Why Stay Away From The Book Of Enoch
Why Stay Away From The Book Of Enoch
If you’re a fan of ancient literature, you may have come across the Book of Enoch at some point. This non-canonical text, attributed to the biblical figure Enoch, has a long and controversial history. While some people consider it a valuable source of spiritual knowledge, others believe it should be avoided altogether.
So, why should you stay away from the Book of Enoch? Here are five reasons to consider:
1. Its authenticity is questionable
One of the main issues with the Book of Enoch is that its authenticity is highly questionable. While it is attributed to the biblical figure Enoch, who is mentioned in Genesis and the book of Jude, there is no mention of the Book of Enoch in any biblical texts.
Furthermore, the text has undergone numerous changes and alterations over the centuries, making it difficult to determine its original form. Some experts believe that the Book of Enoch was actually written by multiple authors, with each one adding their own interpretations and teachings.
2. It is not included in the canon of the Bible
The Bible is made up of 66 books, which are divided into the Old and New Testaments. These books were chosen by a council of early Christian leaders, who deemed them to be authentic and worthy of inclusion in the canon.
The Book of Enoch, however, was not included in this canon. This means that it is not considered to be a part of the inspired Word of God. While it may contain some interesting and thought-provoking ideas, it is not considered to be authoritative or reliable in the same way as the Bible.
3. Its teachings are not consistent with the Bible
While the Book of Enoch contains some teachings that are similar to those found in the Bible, it also contains many teachings that are not consistent with the Bible. For example, the Book of Enoch teaches that angels married human women and had children, which is not consistent with biblical teaching on the nature of angels.
Additionally, the Book of Enoch promotes the idea of reincarnation, which is not supported by the Bible. In the Bible, it is clear that we have one chance at life, and our eternal destiny is determined by our response to Jesus Christ.
4. It has been used to promote false teachings
Throughout history, the Book of Enoch has been used to promote a number of false teachings and beliefs. For example, the Gnostic movement, which flourished in the early centuries of Christianity, used the Book of Enoch to promote their belief in secret knowledge and the idea that matter is evil.
Similarly, some modern-day cults have used the Book of Enoch to support their teachings and beliefs. For example, the Branch Davidians, a cult that was involved in a deadly standoff with the FBI in 1993, used the Book of Enoch to support their belief in a coming apocalypse.
5. It can lead to confusion and uncertainty
If you are not careful, reading the Book of Enoch can lead to confusion and uncertainty. Because it is not included in the canon of the Bible and its teachings are not consistent with the Bible, it can be difficult to know how to interpret the text. This can lead to a lack of clarity in your understanding of God and his Word.
Ultimately, the best way to understand the truth about God is to turn to the Bible, which is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. By reading the Bible, you can be assured that you are receiving accurate and reliable teaching that will help you grow in your faith and relationship with God.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why you should stay away from the Book of Enoch. Its authenticity is questionable, it is not included in the canon of the Bible, its teachings are not consistent with the Bible, it has been used to promote false teachings, and it can lead to confusion and uncertainty.
If you are seeking to grow in your understanding of God and his Word, it is important to turn to the Bible and other reliable sources of Christian teaching. While the Book of Enoch may contain some interesting ideas, it is not a reliable source of spiritual truth and should be approached with caution.
So, if you are considering reading the Book of Enoch, it is important to do your research and approach it with a critical eye. Seek out the guidance of trusted Christian leaders and scholars, and always test everything you read against the teachings of the Bible. By doing so, you can be confident that you are receiving accurate and reliable teaching that will help you grow in your faith and relationship with God.