Why stay away from the Book of Enoch: myths and controversies about the book

Why stay away from the Book of Enoch: myths and controversies about the book

The Book of Enoch is an ancient book that has long captivated academics, theologians, and curious readers. It has roots in both Jewish and early Christian traditions. Its mystic creatures, vivid visions, and supernatural stories have captured people's interest. But why stay away from the Book of Enoch?

A close-up of a woman reading the Bible
There is a lot of contrast between the Book of Enoch and the other books in the Bible. Photo: Grace Cary (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Book of Enoch contrasts greatly with the other books in the Bible. For instance, in the Book of Enoch, God is invisible to Heaven's angels; angels are jailed in Heaven, and demons repent for their transgressions. If you have considered studying the Book of Enoch, this article explains why some avoid it.

Why stay away from the Book of Enoch?

The Book of Enoch is regarded as one of the most mysterious and contentious books in the collection of ancient writings and religious literature. It is connected to strange viewpoints and beliefs, such as angels, devils, and the Nephilim. Here are some reasons why it is advised to stay away from it.

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1. Its non-canonical status

Many religious traditions, including Christianity and Judaism, do not include the Book of Enoch among their canonical scriptures.  It is dubious in content and wrongly credited to a well-known author.  However, according to their respective doctrines, two Ethiopian churches regard it as canonical.

Even after decades of study, scholars disagree on the Book of Enoch. Exercise caution when reading this Book and differentiate its teachings from those in the Bible.

2. It is a pseud agraphia book

The Book that bears Enoch's name is a compilation of pseudepigraphic texts. These texts are inaccurately assigned to a well-known person to give them greater credibility even though their writers are unknown. 

3. It is lost in time

There are still more unanswerable questions since academics and experts cannot agree on the Book's age or author. In approximately 420 BC, Ezra and Nehemiah finished compiling the Old Testament scriptures, probably between 100 and 200 years before the Book of Enoch.

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Romans 3:1–2 states that God gave the inspired Hebrew Scriptures to the Jews and that the Book of Enoch is omitted. Understanding what it has to offer is challenging without a firm historical foundation.

4. It talks of the repentance of demons

According to the Book of Enoch, demons confessed their transgressions. The widely known Bible states just the contrary. It is evident in Matthew 25:41 that the only fate for demons is hellfire. It indicates that demons did not repent from their sins by the Bible.

5. It states angels can not face God

A man reading Bible in church
The Book of Enoch claims that angels are incapable of regularly facing God. Photo: Hill Street Studios
Source: Getty Images

According to the Book of Enoch 14:21–22, none of the Angels could enter and behold his face because of the magnificence and glory. However, Matthew 18:10 states, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you, their angels in Heaven always see my father's face in Heaven."

It indicates that whereas the rest of the Bible abundantly states that angels may and do regularly face God, it claims that angels are incapable of doing so.

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6. Sates that angels are imprisoned in Heaven

According to Enoch 21:9–10, some angels are imprisoned in Heaven, where they will remain for all eternity. However, Revelations 12:3–9 states that one in three angels was entirely expelled from Heaven because they sided with Satan. 

The Bible describes how the devil and his fallen angels will burn in a lake of fire on Earth, and it never mentions any angels being held as prisoners inside of Heaven.

7.  The Book of Enoch and science

The Book of Enoch 33:1-4 states that Enoch counted every star in the night sky. He was reported to have counted and seemingly charted all the stars. However, according to Jeremiah 33:22, the Bible states there are too many stars to count or plan out. The universe has millions of more galaxies, which may be endless.

8.  Possibility for belief confusion

Bringing up the Book of Enoch in religious discussions might lead to misunderstandings among believers, particularly for those not familiar with its background or meaning. When religious teachings and ancient literature are blended, it might be challenging for individuals to distinguish between them.

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9. Distraction from core spiritual principles

The Book's emphasis on hidden knowledge and celestial beings may cause readers to lose sight of core spiritual principles like morality, love, and compassion. Focusing too much on speculative or secret teachings could cause one to lose sight of the fundamental tenets of faith.

10. Possibility of getting lost in theories

The mysterious passages in the Book of Enoch may inspire readers to devote their time to developing obsessive theories concerning otherworldly entities and universes. Should readers neglect to base their understanding on solid doctrine and critical thinking, they can inadvertently embrace superstitions or occult ideas.

11. Possibility of a breakup in religious harmony

An affectionate senior couple reading their bible while sitting outside
Conflict or prejudice amongst religious communities may result from differing interpretations and perspectives of the Book of Enoch. Photo: PeopleImages
Source: Getty Images

Conflict or prejudice amongst religious communities may result from differing interpretations and perspectives of the Book of Enoch. Religious adherents' ability to live in peace and harmony might be hampered by disagreements over their beliefs' significance, meaning, and logical implications.

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12. Unusual content

The stories of angels, end-of-the-world visions, and cosmic truths are absent in most other religious texts. Although these tales might be captivating, they doubt long-held religious beliefs. Fears of rebellious viewpoints arise when such unexpected information is incorporated.

Is it a sin to read the Book of Enoch?

Whether reading it is a sin is a question of opinion. Since it is not included in the canon of scripture, some Christians consider reading it a sin. Some think reading the Book of Enoch is right, but you should proceed cautiously because it has some dubious material.

What is wrong with the Book of Enoch?

It is a pseudepigraphic book that fraudulently utilizes Enoch's name. It also goes against what the Bible teaches because it is apocalyptic, employing vivid imagery to foretell catastrophe and the ultimate retribution of evil. The product is an eccentric, sensationalist work of non-canonical literature.

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What is the main point of the Book of Enoch?

It explores topics such as heavenly secrets, the destiny of the human soul after death, and Enoch's encounters with fallen angels. Because its diverse theological teachings represent societal attitudes spanning several centuries, questions arise regarding the Book's validity and authorship.

Why did Enoch get taken away?

It's unclear exactly why Enoch received this preferential treatment. However, according to Hebrews 11:5, he had pleased God. It states, "By faith, Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God".

Why was the Book of Enoch removed from the Bible?

Scholars question the authenticity of the Book of Enoch. Some argue that Enoch wrote it, while others believe other authors altered it, including a Jewish Christian in the second century AD.

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Why stay away from the Book of Enoch? There is a great deal to be written about it and how it differs significantly from the other books of the Bible. It clearly contradicts the other scriptures, with everything from devils confessing their misdeeds to the foundation of Heaven.

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Isaac Wangethi avatar

Isaac Wangethi (Lifestyle writer) Isaac Wangethi has been a content writer at Legit since September 2021. He has gained valuable experience working on various projects, such as celebrity biographies, lifestyle, news and many more. Isaac won the Writer of the Year Award on Legit in 2023. He earned a Bsc. of Science in Information Technology in 2017 from the University of Nairobi and a Higher Diploma in Computer Software Engineering from Gretsa University in 2021. In 2023, Isaac finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In March 2024, he completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: Wangethin@gmail.com