Raymond E. Brown (1928 - 1998), a Sulpician priest, was Auburn Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary, New York. He was twice appointed a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, by Pope Paul VI in 1972 and by Pope John Paul II in 1996. He wrote extensively on the Bible and was known worldwide as an expert in Johannine literature.
In Roman Catholic circles the novelty of contemporary scripture interpretation has been grasped on a surface level. Clearly, to most scholars, the gospels were not written by eyewitnesses and are not necessarily literal accounts of Jesus' words. Scholars assert that the Bible is a diversified library and not necessarily all history, and that many of the dogmas of the church go beyond what the original biblical authors and audience would have thought. To some liberally minded Catholics these assertions lessen the authority of doctrine and free them to search out totally new positions while ignoring what has been traditionally taught. To some more conservatively minded Catholics, horrified by the possibility of doctrinal breakdown, the only answer is to reject contemporary biblical exegesis with its historical and critical components and to hold on stubbornly to past attitudes toward scripture as if such attitudes were themselves doctrine. This book argues that neither reaction has grasped the novelty of scripture interpretation at a depth level. Centrist Catholic New Testament interpretation, while firm in its historical approach to the scriptures, often detects lines of development that form an intelligible connective between the biblical period and the doctrines of the later church. Indeed the implications of such a centrist exegesis place the authority for doctrine where it has always been in genuine Catholic thought (as opposed to biblical fundamentalism): not in the book but in the church interpreting the book. As it faces new situations, the church under the guidance of the Spirit gains new insights into the revelation to which the Bible bears witness.
In this digest of his longer work, The Birth of the Messiah,Father Brown puts the adult Christ back into Christmas, treating the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke as the entire Gospel story in miniature.
At his sudden death in August 1998, Raymond E. Brown, S.S., was acknowledged internationally as one of the greatest New Testament scholars. Writings on the Gospel and Letters of John spanned his whole career. In tribute to his life and work, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland, hosted a conference in October 2003, "Life in Abundance." The conference did not focus directly on the work of Brown, but followed his lead in discussing the state of Johannine studies, the relation of John to first-century Judaism, and Johannine theology and issues of interpretation. This volume brings together presentations by scholars on these subjects.
What does it mean to be pilgrims in a confusing world? In this BST volume, Raymond Brown explores how the book of Numbers offers a picture of a better life. He shows how its message is eminently suited to our world today, a world without firm spiritual and moral foundations. We see how God provides for the basic needs of life: to be loved, to be free, to be certain.
On a rescue mission to the distant planet Earth in 1926, an alien scientist, Tashan Zho, is transported into the dying body of bootlegger Ryan Costello. Upon his death, Costello’s body is reanimated by the alien, and endowed with supernatural powers. Unfortunately, the body is so damaged from years of alcohol abuse that the alien’s memory and his vital files are corrupted. All that remains of his mission plan is one phrase: “Find the one called Mike Kelly.” Complicating matters, the alien soon discovers that Kelly is the leader of a criminal gang of World War veterans, who are battling mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond for control of the lucrative Canada/New York rum-running market. Upon recognizing Costello's enhanced abilities and physical strength, Kelly forces the alien into the mob. Since Kelly is his only chance of discovering and completing his mission, the alien agrees. Costello soon learns his crucial task - to free an alien child from the infamous Craig Colony before his home world dispatches its “rescue armada.” A force so massive that its mere entry into the Earth’s atmosphere would devastate the planet. The story, a mashup of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, is set in upstate New York during prohibition. The fictional characters interact with actual historical figures, including mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond, heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey, and World War heroine Edith Cavell.
In this insightful and readable revised commentary, Raymond Brown vividly sketches Nehemiah's historical and social setting and demonstrates the book's striking relevance for today, exploring Nehemiah's doctrine of God, passion for Scripture, experience of prayer, and example of leadership.
Father Brown reflects here not only on those annunciations of Jesus' forthcoming birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, but also on the beautiful canticles, the Magnificat and the Benedictus, and on the origins of Jesus as given in the first words of the New Testament.
No Old Testament book has exerted a greater influence on the formation of both Jewish and Christian thought and practice than Deuteronomy. When we read Deuteronomy today, we hear Moses address us as a future generation of the covenant people of God. In this BST volume, Raymond Brown guides Christians to hear and appreciate the timeless relevance of this ancient message.
The letter to the Hebrews brought a profound encouragement and appeal to its first-century readers: they must keep their eyes on Christ and remain anchored in the truth. In this revised BST volume, Raymond Brown guides readers passage by passage through Hebrews, exploring historical background, key themes, and applications for today.
