This Is Why The Book of Enoch Got Banned

The Book of Enoch, an ancient and mysterious text, has intrigued scholars, theologians, and seekers for centuries. It’s a book filled with visions of heaven, accounts of angelic beings, and prophecies that stretch into the end of time. Though not part of the canonical Bible for most Christian traditions, the Book of Enoch offers a profound glimpse into early Jewish and Christian thought. But what secrets does this book hold, and why has it sparked such fascination?

1. What is the Book of Enoch?

The Book of Enoch, often referred to as 1 Enoch, is an ancient Jewish text that dates back as early as the 3rd century BCE. Though it was once widely regarded among early Jewish and Christian communities, it eventually fell out of favor and is not included in the canonical Bible, except in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which considers it part of their scriptural tradition.

This enigmatic book is attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, who, according to Genesis, "walked with God" and was taken up into heaven without experiencing death. The Book of Enoch elaborates on his heavenly journey, describing cosmic mysteries and divine revelations that remain hidden in most other biblical texts.

2. The Fallen Angels and Their Secrets

One of the most dramatic and intriguing parts of the Book of Enoch is the account of the fallen angels, also known as the Watchers. According to the text, these angels descended to earth, lusted after human women, and took them as wives, fathering a race of giants known as the Nephilim. This sin is said to have played a role in the corruption of humanity, leading to the great flood in the time of Noah.

The Watchers not only transgressed their divine roles by marrying human women, but they also revealed forbidden knowledge to mankind. They taught humans various arts and sciences, including:

• Astrology and the secrets of the heavens,
• Weapon-making, leading to violence and warfare,
• Cosmetic arts and vanity, which, according to the book, led to moral decay.

This theme of forbidden knowledge is central to the Book of Enoch, suggesting that certain divine secrets, when misused, can lead to disaster. The fate of the Watchers—chained in darkness until the final judgment—serves as a stern warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God’s order.

3. Enoch’s Heavenly Journey

The Book of Enoch describes in vivid detail Enoch's journey into the heavens, where he encounters angelic beings, celestial realms, and visions of the end times. This vision is one of the earliest and most elaborate descriptions of heaven in Jewish literature.

• The Heavenly Courts: Enoch is given access to the divine courts, where angels worship and serve God. He sees the angels who are responsible for natural elements like the winds and the stars. This suggests a highly structured celestial hierarchy, with angels governing different parts of creation.

• The Tree of Life: Enoch also encounters the Tree of Life, a symbol of eternal life, which is often associated with the Garden of Eden. This imagery connects Enoch’s revelations to broader biblical themes of life, death, and salvation.

• The Apocalypse: Enoch is shown a vision of the final judgment, where both humans and angels will face their destiny based on their deeds. The wicked, including the fallen angels, are condemned to eternal punishment, while the righteous are promised a place in the new, restored creation.

4. Messianic Prophecy

The Book of Enoch also contains one of the earliest references to the Messiah, a figure who will bring divine judgment and establish a righteous kingdom on earth. This messianic expectation is significant because it foreshadows the later development of Christian theology.

In 1 Enoch, the Messiah is referred to as the Son of Man, a title that Jesus frequently uses to describe Himself in the New Testament. This connection has led many scholars to suggest that early Christians were familiar with the Book of Enoch and that it influenced their understanding of the coming Messiah.

The messianic figure in the Book of Enoch is portrayed as both a judge and a savior, who will:

• Destroy the wicked and bind the fallen angels,
• Establish justice on earth,
• Vindicate the righteous, who will inherit eternal life.

This vision of the Messiah is both a warning to the wicked and a source of hope for the oppressed.

5. The Book’s Influence on Early Christianity

Though not included in the canonical Bible, the Book of Enoch had a profound influence on early Christianity. Several early Church Fathers, including Tertullian and Origen, considered it to be inspired scripture. Moreover, the book’s themes of cosmic judgment, angelic warfare, and messianic prophecy resonate throughout the New Testament.

• Jude’s Reference: The New Testament book of Jude directly quotes from 1 Enoch (Jude 1:14-15), showing that the book was well-known and respected in early Christian circles.
• Apocalyptic Themes: Many of the apocalyptic themes in Revelation—such as the final judgment, the punishment of the wicked, and the restoration of the righteous—bear similarities to the visions described in the Book of Enoch.

6. The Mystery of Enoch’s Translation

Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries of the Book of Enoch is Enoch’s own fate. Genesis 5:24 states that Enoch "walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." But the Book of Enoch elaborates on this cryptic statement, describing Enoch’s translation into heaven, where he is given a unique role as an intermediary between God and humanity.

Some traditions even suggest that Enoch never died but remains alive in heaven, awaiting the final fulfillment of God’s plan. This belief has led to numerous speculations about Enoch’s role in the future, with some seeing him as a prophetic figure who will return at the end of days.

7. The Book of Enoch’s Exclusion from the Canon

Despite its rich content and influence, the Book of Enoch was eventually excluded from the Jewish and Christian canons, except in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Why?

• Theological Concerns: Some scholars argue that the book’s detailed descriptions of angels and its apocalyptic visions were too speculative and did not align with mainstream Jewish and Christian theology.
• Authorship Doubts: There were doubts about whether the book was truly written by Enoch, or if it was a later pseudonymous work.
• Controversial Themes: The book’s themes of angelic rebellion and forbidden knowledge may have been seen as too controversial for inclusion in sacred scripture.

Conclusion

The Book of Enoch remains a fascinating and mysterious text, filled with apocalyptic visions, angelic tales, and deep theological insights. While it may not be part of the canonical Bible for most traditions, its influence on early Jewish and Christian thought is undeniable. The book’s secrets—its teachings on the fallen angels, the heavenly realms, and the final judgment—continue to captivate readers, inviting them to ponder the deeper mysteries of the divine.

For those interested in the hidden dimensions of biblical history, the Book of Enoch offers a compelling window into the cosmic drama that shapes the past, present, and future.