I’ve mainly focused on 1 Enoch, though I’ve also looked into parts of 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch for comparison. My interest wasn’t really about defending every detail in them as scripture, but more about the themes they carry — especially the idea of God dealing directly with individuals through His chosen messengers in different ages. I’ve read different translations online over time, so I wouldn’t say I’m attached to one specific publisher or translator.
And yeah, I actually agree with part of what you’re saying. The NT definitely teaches direct access to God through Christ, and I’m not denying that churches can have a rightful role. My point is more that history shows institutions can drift from the original revelation over time. Even in the Bible itself, most prophets were rejected by the religious systems of their day before later generations accepted them. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Elijah, even Jesus Himself challenged established authority structures when they became disconnected from truth.
I also agree that every claimed revelation should be tested. That’s important. False prophets and cults are real dangers. But at the same time, scripture also shows that God has never stopped dealing with individuals personally. Almost every major move in scripture started with one person hearing from God before a system formed around it later.
So for me, the value of Enoch is less about replacing scripture or the church, and more about reminding people that God is bigger than institutions, and that personal responsibility before God matters too.
I’ve mainly focused on 1 Enoch, though I’ve also looked into parts of 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch for comparison. My interest wasn’t really about defending every detail in them as scripture, but more about the themes they carry — especially the idea of God dealing directly with individuals through His chosen messengers in different ages. I’ve read different translations online over time, so I wouldn’t say I’m attached to one specific publisher or translator.
And yeah, I actually agree with part of what you’re saying. The NT definitely teaches direct access to God through Christ, and I’m not denying that churches can have a rightful role. My point is more that history shows institutions can drift from the original revelation over time. Even in the Bible itself, most prophets were rejected by the religious systems of their day before later generations accepted them. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Elijah, even Jesus Himself challenged established authority structures when they became disconnected from truth.
I also agree that every claimed revelation should be tested. That’s important. False prophets and cults are real dangers. But at the same time, scripture also shows that God has never stopped dealing with individuals personally. Almost every major move in scripture started with one person hearing from God before a system formed around it later.
So for me, the value of Enoch is less about replacing scripture or the church, and more about reminding people that God is bigger than institutions, and that personal responsibility before God matters too.