Brant Pitre

Brant Pitre, born in 1975, is an American scholar specializing in the New Testament and the historical Jesus. He holds a distinguished research professorship at the Augustine Institute and has authored numerous books exploring topics such as the Gospels, the Virgin Mary, the Apostle Paul, and the origins of the Eucharist.

Pitre's academic background includes degrees from Louisiana State University, Tel Aviv University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Notre Dame, where he studied under notable figures like Amy-Jill Levine and Father John P. Meier. His scholarly career began with teaching positions at Loyola University New Orleans and Notre Dame Seminary, eventually leading to his current role at the Augustine Institute. He is an active member of professional organizations like the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association. Pitre's work often engages with and defends traditional Catholic doctrines, including transubstantiation and the perpetual virginity of Mary, and has received praise from various religious leaders and scholars.

Born in 1975, Brant Pitre earned a B.A. in Philosophy and English Literature from Louisiana State University in 1997. His subsequent biblical studies led to a Graduate Certificate in biblical archaeology from Tel Aviv University in 1998, a Master of Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 1999, and ultimately a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. During his doctoral studies, he benefited from the mentorship of Professor Amy-Jill Levine at Vanderbilt and Father John P. Meier at Notre Dame. Pitre's teaching career commenced as an assistant professor of theology at Loyola University New Orleans (2003-2005). He then held several adjunct and visiting professorships at Notre Dame Seminary and the University of Notre Dame (2005-2009) before becoming Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary (2009-2018). He currently serves as a Distinguished Research Professor of Scripture at the Augustine Institute. He is affiliated with the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

Brant Pitre's research primarily focuses on the historical Jesus, the origins of Christian beliefs, and key figures like the Virgin Mary and Paul the Apostle. His writings often delve into the Jewish context of early Christianity, exploring topics such as the Eucharist and the authorship of the canonical Gospels. Pitre's work consistently upholds traditional Catholic theological positions, including the dogma of transubstantiation, the perpetual virginity of Mary, the divinity of Jesus, and the traditional attribution of the Gospels. His scholarly contributions have been acknowledged and commended by various academics, including Dale Allison and Matthew Levering, who has described Pitre as a leading Catholic scholar on the historical Jesus and a significant Christian thinker of the 21st century. His books have also been praised by figures such as Bishop Robert Barron, and reviewers have noted his compelling arguments and deep knowledge of Second Temple Judaism.