About the Book of Judith, Luther writes, in part:
**If one could prove from established and reliable histories that the events in Judith really happened, it would be a noble and fine book, and should properly be in the Bible. **
The question regarding Judith is not theology, but historical facts.
**Therefore this is a fine, good, holy, useful book, well worth reading by us Christians. For the words spoken by the persons in it should be understood as though they were uttered in the Holy Spirit by a spiritual, holy poet or prophet who, in presenting such persons in his play, preaches to us through them. **
And he strongly recommends its reading by Christians. He would not do so if it didnât âmatch his theologyâ as is the charge made in this thread.
The Wisdom of Solomon
**For a long time this book has stood in the cross fire of controversy as to whether or not it should be included among the sacred scriptures of the Old Testament, especially in view of the fact that the author suggests in chapter 9 that throughout the book it is King Solomon speakingâŚ
**
He says that the ancient fathers excluded it from sacred scripture,
They contend, however, that Philo is the author of the book. Undoubtedly, he was one of the most learned and wisest men the Jewish people have had since the prophetsâŚ
Not theology, therefore, but authorship, and the fathers.
** It pleases me beyond measure that the author here extols the Word of God so highly, and ascribes to the Word all the wonders God has performed, both on enemies and in his saints. **
and
**To refer to this book as the Wisdom of Solomon is as much to call it: A Book of Solomon about the Word of God. So the spirit of wisdom is nothing other than faith, our understanding of that same Word; this, however, the Holy Spirit imparts. Such faith or spirit can do all things, and does do all things, as this book glories in chapter 7 **
and finally,
** This is the foremost reason why it is well to read this book: one may learn to fear and trust God. To that end may he graciously help us. Amen.â **
Again, no theological conflict here.
Tobit
"What was said about the book of Judith may also be said about this book of Tobit. If the events really happened, then it is fine and holy history. But if they are all made up, then it is indeed a truly beautiful, wholesome, and useful fiction or drama by a gifted poetâŚ
and
**Tobit shows how things may go badly with a pious peasant or townsman, and there may be much suffering in married life, yet God always graciously helps and finally crowns the outcome with joy, in order that married folk should learn to have patience and, in genuine fear of God and firm faith, put up gladly with all sorts of hardships because they have hope⌠**
finally,
** Therefore this book is useful and good for us Christians to read. It is the work of a fine Hebrew author who deals not with trivial but important issues, and whose writing and concerns are extraordinarily Christian." **
Again, why encourage its reading if it is set against his own theology?
Ecclesiasticus
** Its real name is otherwise Jesus Sirach, after its author as its own prologue and the Greek [50:27] indicate. This is how the books of Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, and all the prophets are named, after their authors. Yet the ancient fathers did not include this one among the books of sacred Scripture, but simply regarded it as the fine work of a wise man. And we shall let it go at that.
**
and
** This is a useful book for the ordinary man. The author concentrates all his effort on helping a citizen or housefather to be Godfearing, devout, and wise; and on showing what the relationship of such a man should be to God, the Word of God, priests, parents, wife, children, his own body, his servants, possessions, neighbors, friends, enemies, government, and anyone else. So one might well call this a book on home discipline or on the virtues of a pious householder. This indeed is the proper âspiritual discipline,â and should be recognized as such.
**
Again, Luther points to the opinions of the Fathers as far as its canonicity goes, then remarks on its worthiness for Christains to read.
Baruch
** Whoever the good Baruch may be, this book is very skimpy. It is hardly credible that the servant of St. Jeremiah, whose name is also Baruch (and to whom this letter is attributed), should not be richer and loftier in spirit than this Baruch. Furthermore, the bookâs chronology does not agree with the [accepted] histories. Thus I very nearly let it go with the third and fourth books of Esdras,
âŚBaruch, however, we shall let run with the pack because he writes so vigorously against idolatry and sets forth the law of Moses.**
Same issues, though he does yield to the historic inclusion. No theological issues here either.
continued
thank you!