Decretum_Gelasianum Decretum_Gelasianum

Decretum Gelasianum - Definition and Overview

The so-called Decretum Gelasianum or Gelasian Decree was traditionally attributed to the prolific Pope Gelasius I, bishop of Rome 492 - 496. The Decretal exists on its own and also appended to a list of books of Scripture titled as attested as canonical by a council at Rome under Pope Damasus I, bishop of Rome 366 - 383. Since that contains a quotation from Augustine, writing about 416, it is evident that the title Incipit Concilium Vrbis Romae sub Damaso Papa de Explanatione Fidei, the so-called Damasine List, are of no historical value [1] (http://www.tertullian.org/articles/burkitt_gelasianum.htm).

The Decretal include a list of works adjudged apocryphal "by Pope Gelasius and seventy most erudite bishops." Though the ascriptions are generally agreed to be apocryphal themselves, except among the most traditional of apologists, this list de libris recipiendis et non recipiendis ("of books to be admitted and not to be admitted"), probably originating in the 6th century, represents a tradition that can be traced back to Pope Damasus and reflects Roman practice inm the development of the Biblical canon. The Decretum is in several parts: the second part is a canon catalogue, and the fifth part is a catalogue of the 'apocrypha' and other writings which are to be rejected. The canon catalogue gives all 27 books of the New Testament. (Parts 1, 3, and 4 are not relevant to the canon.)

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