Books left out of the bible

[rppearso]

Why are there gospels that were left out of the bible? Was it because they could not be varified or was it becasue the catholic church did not like the content. I am particularly interested in the apocolypse of peter where it talks about the specific punishments that go on in hell but at the very end states that thoes in hell will be released to a non heaven but non torment area near a lake.

Has anyone studied this, is this total hokum or is it just that the catholic church does not like scriptures that present the idea that the torment of hell is not eternal, the separation from God may be but the torment is not.

 

[Michae1]

This is what my Bible teacher says about the writings of Peter:

The Gospel of Peter first appeared in the 1800’s and is thought to have been written late in the 2nd Century, about 100 years after Peter died. The name of the real author is unknown. Many evangelical scholars believe that the Gospel of Mark is Peter’s account of the events of the Lord’s life. Two letters written by Peter before his death are also part of the New Testament and complete his written account...

As to why some books did not make the cut or who decided what was included:

...
Books that were left out didn’t meet the criteria for inclusion. It consisted of three major points:

1. Were the authors either eyewitnesses to the events they wrote about or at least directly taught about them by the Apostles?
2. Was each book’s teachings consistent with church practice and tradition?
3. Was each book already in general use by the church, and accepted as the Divine Word of God?...

Just FYI:

There are 66 books in the Bible written by 40 authors. All the books that bear the manes of people, Daniel, Isaiah, John etc. were written by the people for whom the book is named. The first five books of the Old Testament were written by Moses. Samuel probably wrote Judges along with 1 & 2 Samuel. The Author of 1 & 2 Kings is unknown, but Ezra probably wrote 1 & 2 Chronicles. Many of the Psalms were written by David, the rest by Solomon and various priests. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon were written by Solomon. The Gospels were written by the men they’re named after and Acts was written by Luke. Paul’s letters were written by Paul, Peter’s by Peter, John’s by John, etc. The author of Hebrews is unknown although like many others, I believe Paul was the writer. John was the author of Revelation.

Yes I am to lazy to post all this in my own words, but I also have three young boys who prohibit me from having the time to do anything quietly by myself.

 

[Nathan]

You know I have always wondered the same thing. I never thought about it too hard, because at the time I was just starting to understand that which is in the Bible right now.

But as time has progressed, I did look at some of the ones "left" out. I am not going to say that there is are some that should or should not be included. There may very well be. I have not studied them to the detail it would take to make a definite conclusion.

This is what I have come to know, however. The Bible we have is very thorough. And I can say that without any question it contains all things that we need to know that pertain to Salvation and godliness.

There might be more books out there that could be included, you will not find me stating that there are not unless I ever come to the point of studying all the information available. But it will probably not happen, because each and every time I open the Bible I have I learn something new and afresh. It continues to breath life each and every day. I can say that I am satisfied completely.

 

[francisdesales]

Why are there gospels that were left out of the bible? Was it because they could not be varified or was it becasue the catholic church did not like the content. I am particularly interested in the apocolypse of peter where it talks about the specific punishments that go on in hell but at the very end states that thoes in hell will be released to a non heaven but non torment area near a lake.

Has anyone studied this, is this total hokum or is it just that the catholic church does not like scriptures that present the idea that the torment of hell is not eternal, the separation from God may be but the torment is not.

We had a big thread going on this subject not too long ago, it might be worth exploring, esp. on the subject of the OT canon and how it came to be.

http://www.christianforums.net/f17/other-books-30283/

As to why certain books are left out, I would say that the Catholic Church disagreed with the validity of the message of them OR they did not meet the standards set, such as an apostolic witness (either directly or indirectly. Mark would be an example of an indirect witness). Recall, the message was given first and THEN it was written down by the Apostles. Thus, if the bishops read a book that didn't agree with what they were already taught, it would seem their job would be to ensure that such a message was not passed on as "the Word of God".

Regards