When we read about Enoch, we learn that he was 'seven generations from Adam' and the great-grandfather of Noah (ever heard of the ark?) What I didn't realize is that there is an entire Book of Enoch, considered apocrypha because biblical scholars do not actually believe that it was written by Enoch [1]. And what is written in the Book of Enoch?
"The Book of Enoch, written during the second century B.C.E., is one of the most important non-canonical apocryphal works, and probably had a huge influence on early Christian, particularly Gnostic, beliefs. Filled with hallucinatory visions of heaven and hell, angels and devils, Enoch introduced concepts such as fallen angels, the appearance of a Messiah, Resurrection, a Final Judgement, and a Heavenly Kingdom on Earth. Interspersed with this material are quasi-scientific digressions on calendrical systems, geography, cosmology, astronomy, and meteorology." [2].
If you follow link #2, you can read the entire book online. Some biblical authors argue that the Book of Enoch is strictly heresy, not having been written by Enoch and therefore completely speculative. But there are interesting theories about what the book teaches, even one that claims extraterrestrials as figuring into biblical history [3]. The Book also seems to draw upon other ancient cultures that are not Christian or Jewish; this alone is enough for some to label it heresy.
Regardless of the Book itself, Enoch in the bible remains an intriguing character. People like the metaphorical idea of "walking with God" in the way that Enoch did; they find it to be a comforting way to see spiritual faith [4]. Enoch seems to embody the way a man should live his life in order to be loved dearly by God. It's too bad the bible gives no specific record of exactly how Enoch lived and attained his status.
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