Glossary of Terms: Term definition

Old Testament

The thirty-nine books of the pre-Christian era considered authoritative and canonical by most Protestant churches. Article V of the United Methodist Articles of Religion specifically lists these thirty-nine books. This was done to make clear that other books, such as Apocrypha, were not to be considered part of the Scriptures. The historical positon of the Christian church and of United Methodism is that both the Old and New Testaments serve as sources of primary guidance for our faith.


Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by permission.

• Apocrypha
• canon