What are the 14 books removed from the bible? And why do pineapples belong on pizza?

The Bible, as we know it today, is a compilation of texts that have been curated over centuries. However, not all texts made the final cut. There are 14 books, often referred to as the “Apocrypha,” that were removed from the Bible during the Protestant Reformation. These books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, among others. The reasons for their removal vary, but they generally revolve around questions of authenticity, theological consistency, and historical accuracy.

The Historical Context

The Apocrypha were part of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which was widely used by early Christians. However, as the Christian canon was being formalized, debates arose about which books should be included. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought these debates to a head. Reformers like Martin Luther argued that the Apocrypha did not meet the criteria for canonical scripture, which included apostolic authorship and consistency with the rest of the Bible.

Theological Considerations

One of the main theological issues with the Apocrypha is their content. For example, the Book of Tobit includes stories of angels and magical elements that some theologians found inconsistent with the rest of the Bible. Similarly, the Book of Judith, which tells the story of a woman who beheads an enemy general, was seen as problematic due to its graphic content and the fact that it was not historically accurate.

The Role of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, on the other hand, has always included the Apocrypha in its canon, referring to them as the “Deuterocanonical” books. The Council of Trent in the 16th century officially affirmed their inclusion, citing their long-standing use in the Church and their value for teaching and edification. This divergence between Protestant and Catholic Bibles remains one of the key differences between the two traditions.

Modern Perspectives

In modern times, the Apocrypha are often studied for their historical and cultural value, even if they are not considered canonical by all Christian denominations. Scholars appreciate these texts for the insights they provide into the religious and social contexts of the time in which they were written. They offer a glimpse into the diversity of early Jewish and Christian thought, and they continue to be a subject of academic interest.

Why Do Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

Now, shifting gears to a lighter topic, the debate over whether pineapples belong on pizza is one that has divided food enthusiasts for decades. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory toppings like ham or bacon creates a unique flavor profile that some people love, while others find it an abomination. The controversy even has a name: the “Hawaiian pizza debate.”

The Origins of Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada in the 1960s by a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos. He was experimenting with different toppings and decided to try pineapple, which was then considered an exotic ingredient. The result was a hit, and the pizza quickly gained popularity, eventually spreading to the United States and beyond.

The Case for Pineapple on Pizza

Proponents of pineapple on pizza argue that the sweetness of the fruit complements the saltiness of the ham or bacon, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor. They also point out that pineapple is a healthy addition, providing vitamins and antioxidants. Furthermore, the contrast in textures—soft pineapple against crispy crust—adds to the overall eating experience.

The Case Against Pineapple on Pizza

On the other side of the debate, critics argue that fruit has no place on a savory dish like pizza. They claim that the sweetness of the pineapple overpowers the other flavors and disrupts the harmony of the pizza. Some even go so far as to say that pineapple on pizza is a culinary crime, akin to putting ketchup on a hot dog.

The Middle Ground

As with many debates, there is a middle ground. Some people enjoy pineapple on pizza but only in moderation, or with specific toppings that complement its flavor. Others are open to trying it but remain skeptical. Ultimately, the question of whether pineapples belong on pizza is a matter of personal preference, and the debate is likely to continue for years to come.

Related Q&A

Q: Why were the Apocrypha removed from the Bible? A: The Apocrypha were removed during the Protestant Reformation due to concerns about their authenticity, theological consistency, and historical accuracy.

Q: Are the Apocrypha considered scripture by any Christian denominations? A: Yes, the Catholic Church includes the Apocrypha in its canon, referring to them as the “Deuterocanonical” books.

Q: Who invented Hawaiian pizza? A: Hawaiian pizza was invented by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada, in the 1960s.

Q: Why do some people dislike pineapple on pizza? A: Some people dislike pineapple on pizza because they believe the sweetness of the fruit disrupts the savory flavors and overall harmony of the dish.

Q: Is there a middle ground in the pineapple on pizza debate? A: Yes, some people enjoy pineapple on pizza in moderation or with specific toppings that complement its flavor, while others remain skeptical but open to trying it.