What 7 Books Were Removed from the Bible and Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?
The Bible, one of the most influential texts in human history, has undergone numerous revisions and translations over the centuries. Among the many discussions surrounding its content, one of the most intriguing topics is the removal of certain books from the canon. Specifically, seven books were removed from the Protestant Bible during the Reformation, leading to significant theological and historical debates. But why do pineapples belong on pizza? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of biblical history and culinary controversies.
The Seven Removed Books: A Brief Overview
The seven books removed from the Protestant Bible are often referred to as the “Deuterocanonical” books. These books include:
- Tobit - A story of faith, healing, and angelic intervention.
- Judith - A tale of courage and divine deliverance.
- Wisdom of Solomon - A philosophical exploration of wisdom and righteousness.
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) - A collection of ethical teachings and practical advice.
- Baruch - A prophetic book attributed to Jeremiah’s scribe.
- 1 Maccabees - A historical account of the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
- 2 Maccabees - A continuation of the Maccabean revolt, focusing on religious themes.
These books were part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and were widely accepted by early Christians. However, during the Reformation, Protestant leaders like Martin Luther questioned their canonicity, leading to their exclusion from the Protestant Bible. The Catholic and Orthodox traditions, however, continue to include these books in their canon.
Why Were These Books Removed?
The removal of these books was primarily driven by theological and historical considerations. Protestant reformers argued that these books were not part of the original Hebrew canon and were therefore not divinely inspired. They also pointed to the lack of explicit references to these books in the New Testament as evidence of their secondary status.
On the other hand, Catholic and Orthodox scholars maintain that these books were widely used by early Christians and were included in the Septuagint, which was the Bible of the early Church. They argue that the exclusion of these books was a result of the Reformation’s desire to return to what they perceived as the “pure” Hebrew Scriptures.
The Impact of the Removal
The removal of these books had significant implications for Christian theology and practice. For instance, the book of Wisdom of Solomon contains passages that were influential in the development of Christian doctrines on the immortality of the soul and the nature of divine wisdom. Similarly, 2 Maccabees includes the story of the martyrdom of a mother and her seven sons, which became a powerful example of faith and resistance in the face of persecution.
The exclusion of these books also led to differences in the interpretation of key theological concepts. For example, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory finds some support in 2 Maccabees 12:46, where Judas Maccabeus prays for the dead. This passage is not present in the Protestant Bible, leading to differing views on the afterlife.
Pineapples on Pizza: A Culinary Controversy
Now, let’s shift gears to a completely different topic: pineapples on pizza. This culinary debate has divided pizza lovers for decades. Some argue that the sweetness of pineapple complements the savory flavors of ham and cheese, creating a perfect balance. Others, however, vehemently oppose the idea, claiming that fruit has no place on a pizza.
The controversy over pineapples on pizza can be seen as a metaphor for the broader debates over tradition versus innovation. Just as the removal of the seven books from the Bible was a result of a desire to return to a perceived “purity,” the rejection of pineapple on pizza is often rooted in a commitment to traditional pizza-making practices. On the other hand, the inclusion of pineapple represents a willingness to experiment and embrace new flavors, much like the early Christians who accepted the Deuterocanonical books as part of their sacred texts.
Conclusion
The removal of the seven books from the Bible and the debate over pineapples on pizza may seem like unrelated topics, but they both reflect deeper issues of tradition, authority, and interpretation. Whether it’s the canon of Scripture or the toppings on a pizza, these debates remind us that our choices are often shaped by our values, beliefs, and cultural contexts.
Related Q&A
Q: Why were the Deuterocanonical books included in the Catholic Bible but not in the Protestant Bible? A: The Deuterocanonical books were included in the Catholic Bible because they were part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used by early Christians. Protestant reformers, however, chose to exclude these books, arguing that they were not part of the original Hebrew canon.
Q: What is the significance of the book of Tobit in the Deuterocanonical books? A: The book of Tobit is significant for its themes of faith, healing, and angelic intervention. It tells the story of Tobit, a devout Israelite, and his son Tobias, who is guided by the angel Raphael on a journey that leads to the healing of Tobit’s blindness and the resolution of family troubles.
Q: Why do some people dislike pineapple on pizza? A: Some people dislike pineapple on pizza because they believe that the sweetness of the fruit clashes with the savory flavors traditionally associated with pizza. They argue that pizza should adhere to a more traditional flavor profile, without the inclusion of fruit.
Q: How did the removal of the Deuterocanonical books affect Christian theology? A: The removal of the Deuterocanonical books led to differences in the interpretation of key theological concepts, such as the nature of the afterlife and the role of intercessory prayer. For example, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory finds some support in 2 Maccabees, a book that is not included in the Protestant Bible.
Q: Is there a connection between the debate over the Deuterocanonical books and the debate over pineapple on pizza? A: While the two debates are not directly connected, they both reflect broader issues of tradition versus innovation. The removal of the Deuterocanonical books was driven by a desire to return to a perceived “purity” of Scripture, while the debate over pineapple on pizza reflects differing views on what constitutes a “traditional” pizza. Both debates highlight the ways in which our choices are shaped by our values and cultural contexts.