What are the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical books?

Answer

Roman Catholic Bibles contain more books in the Old Testament compared to Protestant Bibles. These additional books are known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books. The term “apocrypha” means “hidden,” while “deuterocanonical” means “second canon.” The Apocrypha/Deuterocanical books were written mainly between the Old and New Testaments. The Apocrypha includes 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees, along with additions to Esther and Daniel. Not all of these books are part of Catholic Bibles.

The nation of Israel respected the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books but never acknowledged them as authentic Hebrew Bible books. The early Christian church debated the status of the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books, but few early Christians believed they should be included in the Scripture canon. The New Testament references the Old Testament numerous times but never quotes or alludes to any of the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books. Additionally, there are several errors and contradictions in the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books. Here are some websites that highlight these errors:

http://www.justforcatholics.org/a109.htm

http://www.biblequery.org/Bible/BibleCanon/WhatAboutTheApocrypha.htm

The Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books contain teachings that are untrue and historically inaccurate. Throughout history, the Roman Catholic Church included the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books in various lists of canonical books. The Council of Hippo in AD 393 and the Third Council of Carthage in AD 397 endorsed the Apocrypha as inspired. However, neither council was ecumenical or general, and their decisions had limited impact. Many members of the Catholic Church still hold diverse views on the Apocrypha.

Viewed the Apocrypha as useful but not inspired. Catholics officially declared the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonicals to be inspired, authoritative Scripture at the Council of Trent in the mid-1500s, primarily in response to the Protestant Reformation. The Apocrypha/Deuterocanonicals support some of the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church that are not in agreement with the Bible. Examples include petitioning saints in heaven for their prayers and almsgiving to merit grace or atone for sins.

Some of the teachings in the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonicals are true and correct. However, due to historical and theological errors, these books must be seen as fallible historical and religious documents, not as the inspired, authoritative Word of God.