Interview With Rev. Joseph A. Fitzmyer

Given the great interest I have in Pauline studies, I recently corresponded with one of the foremost Pauline scholars of the 20th century. Joseph A. Fitzmyer, widely known for his commentary on Paul's Epistle to the Romans in the Anchor Bible Commentary Series, a Jesuit Priest, and a scholar par excellence in the field of the New Testament, agreed to answer a few questions for View Of The Other World.

Seth Odom: There are many fields for a man to choose in the area of Biblical Studies, and while you have not written exclusively on Pauline literature, why have you chosen to spend so much time on the life and thought of the Apostle Paul?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: I have spent much time in studying the Pauline writiings because they are in themselves so rich. They are a reflection of the meaning of the life of Jesus of Nazareth that comes to us from a period prior to any of the gospel narratives. That is true at least of the uncontested letters.

Seth Odom: As a Pauline scholar, what do you think of Pauline studies right now in the 21st century? Do you think they are in a healthy state right now or in a state of decline?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: It is difficult to answer your second question (the present state of Pauline studies): I see no reason to speak of Pauline studies being "in a state of decline."

Seth Odom: The so-called New Perspective on Paul has gained a lot of steam over recent years. Do you think that the NPP has moved Pauline studies forward or caused it to take a few steps back?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: I do not think that the NPP has moved Pauline studies forward in any sense. It is simply an unconvincing aspect of Pauline interpretation that has attracted some students.

Seth Odom: What do you think has been so attractive about the New Perspective on Paul among many seminary students and serious Bible students in general?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: I do not know whay the NPP has been as attractive as it indeed has been.

Seth Odom: In your commentary on Romans you not only quoted from Catholic scholars but from scholars in the Protestant tradition as well, such as C.E.B. Cranfield. What are some specific things that you have learned from Protestant thinkers that have shaped the way you understand the Bible?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: I usually quote from any commentator who seems to have caught the genuine sense of a Pauline phrase. What I am driving at here is the interpretation of a biblical text according to the historical-critical method. That may surprise you, given the often-found criticism of that method, but I maintain that that method is the only method that enables a modern interpreter to arrive at the genuine sense of the written text. If I find that being used by a Protestant interpreter, fine; then I quote him/her.

Seth Odom: You have played a part in the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, an ecumenical endeavor to try to unite Christians worldwide specifically on this precious doctrine. What are some things that Protestant Christians can know from a Catholic about your view on the doctrine of Justification? In your eyes, are Protestants and Catholics that far apart on each one’s understanding of Justification?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: As for JDDJ, I did have a hand in the composition of that document. The late J. Reumann (a NT scholar) was then on the National Dialogue of Catholics and Lutherans, and we were asked to come to Wurzburg in Germany to correct the text that had been composed in Rome and Geneva with no biblical scholars as part of the team. When the text was sent out, its biblical section was severly criticized by theologians in Europe; so we were brought in to remedy the situation. -- As for the differences between RCs and Lutherans in understanding Justification, there should not be any, and I think that the document speaks for itself in this regard.

Seth Odom: What are some things that people can know, not just about your scholarly life, but about the Christian man Joseph A. Fitzmyer?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: As for me, I am surprised that you ask. My answer: I am a Jesuit priest, almost 90 years old, a member of the Jesuit commmunity here at Georgetown University. Having taught NT for many years in a Jesuit seminary (Woodstock College, Woodstock Maryland), then at Fordham University, and the Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) until my retirement.

Seth Odom: What writing projects are you currently working on?

Joseph A. Fitzmyer: The longterm project that occupies me at present is a collection of the Aramaic texts from among the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Seth Odom: Thank you Reverend Fitzmyer for answering some questions of great interest to many readers.

For those interested in becoming more familiar with Rev. Fitzmyer's work. You can see a list of bibliography at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Fitzmyer