Brown, one of the most eminent American Catholic interpreters of the New Testament, here takes up the important question of the relationship between historical-critical exegesis of scripture and the developed doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Much of the book is devoted to criticism of those who see too great a tension between the two, both liberals who want to reject church doctrine because of this tension, and conservatives who reject critical exegesis because of it. Brown's own view is that the literal sense of scripture does not conflict with church doctrine, though part of scripture or even scripture as a whole may be silent about a given matter. In such instances Roman Catholics must rely on the guidance of the church, not merely on scripture. A significant contribution to the discussion of this question.
The deliberations of the Second Vatican Council gave a strong I ecumenical directive to Roman Catholics. Trying to be faithful to that directive, Catholic interpreters of the Bible have applied their research in a way that would assist Christians to grow together in an appreciation of what God has given in His biblical word. Since both the biblical and the ecumenical concentrations are somewhat new on the Catholic scene, inevitably some have not easily comprehended or digested their import. Conscious of that, in recent years I have concentrated in lecturing and writing on traditional Catholic concerns, showing how contemporary scriptural research can enrich our doctrinal heritage rather than threaten it. It is encouraging that many other Catholic biblical scholars are engaged in the same positive endeavor.