Why Stay Away From The Book Of Enoch

In the world of religious writings, there are many different kinds to read, from lesser-known ones to well-known ones. One book that often gets the attention of scholars and religious folks is the Book of Enoch. But among the Christians, an argument is there about whether it should be considered part of the Bible. In this talk, we’ll explore why some suggest being careful with it and suggest not reading it.

The Book of Enoch in the Bible

The Book of Enoch is made up of old Jewish works about Enoch, a person from Genesis 5:18-24. Even if it is not part of various Christian collections of holy books, early Jewish groups thought highly about it and it’s been preserved in different ways over time.

In the Book of Enoch, you’ll find many different topics, from really confusing to really interesting. It talks about the skies, angels, promises about the future, and how to live right. Some parts are similar to what’s in the Bible, while others bring up new ideas and stories.

Why Stay Away from the Book of Enoch? (Simple Answer)

Experts advise against reading the Book of Enoch because it is uncertain who it was authored by, it is not considered as recognised part of the canonical Bible, while it contradicts with some Christian doctrines, it might be interpreted incorrectly, it contains historical errors, and it may confuse people about what the Bible assures. Instead, it is believed its better to rely on the Bible for spiritual guidance.

Who wrote the book of enoch?

Modern scholars think that the Book of Enoch was originally written in Ge’ez or Hebrew languages which are widely used in Jewish works. Ephraim Isaac argues that, like the Book of Daniel, the Book of Enoch might have been a mix of both Ge’ez and Hebrew. Unfortunately, there are no remaining Hebrew versions of the book.

Ge’ez fragments found in the scrolls of Dead Sea, along with fragments in Latin and Koine Greek, which shows that the Book of Enoch was known among Jewish and early Near Eastern Christian groups. It’s mentioned in texts from the 1st as well as 2nd centuries, like the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Also, authors of the New Testament show experience with the stories. For example, a part of 1 Enoch (1:9) is quoted in the (Jude 1:14–15) Epistle of Jude, given to “Enoch the Seventh from Adam” (1 Enoch 60:8), though it’s from a discussion on Deuteronomy 33:2. In the Dead Sea scrolls, Some parts of 1 Enoch were also found.

Today, the Book of Enoch exists only in Ge’ez version. It’s considered part of the Bible by the Christian Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian Jewish group Beta Israel . However, Christian groups and other Jewish usually see it as not part of the Bible or missing divine guidance, though they accept its theological or historical value.

Overview of First Book of Enoch (2nd to 1st B.C.)

There are 5 sections in First book of Enoch. James Charlesworth outlines the book as follows:

Book of the Watchers	(1-36)
Book of the Similitudes	(37-71)
Book of the Astronomical Writings	(72-82)
Book of the Dream Visions	(83-90)
Book of the Epistle of Enoch	(91-107)

Why was enoch removed from the bible

The book of Enoch was not written by Enoch

The book of Enoch was not inspired by God

The book of Enoch was not aligned with the Bible

Jews and Christians rejected the book

The book of Enoch was not written by Enoch

Many Bible scholars and theologians have agreed that the Books of Enoch are a collection of different works written by various people, not just by Enoch himself from the Old Testament. Historians say that the oldest parts of the book date back to around 300 B.C.

When we talk to the Book of Enoch, we realise that the author simply expanded and collected on several writings, combining pieces of messages from various authors to create the Book of Enoch.

The Experts have discovered that the oldest parts of the book were written around 100 A.D. Based on the timing, it appears it was composed some 3000 to 4000 years after Enoch lived. The fact that the authors tried to make it appear like Enoch wrote it raises issues. They probably used Enoch’s name to get recognised and influence people’s views on social matters.

The book of Enoch was not inspired by God

The Bible in 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals that all scripture is God-breathed, meaning the authors have written not what they wished or wanted to write in scriptures but what God said. The Book of Enoch isn’t in the Bible and the reason is it lacks inspiration from the God.

They were just utilised as messengers to spread the Word by God over the world through their writings.The Book of Enoch is not included in the Bible since the author did not write it under God’s guidance.

