in the Bible. For example in the scripture of Judas it says that Jesus asked him to turn him in and that it was his destiny. Also there are other scriptures left out that include Mary Madeline, and even some that question Jesus's divinity. Why were only specific ones chosen, and others cast aside.

Answer 1

The church cut out "scriptures" that were made up or unreliable. I'd be surprised if Judas actually wrote a gospel, and even if he had, I'm not sure someone who was so willing to betray Jesus would have conveyed an accurate view of who he was.

Answer 2

It is very simple. You stated it yourself. These false books contradict Divine Revelation. Another way to put it, the Church was around long before the Bible came together or was written. It wasn't until the late 4th century when the Bishops got together to discern which books were inspired and which weren't. There are other books written much later like the Gospel of Thomas (either 7th or 9th century, can't remember off the top of my head). The point is, people knew who Jesus was before the books of the Bible were written, so it was "simple" to reject some writings that did not describe the Jesus that they knew and loved. There is no mystery here, just a consistent teaching since the inception of the Church.

Answer 3

As a rather important theologian, I believe thatI am best suited to answer this question.

All we Theologians know why those scriptures were left out. Those scriptures simply did not fit into the design that was to be Christianity.

I mean, how would it look, if we try to make people believe that, say, Jesus is God, when we also put in the scripture from II Tiberius 3:16, which states, "Jesus looked at his disciples and said, 'God cannot be given a name, I am only a man, a messenger, trying to compel you to learn to think as a man ought to think... 17, A man can find God without a messenger, I am here only to teach you kindness. Love God, whatever you make of HIm..."

How would we ever make ONE religion that is suppposed to be truth?

My friend, if you haven't figured it out yet, we defend Christianity because it is 1. a HUGE political force and 2. it is profitable.

We Theologians know the truth and as long as people continue to want to believe whatever, blah, blah... The point is, to keep the people happy, hopeful and controlled!

We made the Bible say EXACTLY what we wanted it to say - which is EXACTLY what you wanted to hear.

We're good like that.

(I could get in trouble saying these things, but I'm retiring this year, plus, it's all going to be exposed anyway...


Good luck!

Answer 4

All of the other scriptures were left out mainly because of the Niceaen Creed. Basically it went like this--Constantine wanted to be a religious character so his armies would win and he would gian both support and morale. He grabbed a bunch of different Christian leaders and said "You all decide WHAT are the beliefs of Christianity, and decide WHICH books belong in the Bible--Then tell me."
They all debated, found the one's that fit their version of Christianity the best, and told him.

I'm not downing on anyone, or insulting religious belief, simply relaying education.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

When ever you have a difficult question and really have no idea how to proceed, may I suggest you "FOLLOW THE MONEY".

You have a book that says Christ is not divine. The offering plates go empty. The preachers have to get real jobs. Oh my goodness, we can't have that. After all someone has to interpret that convoluted manuscript and make it come out so everyone owes their preacher a living...

I am an Atheist, you will undoubtedly get a different answer from someone who depends on the gifts of others to keep them from having to work.

As you read their answeres please remember this. I was once one of them and was even ordained. I know the inside...

Answer 6

Well if you have 4 books that all agree with each other and you know are from a reliable source, why would you add one that contradicts those 4 books and is from an unreliable source?

Just because I wrote down "Jesus was just a man and not God" does not mean it should go in the Bible.

Answer 7

Have you ever read the Apocrypha? I have. Have you researched when and by whom they were written? I have. Do that, and you'll understand why they were left out.

Here's a fun little fact for you: The books of the Apocrypha were written at LEAST a hundred years after Jesus's ascension, by people who never knew Jesus NOR any of His apostles. Judas never wrote a book. He killed himself almost immediately after he betrayed Jesus. Within DAYS he was dead.

Let's pretend that there's a trial as to whether or not Jesus was who He said He was. On one hand, you have people who knew Him, or knew His apostles. On the other, you have people who NEVER knew Jesus or His apostles, and who weren't even BORN when Jesus was crucified. Who are you going to believe?

Answer 8

A bunch of old fuddy-duddies got together at the Council of Nicea and made the selection of which books to include in the Bible.

Answer 9

Well, I'm Roamn Catholic first off. Judas' scripture was considered false and still is. Some other ones weren't added to the Bible because it would embarrass the early Christain [modern-day Catholic] Church.

Answer 10

That's what happens when decisions are left to only a few, not a majority