The Book of Enoch, an ancient Hebrew text, is notably absent from the biblical canon. It is attributed to Enoch, the grandfather of Noah, but most religious scholars assert it is falsely attributed. It is categorised as pseudoepigrapha, being credited to an author who did not compose it. Dated between 300 B.C. and 100 B.C, the authorship of the Book of Enoch remains uncertain.
The Book of Enoch is a compilation of five separate books, containing a mix of apocalyptic visions, eschatological prophecies, and wisdom literature. It provides detailed accounts of angelic beings, cosmic realms, and ethical teachings. The book dabbles in stories about the great flood, fallen angels, demons, Nephilim, and the end times.
Despite sharing ancient roots, the contents of the Book of Enoch frequently contradicts that of the Bible. Its timeline diverges from the genealogy reported in Genesis, and the nature of the afterlife and the origins of sin are portrayed differently. The Book of Enoch also recounts events and figures in ways not supported by canonical scriptures. This lack of alignment cast serious doubts on its authenticity and credibility.
Historically, Christianity, drawing from Jewish tradition, rejected the Book of Enoch for not meeting the criteria of the biblical canon. The text did not pass the tests of divine inspiration, antiquity, orthodoxy, and acceptance by the Jewish community. As Christianity developed its distinct body of beliefs, any text contradicting the mainstream Christian theology was removed.
The Book of Enoch's deviation from core Biblical teachings fuels skepticism among Christians and Jews. Misaligned timelines, misinterpretations of end times narrative, and internal contradictions are flagged areas of concern. Having failed to meet the requirements of Christian and Jewish canons, it has been broadly excluded from the biblical canon.
Christians are divided on the reading of the Book of Enoch. The crux of the issue lies not just in consuming the text but in giving it undue religious weight. While some Christians caution against it due to its alleged false doctrine and potential misinterpretation, others see value in reading it for historical and cultural insights.
Staying true to the canonical Scriptures for our faith and understanding of God's plan of salvation is a consistent piece of advice religious scholars give. Erroneous beliefs and misunderstandings concerning divine revelation can cause spiritual harm and misguide one's faith journey. Thus, despite any curiosity or scholarly interest, the Bible should remain the central text for Christians.
The answer rests largely on individual discernment and understanding of the Bible's supremacy. For Christians seeking spiritual guidance and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith, the book should be approached with caution. The Book of Enoch's historical, cultural, and theological value cannot erase the doubts about its authorship, authenticity, and its contradictions with the Bible.
The acceptance of the Book of Enoch, or any non-biblical text, should not be a substitution for the Bible itself. Perhaps the most crucial takeaway is the reaffirmation that it is the unchanging truth of God's word that grounds our faith and not the mere curiosity wooed by ancient texts.
