The New Jerome Biblical Commentary

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View books by Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, Roland E. Murphy.

DO NOT accept any commentary that attributes error to Sacred Scriptures - Rated
Although a comprehensive and readable commentary there is a fatal flaw in which the late Raymond Brown cleverly attacks the Bible's inerrancy.
On page 1169, section 72:14 the NJBC leaves out a crucial part of a sentence from Dei Verbum when it states:

'On inerrancy Vatican II made an important qualification as our italics indicate: 'The Books of Scripture must be acknowledged as teaching firmly, faithfully, and without error "that truth which God wanted put into the sacred writings for the sake of our salvation" '.

However the full sentence from $11 of Dei Verbum begins:

'Therefore since everything asserted by the inspired authors or sacred writers must be held to be asserted by the Holy Spirit, it follows that...the Books of Scripture...etc....'

The NJBC then argues against the Church teaching it just omitted: 'Some have tried to interpret ["the phrase in double quotes"] to cover everything the human author expressed; but pre-voting shows an awareness of errors in the Bible'

BUT that's EXACTLY what the omitted passage says: "everything asserted by the human authors or sacred writers is asserted by the Holy Spirit!"

And, of course pre-voting debates are utterly irrelevant. What matters is what the FINALLY APPROVED document teaches. The NJBC doesn't tell the reader that the "some" who interpret this passage to "cover everything asserted by the inspired authors" are the Holy Father and the bishops in union with him.

How, then, can the NJBC editors act as their own censors? Instead of submitting their work to objective scholars, they gave themselves a nihil obstat, officially declaring their own work to be free of errors in doctrine or morals.

Not liberal Slop but honest scholarship - Rated
This is a book that should not be ignored as we investigate and interpret Holy Scripture. The Church of Christ is facing real challenges today and these callenges will not be overcome by sinking our heads into the sands of irrational fundementalism.

If you can't afford a new copy buy a copy second hand and open up a collection of some of the finest thinking from modern, spirit filled, Christians.

A wonderful resource for theologians. - Rated
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary: Student Edition has been a wonderful resource, that I have been able to use for my undergraduate theology essays and has also been a great aid for me when I have prepared sermons for the college Prayer Group. It is the second book that I use after the bible!! It is clear and easy to follow and a amazing resource edited by three top theologians.

A very good quality single volume bible commentary. - Rated
St Jerome said "Igonorane to the bible is like ignorance to Christ", therefore the Catholic church has either set it's self up for a big fall (if the book leaves the reader igonorant)or been very clever in the naming of this book.

I feel the latter is true as the book gives the reader a wealth of information from many sources. It is clear, precise, easy to navigate and is a very interesting read.

liberal slop - Rated
The work is from a bunch of liberals. Most any other commenary surpasses it. Of note is their accusation that Luke was in error in Luke 2:1. These liberal Humanists in clerical dress are the ones in error. Don't waste ten cents on the work.