@Henry_Seufert asked a great question, essentially seeking to navigate the major issue of differing biblical canons between Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Protestants.
For those that are wondering about this issue and how it can be ecumenically resolved, this was my response. I'd be grateful for any pushback one might have.
I was reading a book the other day called "Anglican Catholic Faith & Practice" by Metropolitan Mark Haverland, of the Anglican Catholic Church. In it, he wrote these words which I found useful in this discussion:
"The Roman Catholic Church since the Council of Trent has treated these books (again with the exception of II Esdras) as equal in authority to the Old Testament. And indeed, many of the Fathers of the Church quote the Apocrypha frequently and without indicating any difference between it and the Old Testament. Also, the Jewish feast of the dedication (modern Hanukkah) was observed in our Lord's day (St. John 10:22), and it is based on commands from the Apocrypha (I Maccabees 4:59; II Maccabees 10:6 ), not the Old Testament.
On the opposite side, many Protestants, particularly Baptists and Presbyterians, do not accept the Apocrypha at all. They point out, correctly, that the New Testament never directly quotes the Apocrypha, whereas it often quotes the Old Testament.
The Anglican position on the Apocrypha is intermediate between that of the Roman Catholics and Protestants (though the Lutherans agree with us). This Anglican position is stated in Article VI of the Thirty Nine Articles (BCP, pp.603-4): ...the other Books (as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine...
...From this Article it is clear that Anglicans consider the Apocrypha to be part of the Bible and think that its stories are edifying and that its wisdom is instructive. However, Anglicans do not base doctrine ('dogma' in the official Latin text of the Articles), meaning an essential teaching, on the Apocrypha alone. Opinions vary about the Apocrypha in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, but many reputable Orthodox theologians give it less authority than the Old or New Testament and probably would agree with this Anglican position" (18-19).
Now, I'm biased as an Anglican, but I do believe that a good step towards ecumenical dialog on this issue would be moving in an Anglican direction: acknowledging these books as part of the Bible, but granting only to the Old Testament and New Testament the ability to finally ground dogma. This is not to say that doctrine cannot be derived from the Apocrypha; it is only to say that if a doctrine is derived from within the Apocrypha, it must also be present in the other books of Scripture. This seems to balance the concerns of both sides, while seeking a truly ecumenical (and biblical answer).
This is the first video reflection for the Great Fast.
Welcome to the Mere Catholicity Locals Community! Here, you will find like-minded Christians with a desire to live ecumenically and pursue Christ in all things.
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Friends - as I consider the various platforms that I operate, I find Substack to the most conducive to the model of online ministry that I am aiming for. Though I still plan to post here, as many of you still support me through this platform, Substack is where I will be focusing the majority of my time. If some of you wish to move your subscription from here to Substack, you are welcome to do that. Those who continue to support here, I will continue to post here — mostly the stuff that is behind the paywall on Substack so that you are getting the exclusive content regardless of where you are subscribed.
Hope you all are doing well. Lord bless you.
- Rev. Jonah
I've been gone again for a time preparing for my ordination. I was ordained a Deacon in the Holy Catholic Church on March 8th, 2025.
It was a joy beyond words. I am now back in full swing with ministry, media, and work.
I hope you all have been doing well. More to come soon.
Good morning everyone. I wanted to quickly update you on the Mere Catholicity Podcast. I’ve been posting videos on my channel, but it has been quite sometime since my channel has had a podcast episode release.
With my new job as a classical teacher, scheduling interviews has been a challenge. However, my plan is to use my summer breaks as time to double down on planning and recording new podcasts. The idea will be to record a ton of interviews that will then slowly release throughout the school year, expiring around the time the following summer arrives. This will ultimately result in a consistent once a month interview.
All that to say, the podcast will resume here in May or June of 2025 with some excellent interviews lined up!
Blessings on your Sunday!
