The canon among the Palestinian Jews did not include these books. The Jewish historian Josephus declared that the Jewish scriptures were closed at the time of the Persian king, Artaxerxes (465-425 B.C.). Most of the early church fathers did not believe these books should be included in Scripture. The Catholic Encylopedia even states: "from the available data we may justly infer that, while the deuterocanonicals were admitted as sacred by the Alexandrian Jews, they possessed a lower degree of sanctity and authority than the longer accepted books." Why were they held in lesser esteem? These book include historical errors; these books contain unbiblical doctrines (for example, the worship of angels); they do not contain any predictive prophecy; and in general, while they contain information of historical value, they do not rise to the level of inspired Scripture. Nevertheless, the Council of Trent explicitly defined the canon to include these books. The Council also pronounced as anathema anyone who says that these books are not part of Scripture.

How it came about:

One of the cardinal doctrines of the Reformation was the sole authority of Scripture (the latin phrase "Sola Scriptura"). Since the Bible is inspired by God, it is infallible and inerrant, sufficient in all matters of faith and practice. Protestants hold the Bible as their authority. The Catholic Church insisted that the Pope and the Magisterium (infallible teachings) were the authority to whom the faithful must submit. The hierarchy of the Church alone could rightly interpret the Bible. The Catholic Church must decide what properly belongs in Scripture. The Church, by oral Tradition handed down by the original apostles, adds authoritative doctrines. And through apostolic succession, the Church is able to receive new revelation which adds to Tradition.

Its authority threatened and its doctrines challenged by the reformers, the Catholic Church took the offensive at the Council of Trent. The canonicity of the "deuterocanonical" books was formally approved, since these books supported the doctrines of the mass, purgatory, merit, praying to the saints, and the intercession of the saints.

Why it is wrong:

1) ...because the "deuterocanonical" books contain errors, bringing dishonor to God;

2) ...because these books contain unbiblical practices that promote false teaching;

3) ...because the Catholic Church believes that she determines Scripture, rather than discovers it;

4) ...because it is hypocritical of the Church to hold that Scripture is without error, while including books that have obvious historic errors and doctrinal contradictions.

Warnings from Scripture:

"All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

"I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book"
 Rev. 22:18

"You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deut. 4:2