Is it true there were 80 books in the Bible bit the Vatican reduced them to only 62? If so, are many of these missing books not available to the public and are locked in the Vatican? If so why not release them to the world?

 The Bible, a sacred text revered by millions, has indeed undergone variations in its composition over time. Let’s explore this topic:

1. Number of Books:

   • The Catholic Bible typically contains 73 books. These include the Old Testament (46 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
   • However, there are other versions of the Bible that include additional books. For instance:
     • The Common English Bible incorporates extra books from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, bringing the total to 80¹.
     • These additional books are often referred to as the Apocrypha or, more favorably, the Deuterocanonicals.
   • The Vatican itself provides access to the Holy Bible in various languages, including Chinese, English, Italian, Latin, and Spanish².

2. Historical Context:

   • In the early days, the Bible contained a total of 80 books. These included additional texts such as 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, and others.
   • However, during the Reformation and subsequent periods, there were debates about which books should be considered canonical (officially accepted as part of the Bible).
   • The Council of Trent (1545–1563), convened by the Catholic Church, reaffirmed the 73-book canon that is widely accepted today.

3. Availability and Access:

   • The missing books (such as those not included in the standard Protestant Bible) are not necessarily locked away in the Vatican.
   • Many of these texts are available in various forms, including ancient manuscripts, historical records, and scholarly publications.
   • Some of the Deuterocanonical books are included in the Catholic Bible and are accessible to the public.
   • However, certain texts, like the Gospel of Thomas or the Book of Enoch, are considered non-canonical by most Christian denominations and are not part of the standard Bible.
   • The Vatican’s Codex Vaticanus, an ancient manuscript, contains a significant portion of the Bible, including some of the Deuterocanonical books³.
   • The decision to include or exclude specific texts was influenced by theological considerations, historical context, and the consensus of religious authorities.

4. Reasons for Not Releasing All Texts:

   • The Vatican’s approach is rooted in theological tradition and doctrinal consistency.
   • While some texts are considered valuable for historical and scholarly purposes, they may not align with the core teachings of the Church.
   • The Vatican prioritizes the official canon for liturgical use and spiritual guidance.
   • Transparency and scholarly research are encouraged, but the focus remains on the essential message of the Bible.
   • The decision to release or withhold specific texts is a complex matter, balancing tradition, scholarship, and faith.

In summary, the Bible’s composition has evolved over time, and while some texts remain outside the standard canon, they are not necessarily hidden away. The Vatican continues to provide access to the Bible in various languages, emphasizing its spiritual significance and doctrinal integrity²¹⁴.