Determining the reasons behind the exclusion of 1 Enoch (also called the Book of Enoch) from the biblical canon accepted by most Jewish and Christian communities represents a significant area of scholarly inquiry. This involves examining historical, theological, and textual evidence to understand the processes and motivations that led to its canonical exclusion. For instance, analyzing early church fathers’ writings and comparing different versions of the biblical canon provides valuable insights into how this book was viewed and ultimately rejected by some religious authorities.
Understanding the historical trajectory of 1 Enoch offers valuable perspective on the development of biblical canons and the complex factors influencing their formation. It sheds light on the diverse religious and philosophical currents present during the Second Temple period and the early centuries of Christianity. Research into this topic illuminates the evolution of theological thought and the criteria employed in establishing authoritative religious texts. It also emphasizes the importance of textual criticism in understanding the historical transmission of religious literature.
