What is the Apocrypha, and do I need it?

[sedulous_samantha]

Hello!

I'm looking to buy a bible, and have been wondering if I need the Apocrypha. I've heard that Catholics use it in their faith? But I am of no demonination, and I've heard that the Apocrypha isn't actually a part of the bible. Any thoughts?

Thanksss guys. :)

[suzie]

What church are you attending?

[sedulous_samantha]

I'm not attending at the moment - and if I'm honest I'm not even sure what my nearest church is. Hang on .... it might be Church of England?

[ShirChadash]

My opinion :) : do you need it? No, I don't think so. I would say, go for a Bible version you like and will read and use, and don't worry about the Apocrypha at this point. You can always look into those books later if you want to... you can find the Apocrypha online, should you want to read in the books.

Here's a link for the RSV books online, with Apocrypha...

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/rsv.browse.html


another link for The Apocrypha:

http://wesley.nnu.edu/noncanon/apocrypha.htm


HTH! :)

[Svt4Him]

Get a Bible you will read.

[Rising_Suns]

Yes, if you want a Bible with the Apocrypha, I would recommend the NAB, as it is a great tranlsation; very similar to the NASB.

[ShirChadash]

Yes, if you want a Bible with the Apocrypha, I would recommend the NAB, as it is a great tranlsation; very similar to the NASB.
NAB and NASB, both very good translations.

[TomUK]

I'm not attending at the moment - and if I'm honest I'm not even sure what my nearest church is. Hang on .... it might be Church of England?

The CofE/Anglican position on the Apocrypha is that while they are holy books, and the reading of them is beneficial for the christian living, no doctrine can be proved from them. By all means read the apocrypha, just don't use it as a basis of faith. Just as an aside, if you're looking for a study bible, then the best ones eg. the NIV study notes or the scofield study notes (the ones i use) do not come with an apocrypha bible. If you're looking into buying some sort of study bible then your best bet is to get a non-aprocryhpa one, and do what i do and just by an apocrypha supplement

[suzie]

Why are you not attending a church?

[Philip]

It is the Orthodox position that the Deuterocanon ('Apocrypha') is inspired Scripture. It is afforded less authority than the Protocanon, but is still Scripture. BTW, we include even more books than Catholics.

[suzie]

Most, if not all of the churches classified under "nondenominational" would not include the apocrypha as inspired.

[TomUK]

Most, if not all of the churches classified under "nondenominational" would not include the apocrypha as inspired.

Is it that they wouldn't class it as inspired, or that they wouldn't class it as wholly reliable?

[suzie]

they dont class them as inspired writings.

[Sola Gratia]

Most, if not all of the churches classified under "nondenominational" would not include the apocrypha as inspired.


St Jerome did not consider them as inspired either , you are in good company

[suzie]

yes, that is true

[MParedon]

I have heard that most non-Catholics view Apocrypha as non-inspired but benificial. I would be wary though, there are books that Catholics view as apocryphal and I wouldn't read those.