Shepherd of Hermas
Written by Hermas, brother of Pius I the 9th bishop of Rome. According to the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Shepherd of Hermas is a valuable, but not canonical, text that offers moral guidance for early Christians. It is not considered scripture, but it was widely read in the early Church and is included in the Codex Sinaiticus. The work is praised for its moral teachings, especially regarding repentance, ethical living, and the importance of a simple, honest life.
Apostolic vs. Patristic Status: The Shepherd is not considered part of the Bible because it was not written by an apostle. However, it is a highly regarded work of patristic (Church Father) literature.
Moral and Repentance Focus: Its primary value is its focus on ethics and repentance. The text emphasizes repentance for sins committed after baptism, a crucial theme for early Christians facing persecution and moral challenges.
Pastoral Context: The work was written in a specific historical context, particularly the aftermath of the persecutions, and addresses the pastoral need to encourage repentance without causing Christians to become lax in their faith.
Inclusion in the Canon: Its inclusion in the 4th-century Codex Sinaiticus, a Greek manuscript of the entire Bible, shows its importance in the Eastern Church at that time.
Authoritative Guidance: Orthodox tradition considers the Shepherd a useful guide for moral behavior, self-control, and living a life pleasing to God, even though it is not part of the canonical New Testament.
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shepherd of Hermas | Scroll 117 | Aftermath of Persecutions | Poimen tou Herma | Pastor Hermae | Didactic | NA | Europe | Apocalyptic | Apocrypha |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
Here are additional resources for those who want to continue learning and exploring:
Link to some reference to Hermas and his relation to the Church