Many readers throughout the years have shown interest in studying the Book of Enoch. Different individuals maintain that the material contains hidden wisdom and others assert it should exist within Bible canon. Multiple convincing factors force Christians to approach the Book of Enoch with caution because its content does not qualify it as authoritative Scripture. Here’s why:
1. The Book of Enoch Is Not in the Biblical Canon
The book of Enoch should not be read because all major Christian denominations exclude it from their authorized collection of biblical texts. The compilation committee of Jewish leaders omitted this book from their collection while future Church Fathers excluded it during their process of selecting Old and New Testament texts. During the selection process of biblical texts by the Council of Rome (AD 382) and Synod of Hippo (AD 393), the Book of Enoch received no recognition as inspired material.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church contains the Book of Enoch but this inclusion diverges from typical religious practice. Throughout the entire span of Christian history, this particular text did not gain recognition as an inspired revelation from God.
2. It Contains Theological Errors and Contradictions
According to the Book of Enoch, the text contains beliefs that contradict the Biblical teachings. The text expands on fallen angels through the description of Watchers descending to Earth to mate with female humans and creating Nephilim giants. The biblical book of Genesis refers to the Nephilim in just four verses but Enoch adds detailed explanations which surpass what scripture establishes.
The Book of Enoch includes unusual descriptions of heavenly dominions and weird worldviews along with beliefs that contradict fundamental Christian teachings regarding human transgressions and divine nature and salvation. Christians need to examine critically any ideas found in books that contradict established doctrines of revealed scripture.
3. It Was Not Authored by Enoch
The Book of Enoch attributes its authorship to Enoch who was the great-grandfather of Noah and who God had reportedly taken to heaven without allowing him to experience death (Genesis 5:24). Scholars agree that the Book of Enoch was composed later in time at a period extending from the 3rd century before Christ to the 1st century following his birth. Because Enoch’s biblical lifespan spanned centuries before the Book of Enoch was written it demonstrates the document could not originate from him.
The Book of Enoch contains false information about its authorship hence it is classified as pseudepigrapha. Authors who applied this deceptive practice with ancient texts sought credibility yet this deceptive strategy provides strong reasons to doubt authenticity. The Biblical text reveals that if God wanted Enoch to write a book it would have been saved and added to the sacred collection.
4. Early Church Father organizations rejected the existence of this book
Historian Tertullian joined a select few early church figures who researched the Book of Enoch yet the majority of early Church Fathers rejected its content. The clergy members did not recognize the passage as either from God or having doctrinal authority in the Christian faith. The early Catholic scholars Origen along with Jerome and Augustine declared the Book non-canonical because they considered it unfit for doctrine.
Through the canonization process which God oversaw the church retained only His divine Word among sacred texts. The early church rejected the Book of Enoch which indicates it should not belong in Scripture.
5. It Promotes a Fascination with the Occult and Mysticism
People who read the Book of Enoch often develop an interest in its discussion about spiritual entities as well as hidden knowledge. Searching for biblical information outside Scripture leads believers toward dangerous practices including extreme interest in unknown ancient writings mystical beliefs and theoretical theological explanations.
The Scripture clearly states that people should avoid obtaining secret knowledge that exceeds God’s Word. The Bible through Deuteronomy 29:29 declares that God holds onto hidden matters but humans keep the things He has disclosed for all generations to come. All necessary revelations for salvation together with righteous living and God’s plan exist solely in the Bible.
6. It Can Distract from the True Gospel
Believers should maintain their attention strictly on Jesus Christ together with His accomplishment of redemption through the cross. The Book of Enoch omits any teaching about Christ being the fundamental figure of redemption which canonical Scripture establishes. The text leads believers away from vital truths that would aid their spiritual development by focusing them on unclear and uncertain teachings.
According to 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul cautioned believers about devoting themselves to mythologies while tracing endless family trees that “promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” The Book of Enoch exposes itself to the biblical warning since it presents only unproven theories in place of true biblical knowledge.
Should Christians Read the Book of Enoch?
Some people believe the Book of Enoch holds value for examining the historical and literary aspects of its time period. Scholars may use the Book of Enoch to study Jewish sect beliefs before Christ but they must recognize its inferior standing compared to official religious scripture. Christians involved in reading the Book of Enoch must carefully judge everything against Biblical teachings.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 through the Apostle Paul explains that God inspired the entire Scripture which enables believers to learn through correction and reproof and divine training in righteousness. The Book of Enoch lacks divine inspiration thus believers must avoid using it for developing doctrine or spiritual growth.
Conclusion
People have been misdirected by the dangerous Book of Enoch which remains an exciting yet improper work. The Book of Enoch found no place among biblical scriptures while introducing false theological claims and gained its false Enoch attribution before both Jewish and Christian authorities denied its acceptance. The false contents of this book divert disciples away from true biblical teachings about Jesus Christ.
Christians should look for truth only within the inspired Word of God instead of seeking it elsewhere. Since salvation and spiritual food come exclusively from the Bible it serves as the essential guide for accomplishing righteous goals. The Book of Enoch should be completely avoided while keeping all the Scriptures that God specifically planned for His followers.