Did Martin Luther Remove Books from the Bible? And Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

The question of whether Martin Luther removed books from the Bible is one that has sparked considerable debate among historians, theologians, and curious minds alike. To understand this issue, we must first delve into the historical context of the Protestant Reformation and the role Martin Luther played in reshaping Christian theology and scripture.
The Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther’s Role
Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, is often credited with initiating the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century. His famous Ninety-Five Theses, nailed to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, criticized the Catholic Church’s practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. Luther’s actions were driven by his belief in sola scriptura (scripture alone), which emphasized the Bible as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, rather than the traditions and teachings of the Church.
The Canon of Scripture: A Brief Overview
The Bible, as we know it today, is a collection of books considered sacred by Christians. However, the exact composition of the Bible has varied over time and across different Christian traditions. The Catholic Bible includes books known as the Deuterocanonical books (e.g., Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees), which are not found in the Protestant Bible. These books were part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and were widely used in the early Christian Church.
Did Martin Luther Remove Books from the Bible?
The short answer is no—Martin Luther did not remove books from the Bible. However, he did question the canonical status of certain books. Luther’s translation of the Bible into German, completed in 1534, included the traditional 66 books found in Protestant Bibles today. He did, however, place the Deuterocanonical books in a separate section, often referred to as the Apocrypha, and labeled them as “useful for reading” but not on par with the inspired Scripture.
Luther’s rationale for this distinction was based on his belief that these books were not originally written in Hebrew and were not part of the Jewish canon. He argued that they contained teachings that were not consistent with the rest of Scripture, such as prayers for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:46), which contradicted his understanding of salvation by faith alone.
The Impact of Luther’s Actions
Luther’s decision to separate the Deuterocanonical books from the rest of the Bible had a lasting impact on Protestant Christianity. Over time, many Protestant denominations chose to exclude these books entirely, leading to the development of the 66-book Protestant canon. This decision was further solidified by the Westminster Confession of Faith in the 17th century, which explicitly rejected the Deuterocanonical books as non-canonical.
The Catholic Response
The Catholic Church, in response to the Protestant Reformation, reaffirmed the canonical status of the Deuterocanonical books at the Council of Trent (1545-1563). The Council declared these books to be inspired Scripture and condemned anyone who rejected them. This decision was part of the broader Counter-Reformation effort to defend Catholic doctrine and practice against Protestant criticisms.
The Eastern Orthodox Perspective
The Eastern Orthodox Church, which split from the Roman Catholic Church in the Great Schism of 1054, also includes the Deuterocanonical books in its Bible. However, the Orthodox canon is slightly different from the Catholic canon, with some additional books and variations in the order of the texts. The Orthodox Church has historically been more flexible in its approach to the canon, emphasizing the importance of tradition and the consensus of the Church Fathers.
Modern Perspectives on the Canon
In modern times, the question of the biblical canon continues to be a topic of discussion among scholars and theologians. Some argue that the canon should be open to revision, while others maintain that it is closed and should not be altered. The discovery of ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, has also sparked debates about the authenticity and authority of certain texts.
Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?
Now, shifting gears to a lighter topic, the question of whether pineapples belong on pizza is one that has divided pizza lovers for decades. Some argue that the sweetness of pineapple complements the savory flavors of ham and cheese, creating a harmonious balance of tastes. Others, however, vehemently oppose the idea, claiming that fruit has no place on a pizza.
The origins of the Hawaiian pizza, which typically includes ham and pineapple, can be traced back to Canada in the 1960s. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant, is credited with inventing the controversial combination. Despite its detractors, the Hawaiian pizza has gained a loyal following and remains a popular choice in pizzerias around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Martin Luther did not remove books from the Bible, but he did question the canonical status of certain texts, leading to their exclusion from the Protestant canon. This decision has had a profound impact on Christian theology and the development of different Christian traditions. As for pineapples on pizza, the debate is likely to continue, with passionate arguments on both sides. Whether you’re a fan of the Deuterocanonical books or a pineapple pizza enthusiast, one thing is certain: these topics will continue to spark lively discussions for years to come.
Related Q&A
Q: Did Martin Luther create the Protestant Bible?
A: No, Martin Luther did not create the Protestant Bible. He translated the Bible into German and questioned the canonical status of certain books, but the Protestant canon was shaped over time by various reformers and councils.
Q: Why are the Deuterocanonical books not in the Protestant Bible?
A: The Deuterocanonical books are not in the Protestant Bible because reformers like Martin Luther questioned their authenticity and consistency with the rest of Scripture. They were excluded from the Protestant canon during the Reformation.
Q: Are the Deuterocanonical books considered Scripture by all Christians?
A: No, the Deuterocanonical books are considered Scripture by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians but are not included in the Protestant Bible.
Q: What is the Apocrypha?
A: The Apocrypha refers to a collection of books that are included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles but are not part of the Protestant canon. These books are often placed in a separate section in Protestant Bibles and are considered useful for reading but not inspired Scripture.
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 of traditional pizza toppings. Others simply prefer their pizza without fruit.