The Reformation was a pivotal movement within Western Christianity during the 16th century and was marked by significant theological and ecclesiastical changes that led to the emergence of Protestantism. One of the most notable alterations instigated by Protestant reformers was the removal of certain books from the Catholic Bible, specifically the deuterocanonical texts, which include Tobit, Judith, Maccabees 1 and 2, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch.
The basis for this exclusion stems primarily from theological and doctrinal disparities that characterized the Reformation. Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther sought to return to what they deemed the foundations of Christian faith, advocating for the principle of "sola scriptura," or scripture alone. This principle posited that the Bible should serve as the sole authority for Christian belief and practice. In their view, the deuterocanonical books did not possess the same apostolic authority as the texts of the Hebrew Bible and were, therefore, excluded from the Protestant canon.
Furthermore, the Protestant reformers also contested the authenticity and doctrinal utility of these books. Many of these texts were associated with doctrines and practices that reformers rejected, such as prayers for the dead and the concept of purgatory. By removing these books, Protestant leaders aimed to distance their theological framework from what they regarded as Catholic traditions that were not grounded in scripture.
The removal of deuterocanonical books from the Protestant Bible during the Reformation can be attributed to a combination of theological re-evaluation and the desire for a definitive scriptural authority. This decisive act not only reflects the divergences between Protestantism and Catholicism but also illustrates the broader quest for religious reform and pure adherence to scripture that characterized this transformative period in Christian history.
It is our earnest hope, and we pray that all Protestants may return to the one true Church, as established by Christ Himself. While it is acknowledged that the Catholic Church has experienced its share of challenges, including the presence of "weeds among the wheat," we must remember Christ's declaration to Peter: "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." He said not to touch the weeds until harvest and that He would deal with it and to not risk killing the wheat.
This pronouncement underscores that the foundation of the Church rests not upon any individual, such as Martin Luther, but upon the divine authority bestowed by Christ. Rather than separating from the Church due to human failings, believers are called to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, striving to realign the Church with God’s will as He reveals in his own time, through Scripture, Tradition, and Teaching throughout history. In this pursuit, we affirm that there exists but one truth, originating from God alone. Therefore their can only be one Holy,Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic church. Satan scatters and Jesus gathers.
If all the splinters of the Catholic Church reunified, think about how that would improve our world and mankind.
Why must men second guess God plan because it does not seem right to them ? You are not God ,nor think like God.You just can't pick the parts you like and toss the rest. You listen for Gods call, discern, say yes to God and go in haste to do his will with, and through the gift he gave us, the Catholic church, wheat and weeds !
Pax and Carpe Diem
Mike the Lesser