The Community of the Beloved Disciple: The Life, Loves and Hates of an Individual Church in New Testament Times (Paperback)

~ Raymond E. Brown (Author) "In Appendix I below I shall digest five different reconstructions of Johannine history offered by scholars in the last three years..." (more)
Key Phrases: higher christology, final eschatology, named disciples, Beloved Disciple, Johannine Christians, Jewish Christians (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The life, loves and hates of an individual church in New Testament times. Considers the life and writings of St. John.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 1, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809121743
• ISBN-13: 978-0809121748
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #230,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After Twenty Years, Still an Important Work!, August 5, 2000

By	Dr. JOHN SWITZER (Spring Hill College --The Jesuit College of the South - Mobile, Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Have you ever purchased a book that seemed promising in regard to helping you understand the Bible, but when it came it was either far too simplistic or just over your head? For most readers, this book provides insight and commentary that will avoid both pitfalls.

Using the uncommon characteristics of the Fourth Gospel, Raymond Brown laid out in this readable volume his theories of why this account of the gospel is so unique. With accompanying charts that lay out the various groups which may have composed the "Community of the Beloved Disciple," Brown makes his theory especially easy to grasp.

Losing Raymond Brown was a great loss for the entire Christian Church. Having heard him speak in person and having read many of his works, I strongly urge this particular volume upon you if you have an interest in the Fourth Gospel.

45 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brown is big, January 13, 2000

By	J. C. Woods "silvannus" (Malden, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In 1965 Father Brown published his great magisterial two volume commentary on the Gospel of John in which he advocated the traditional view the John the son of Zebedee was the evangelist. In 1965 J. Louis Martyn published his monumental work "History and Theology in the Fourth Gospel," wherein he proved, once and for all, that John the son of Zebedee could not be the evangelist. Now what would be Brown's reaction? This is it. He simply admitted that he was wrong and builds on Martyn's work in this marvelous book. Hopefully you can also read Martyn's book with this one, but this one alone will give you a glimpse into a first century religious community.

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for a study of the Fourth Gospel!, July 14, 1999

By A Customer

The late Raymond E. Brown (1928-1998) is renowned worldwide by many biblical scholars as THE foremost authority on the Johannine Literature in the New Testament. This book is a "must read" for anyone doing serious research on the Gospel of John. If you are beginning a study of the Fourth Gospel I highly recommend that you buy this book. I also suggest that you read Joseph Grassi's THE SECRET IDENTITY OF THE BELOVED DISCIPLE.