Why Does the Catholic Bible Have More Books? And Why Do Some People Think Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

The Catholic Bible contains 73 books, while the Protestant Bible has 66. This difference has sparked countless debates, theological discussions, and even a few heated arguments over coffee. But why does the Catholic Bible have more books? And while we’re at it, why do some people insist that pineapples belong on pizza? Let’s dive into the historical, theological, and cultural reasons behind these questions.

The Historical Context: The Canon of Scripture

The Catholic Bible includes additional books known as the Deuterocanonical books, which are not found in the Protestant Bible. These books, such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and parts of Esther and Daniel, were included in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used by early Christians. The Septuagint was widely accepted by the early Church and became the basis for the Old Testament in the Catholic tradition.

During the Reformation in the 16th century, Protestant reformers like Martin Luther questioned the inclusion of these books. Luther argued that they were not part of the Hebrew canon and therefore should not be considered Scripture. This led to the removal of these books from Protestant Bibles, though they are still included in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Theological Perspectives: Authority and Tradition

The Catholic Church places a strong emphasis on Sacred Tradition alongside Sacred Scripture. The Church believes that the Holy Spirit guided the early Church in determining the canon of Scripture, including the Deuterocanonical books. This decision was formalized at the Council of Trent in the 16th century, in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Protestants, on the other hand, often adhere to the principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), which emphasizes the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. This difference in theological approach explains why the Catholic Bible includes books that Protestants do not consider canonical.

Cultural and Linguistic Factors

The inclusion of the Deuterocanonical books also reflects the cultural and linguistic context of early Christianity. The Septuagint was the Bible of the early Church, used by Greek-speaking Jews and Christians. Its widespread use in the Mediterranean world made it a natural choice for the early Christian community.

In contrast, the Hebrew Bible, which excludes the Deuterocanonical books, was the standard for Jewish communities. The Protestant reformers’ preference for the Hebrew canon reflects their desire to return to what they saw as the original sources of Scripture.

Why Do Some People Think Pineapples Belong on Pizza?

Now, let’s address the second question: why do some people think pineapples belong on pizza? This divisive topic has its roots in cultural preferences and the human love for experimentation. The Hawaiian pizza, which features ham and pineapple, was invented in Canada in the 1960s. Its sweet and savory combination appeals to those who enjoy contrasting flavors.

Critics argue that fruit has no place on a pizza, while supporters praise the balance of flavors. Much like the debate over the canon of Scripture, the pineapple-on-pizza debate reflects broader cultural and personal preferences.

The Role of Personal Interpretation

Both the Catholic-Protestant Bible debate and the pineapple-on-pizza controversy highlight the role of personal interpretation. Just as individuals interpret Scripture differently based on their traditions and beliefs, people’s culinary preferences are shaped by their cultural backgrounds and personal tastes.

In the case of the Bible, the Catholic Church’s emphasis on tradition and authority contrasts with the Protestant focus on individual interpretation. Similarly, the pineapple-on-pizza debate shows how personal preferences can lead to passionate disagreements.

Conclusion: Unity in Diversity

While the Catholic Bible’s additional books and the pineapple-on-pizza debate may seem unrelated, they both illustrate the diversity of human thought and tradition. Whether it’s the canon of Scripture or the toppings on a pizza, these differences remind us of the richness of human culture and the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.

Q: Why are the Deuterocanonical books important to Catholics?
A: Catholics believe these books are inspired by God and provide valuable insights into faith, history, and morality. They are considered part of Sacred Scripture and are used in liturgy and teaching.

Q: Do other Christian traditions accept the Deuterocanonical books?
A: Yes, the Eastern Orthodox Church also includes these books in their Bible, though they may have slight variations in the canon.

Q: Why is the Hawaiian pizza so controversial?
A: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory toppings divides opinion. Some find it refreshing, while others believe it disrupts the traditional flavor profile of pizza.

Q: Can the Bible debates and pizza debates be compared?
A: While one is a theological matter and the other is culinary, both reflect how tradition, culture, and personal preference shape our beliefs and tastes.