Although it was well-known, it didn’t show evidence of being inspired by God. It was backed by some early churches, because Jude mentioned it, but later they chose not to include it.

Let’s give you an instance, the lesson in the book of Enoch that talks about the Nephilim was written only to give people an understanding of their origin.

The book of Enoch was not aligned with the Bible

Believers say that the Book of Enoch doesn’t match the Bible precisely. They say it wasn’t written to teach Biblical truths or about God but for other reasons.

Experts have been advised to stay away from the Book of Enoch because most of its teachings contradict with the teachings of the teachings of Book in the Bible.

For example, the first part, The Book of Watchers, mostly discusses about a sensitive topic in the Jewish community—priestly marriage.

These are the reasons why readers should stay away from the book of Enoch.

Jews and Christians rejected the book

The Jewish community were aware about the Book of Enoch but didn’t find that it inspired because it didn’t align with their standards. Christians from different groups, like the the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and Protestant Churches, also said NO to it. The actual reason it’s not in the Bible is that it wasn’t inspired by the Holy Spirit. Even though Jude says about it, but doesn’t mean it’s inspired by God.

Controversial Topics in the Book of Enoch

Let’s start with Jude 14-15, because it is suggested by a popular claim that these both verses quote the Book of Enoch and that’s why show that this book is “missing” from the Bible.

The seventh from Adam, Enoch, prophesied about these men, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

This part resembles a lot like something from the Book of Enoch. But notice how Jude didn’t directly mention the Book of Enoch when he says about Enoch’s prophesy. Instead, he repeats it, hinting that it may have been part of the stories people passed down back then. We cannot be sure that Jude was quoting from the Book of Enoch, which itself might have taken from various sources.

Also, the Book of Enoch claims to have been written by Enoch himself, but experts say that it’s actually from a later time. This means it has been wrongly using Enoch’s name. The title itself is delusional.

READ: Did the first sinners, Adam and Eve go to heaven?

Another thing to think about is the Time. The Old Testament was completed before the Book of Enoch was written. So, it wasn’t part of the official Jewish Scriptures.

Lastly, there are enough evidence that the Bible is a complete book, perfect in its original form. The Book of Enoch contains material that can stimulate interest of those with “itching ears”, ones who want to “hear some new thing” (2 Timothy 4:3; Acts 17:21). Such “juicy” things are especially dangerous when they try to corrupt understanding of God’s actual words.

Is it a sin to read the book of Enoch?

In Christian groups, the answer to question of whether it’s sinful to read the Book of Enoch is a matter of discussion. There isn’t any agreement on this matter. Some Christians say believe that it’s not sinful, but proper care must be taken due to questionable content of Book of Enoch. On the other hand, some say that looking into the Book of Enoch is sinful because it isn’t part of the famous bible text.

Although the Bible doesn’t strictly restricted reading the Book of Enoch, it does warn against false doctrines and beliefs (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1-22). Some followers worry that the Book of Enoch might contain misleading teachings, which could pose spiritual risks and other risks as well.

Ultimately, the choice whether to read the Book of Enoch is personal. Christians are encouraged to carefully weigh the reasons for and against reading it and make the choice that aligns with their own conscience and beliefs.

Conclusion

In this extensive post, we’ve revealed why many Christians shun the Book of Enoch. There are several reasons to be wary of it, including its lack of inclusion in the Bible, unclear origins, and inconsistency with Christian beliefs or understandings of the Bible.

We’ve also discussed how the Book of Enoch contradicts with most of Christians’ beliefs, has historical errors, and provides misleading informations regarding the end of the world. Christians are hesitant to believe it since it has several authors, unclear goal, and is not from God.

Even though the Book of Enoch is narratively and historically intriguing, majority of Christians do not believe it is God’s message. So it’s best to read the Bible to understand about God, his intentions, and what god preaches.

Remember, the Bible is the most trusted source for understanding God’s teachings and his plan for humanity. It is always the best place to trust and gain spiritual guidance and understanding.

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