Do Anglicans Use the Apocrypha? A Comprehensive Guide

The Apocrypha has been a topic of discussion among Christians for centuries, with various denominations holding different views on its inclusion in scripture. One denomination that has a history of including and then excluding the Apocrypha is the Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England. This article will explore whether Anglicans use the Apocrypha and the history behind this practice.

What is the Apocrypha?

The Apocrypha are a collection of books that includes works from the intertestamental period, primarily from the First and Second centuries BCE. These books contain material that is not found in the Protestant canonical tradition but are included as part of the Bible in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. While not considered part of the Protestant canon, some Protestant denominations, including the Anglican Church, have historically included the Apocrypha in their Bible translations.

A Historical Perspective

The Anglican Church and the King James Bible

The Anglican Church, particularly through the efforts of the Church of England, associates the King James Bible (or the Authorized Version) with their liturgical and doctrinal practices. The King James Bible, first published in 1611, did include the Apocrypha, grouping these texts with the Old Testament books. This inclusion was consistent with the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

However, in a revision of the Bible in 1760, the Apocryphal books were removed. This version of the King James Bible is the one most commonly used today. Despite this, one can still obtain versions of the King James Bible both with and without the Apocrypha.

Current Usage and Views

Current Usage of the Apocrypha

While the Apocrypha is no longer considered part of the official canon of scripture in most Anglican and Protestant traditions, it is still included in some English language Bibles and is often referenced for historical and devotional purposes. For Anglicans, the Apocrypha is primarily used as devotional reading, especially during morning prayer. It is not included in Sunday worship, and sermons are not preached on passages from the Apocrypha.

Deutero-Cannonicity

The current stance of many Anglican scholars and churches is that the Apocrypha is best understood as deuterocanonical, meaning that these texts are considered valuable for historical and inspirational reasons but are not on the same level as the protocanonical texts (i.e., the books that form the established Protestant canon). This deuterocannonic status acknowledges the importance of these texts while also differentiating them from the books that are considered core scripture.

Conclusion

The use of the Apocrypha by Anglicans has evolved over time. While it is no longer part of the official canon, it remains a valuable resource for historical and devotional purposes. Understanding its place in the King James Bible and the current stance of the Anglican Church can provide insights into the ongoing dialogue about the interpretation and significance of these texts in Christian life and practice.