A long-awaited abridgement of Raymond Brown's classic and best-selling introduction to the New Testament Since its publication in 1997, Raymond Brown's Introduction to the New Testament has been widely embraced by modern readers seeking to understand the Christian Bible. Acknowledged as a paragon of New Testament studies in his lifetime, Brown was a gifted communicator who wrote with ease and clarity. Abridged by Marion Soards, who worked with Brown on the original text, this new, concise version maintains the essence and centrist interpretation of the original without tampering with Brown's perspective, insights, or conclusions. The biblical writings themselves remain the focus, but there are also chapters dealing with the nature, origin, and interpretation of the New Testament texts, as well as chapters concerning the political, social, religious, and philosophical world of antiquity. Furthermore, augmenting Brown's commentary on the New Testament itself are topics such as the Gospels' relationship to one another; the form and function of ancient letters; Paul's thought and life, along with his motivation, legacy, and theology; a reflection on the historical Jesus; and a survey of relevant Jewish and Christian writings. This comprehensive, reliable, and authoritative guidebook is now more accessible for novices, general readers, Bible study groups, ministers, scholars, and students alike.
The unique feature of this scholarly and very readable work is that it examines the way those persecuted responded to hardship: their faith, their worship, their perseverance. With marvellous warmth Raymond Brown shows us the spirituality of these men and women- spirituality centred on Jesus Christ and the Father's love, even in such times. 'Brown dives into the writings of those persecuted and demonstrates the rich theology that could only be written with such depth by those who lived in suffering and found God faithful and satisfying. I highly recommend this book to scholars as well as common sufferers looking for solace in God.' Larry Siekawitch, pastor and author of Balancing Head and Heart in Seventeenth Century Puritanism (Paternoster, 2012) 'At a time when Evangelicals interested in the study of spirituality often overlook the immense resources of their own antecedents, I hope that this book will help to redress the balance.' Timothy Grass, church historian, author and associate editor for the Ecclesiastical History Society
In these essays on the Gospel readings of the Ordinary Sundays, Fr. Raymond E. Brown seeks to fit the Sunday readings into an overall picture of each Gospel, showing how the Gospel shapes the narrative and its theological emphases.0
Father Brown completes his look at the great seasons of the liturgical year, making the rich insights of modern biblical exegesis conveniently available to all, with this volume for the season from Easter to Pentecost. During this season the Church reads consecutively from the Acts of the Apostles, recounting the external life of the Church after Pentecost. The accompanying readings from the Gospel according to John portray the internal life of Christian disciples and promise a coming Paraclete to be sent by the Father. Father Brown's title A Once-and-Coming Spiritsignifies these two great biblical sources that he reflects on. He shows how these readings speak to our time as we live out the external history of a visible Church while internally drawing life from Jesus as branches on the vine. His comments offer an opportunity to appreciate the intent of the season after Easter and to prepare ourselves for the intensified gift of the spirit at Pentecost.
In this book, Raymond E. Brown makes the rich insights of the modern biblical exegesis available for reflection during the Easter season by commenting on the Gospel stories of the risen Christ. (Adapted from back cover).
The last book of eminent Scripture scholar Raymond E. Brown, this work was published the day before his death in August, 1998. This book is a seven-day retreat with spiritual director John the Evangelist, author of the fourth Gospel. Through his artful appearance in the role of "translator" for John, Brown wove the evangelist's words into a week of prayer and deepening acquaintance, ending with a list of resources to help readers continue this relationship. Available now.
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul, discerning the thoughts of the heart." "So proclaims the Letter of the Hebrews. Yet for many persons biblical word of God is less a sharp sword than a crutch, supporting rather than piercing them. Interpreted as they have 'always' heard it, Scripture tells exactly what they want to hear. Modern critical investigation of the Bible can change that radically." Raymond E. Brown, a Catholic Sulpician priest who died 25 years ago on August 8, 1998, wrote the above words for the original edition of this book. He was convinced that modern, historical-critical study of the Bible as the word of God was neither a threat to the Christian faith nor a denial of its spiritual and theological dimensions. On the contrary, his goal was to demonstrate Scripture's profound impact on the life of the Church, leading to ongoing conversation in every era. "I consider Raymond Brown the greatest biblical scholar America has ever produced. This important new edition of The Critical Meaning of the Bible, expanded beautifully by Ron Witherup, illuminates the Bible's central truths critically and meaningfully." —Paul N. Anderson "In this book the eminent scholar Raymond Brown raised critical issues and perspectives that we are still engaging with today. Ronald Witherup's helpful preface and insightful addenda update this important volume." —Michael J. Gorman "Mapping recent shifts in the history of Catholic Biblical Scholarship warrants renewed attention to this important updated version of Raymond Brown's work. As Ronald Witherup writes in his fresh and insightful preface, these issues are still current today." —Gina-Hens-Piazza
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What is the best way of getting interested in Bible reading? Why not start with the passages that the Church reads to us in the seasons dedicated to the great events in the life of Christ: Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter? That would truly be Reading the Gospels with the Church. This book with its reflections on the Gospels of these seasons offers a wonderful entry into appreciation of the Bible. And since many mainline Churches have the same Gospel readings on Sundays, it is a book that can serve all. Time magazine called Raymond E. Brown, "probably the premier Catholic Scripture scholar in the U.S." Brown wrote major books on those portions of the Gospels used by the Church in its most sacred seasons, and no surer guide can be found to their wealth. Best of all, he here digests his thought in the attractive syle employed in Catholic Update--a style aimed at enabling all to understand. This book is a fascinating introduction to the riches of the Gospels.
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