Raymond Brown - Gospel of John

[Epistemes]

Raymond Brown was known as the preeminent scholar on the Gospel of John. He, of course, believed in the Johannine community - but, as I’ve heard stated elsewhere, he also vouched that the Gospel of John, even if written by a community, was based on direct teachings from the apostle himself.

I’m wondering if anybody here who may have read more Raymond Brown than myself might be able to point me in the right direction for finding any materials by Mr. Brown on this subject.

And, of course, if you know of anymore scholars who make similar claims and books on the subject then I’d love to hear about them.

 

[Manfred]

Raymond Brown was known as the preeminent scholar on the Gospel of John. He, of course, believed in the Johannine community - but, as I’ve heard stated elsewhere, he also vouched that the Gospel of John, even if written by a community, was based on direct teachings from the apostle himself.

I’m wondering if anybody here who may have read more Raymond Brown than myself might be able to point me in the right direction for finding any materials by Mr. Brown on this subject.

And, of course, if you know of anymore scholars who make similar claims and books on the subject then I’d love to hear about them.

I once read through a Fr. Brown work, “Biblical Exegesis and Church Doctrine”; but it was back in 1990, and I haven’t looked at it since. As I recall, it was not easy reading.

 

[Eileen_T]

Fr Brown’s theology is badly flawed and should, IMO, be avoided completely.

He maintained that the Bible may contain errors provided those errors do not pertain to salvation. He wrote that Jesus did not call himself God, nor did Christians until later in the 1st century.

He called many Catholic teachings into question.

Read this essay catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Dossier/Jan-Feb00/Article5.html

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Raymond Brown was known as the preeminent scholar on the Gospel of John. He, of course, believed in the Johannine community - but, as I’ve heard stated elsewhere, he also vouched that the Gospel of John, even if written by a community, was based on direct teachings from the apostle himself.

I’m wondering if anybody here who may have read more Raymond Brown than myself might be able to point me in the right direction for finding any materials by Mr. Brown on this subject.

And, of course, if you know of anymore scholars who make similar claims and books on the subject then I’d love to hear about them.

Try:​

• www.amazon.com/Community-Beloved-Disciple-Raymond-Brown/dp/0809121743
• bibletexts.com/terms/bd.htm
  “The Death of the Messiah” has some discussion of this subject, though not much. “The Community of the Beloved Disciple” (which I’ve not read, BTW ) sounds like the book to read.

I’m not sure I would agree Father Brown was* that* pre-eminent (outstanding though he was) - don’t forget C.K. Barrett, Rudolf Bultmann or Father John McHugh (who, like Father Brown, was a member of the PBC )

Hope that helps.

 

[Epistemes]

Fr Brown’s theology is badly flawed and should, IMO, be avoided completely.

He maintained that the Bible may contain errors provided those errors do not pertain to salvation. He wrote that Jesus did not call himself God, nor did Christians until later in the 1st century.

He called many Catholic teachings into question.

Read this essay catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Dossier/Jan-Feb00/Article5.html

I’m quite familiar with Raymond Brown’s stance on a number of issues. I don’t agree with all of them, but to say they don’t cause me to think would be a lie. After reading his Introduction to the New Testament, I find that I quote or paraphrase him quite a bit on certain issues…mostly in support of Catholic doctrine, etc.

I also own the New Jerome Biblical Commentary, which I find to be well worth the money.

To say Raymond Brown hasn’t said things which unnerve me would also be a lie - but I recognize him as one man amongst a multitude. He’s a scholar with opinions - and I intend on treating him as such.

If modern Biblical scholarship is going to be suggesting that the Apostle John did not write the Gospel, then Raymond Brown’s assertion that the tradition underlying the Gospel is from John should be considered a blessing.

 

[mdgspencer]

His earlier writings were good, and I find his 2 volume commentary on the Gospel of Saint John very admirable. Later in life I know his writings betray questionable beliefs.(I can’t speak of his views later on with any authority, since naturally I haven’t taken the time to thoroughly read his later writings.) I presume that he is one of those theologians who has been enmeshed in too great a desire for reputation.