Does the Church of England Use the Apocrypha?

The question of how the Church of England treats the Apocrypha is a frequently asked one. The answer is complex and nuanced, reflecting historical and theological perspectives that have evolved over time. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Church of England's stance on the Apocrypha.

Understanding the Church of England's Stance on the Apocrypha

The Church of England's position on the Apocrypha is best understood by examining its 39 Articles of Religion, specifically Article 6. According to Article 6:

"And the other Books as Hierome (Jerome) saith the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners, but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine."

In this context, the term "other books" refers to the Apocrypha. This statement suggests that the Apocrypha is valuable for moral and ethical instruction but is not to be used as a basis for establishing doctrine. Therefore, while the Church of England acknowledges the Apocrypha, it does not regard it as scriptural.

Practical Implications in Church Practices

Despite the theological stance, the Church of England does incorporate passages from the Apocrypha in various contexts. For instance:

Sunday Common Lectionary Readings: Some readings from the Apocrypha may appear, accompanied by alternative passages from the Old Testament. Weekday Morning and Evening Prayer: The Apocryphal texts are used more frequently in these contexts.

However, it is important to note that systematic use of the Apocrypha in public worship is not common. The Church encourages the use of Protestant Bibles that exclude the Apocrypha for those who prefer such a version.

Historical Context

The use of the Apocrypha in the Church of England has a rich historical background. The King James Bible, published in 1611, was the first officially authorized English translation of the Bible to include all texts from the Apocrypha. The term "King James Bible" is often used to refer to this edition, though it is technically titled the "Authorized Bible." However, this inclusion in the King James Bible was not universally adopted and was eventually revised.

In the 1760 revision of the King James Bible, the Apocrypha was dropped. Today, the modern versions of the King James Bible and most other translations do not include the Apocrypha, though it is still available as a separate collection.

For those who prefer to read the Apocrypha, versions of the King James Bible and other translations are available with and without the Apocrypha. The Church of England generally considers the Apocrypha as 'deuterocanonical' (secondary canon) texts, giving them historical and inspirational value but not the same scriptural status.

Final Thoughts

The Church of England's stance on the Apocrypha reflects a balance between historical continuity and theological purity. While the Apocrypha is not treated as scriptural, it is recognized for its moral and historical significance. Understanding this nuance is crucial for anyone exploring the religious and theological landscape of the Church of England.