On this subject see <i> Luther's Works, American Edition </i>,
35:337ff, for a translation of the introductions to the portions
of the Old Testament Apocrypha that Luther included in his trans-
lation of the Bible into German in the 1534 edition.
According to a footnote to the English translation in the American
Edition, the apocryphal books were grouped by themselves (as opposed
to being included as integral parts of the Old Testament) commencing
with the 1534 edition and the title page to this section said:
"Apocrypha: these books are not held equal to the Scriptures but
are useful and good to read."
Luther's introductions to each portion deal with, inter alia, the
history of the deuterocanonical status of the portion. Luther also
takes pains to explain what he finds of value in each portion. None
the less, it is clear he holds these writings in a far different (and
inferior) light to that in which he held the canonical Scriptures.
I'm not familiar enough with Calvin to be able to provide his point
of view on this topic.
On Sun, 10 Oct 1999, [iso-8859-1] Bill East wrote:
> . . . . I suspect
> there is a difference between Lutheran and Calvinist churches on this
> point.
>
> Bill.
>
Regards,
Frank
Frank Morgret
15 Towering Hts -- #1206
St Catharines, Ontario
CANADA
L2T 3G7
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