Quote
the church, in general, was cessationist, then 'charismatic' books like the Shepherd would not have been so popular and widespread and often held in high regard by church leaders.
Oh yes, the great Mormon the Shepherd of Hermas. Heresies went from one congregation to another back then and had a hard time being stopped (i.e. limited communication and orthodox leadership). Moreover, we must remember that correct doctrine was in the process (1) of being developed (2) normally in response to heresies, and (3) took time to be discussed and disseminated (like a Presbyterian Church <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />). The Shepherd of Hermas was one of the most popular books produced in the early Church, and for a time it was frequently quoted and regarded as inspired. Irenaeus calls the Shepherd of Hermas 'scripture' in Adversus Haereses 4.20.2. Though Clement of Alexandria constantly quoted with reverence the Shepherd; yet he repeatedly apologizes, when he has occasion to quote it, on the ground that "many people despise it" (Wikipedia). In part it was popular because of the persecutions of the time and people were reaching out for whatever soothed them—the Left Behind series. Indeed, the church has always had those that have had “itching ears” (2 Tim 4:3). However, mass reading does not make correct doctrine (i.e. Catholic Theology, etc). And mass reading does not mean that every part of the book was read with the same intensity—most today rarely read the Old Testament—though, unlike the Shepherd, it is inspired!

Have you ever read the Introduction to the Shepherd? Like Pentecostalism today, for the Shepherd to be received the listeners were re-taught false doctrine, look: “But the tongues were ceasing, as the apostle foretold; and they who professed to speak by the Spirit were beginning to be doubted. “ Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live forever?" It was gratifying to the older men, and excited the curiosity of the young, when the reader stood up, and said, "Hear, then, the words of Hermas” [Translated by the Rev. F. Crombie, M.a.]. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/igiveup.gif" alt="" />

Reformed and Always Reforming,