The Book of James: A Controversial Book

James began as one of the most controversial books to make it into the New Testament; even Martin Luther was opposed to its canonization due to it lack of anything evangelical and his belief that it was not of apostolic authorship. Despite this controversy James is now one of the most important books for young Christians trying to develop their faith and become more like Christ.

James was written by a James, although it is not known definitely which James actually wrote it. Among the possibilities is James the son of Zebedee (brother of John), James the son of Alphaeus, and James the brother of Jesus. Of these three possibilities two can be connected to the book of James: James the brother of Jesus and James the son of Zebedee. Although James the son of Zebedee has been connected with this book he was the first apostle to be martyred, making his authorship unlikely. This leaves James the brother of Jesus, who although was labeled as an enemy of Jesus in John 7:5 ("For even his brothers did not believe in him"); is seen as the leader of the church in Jerusalem during Acts. From this evidence, James the brother of Jesus is most likely the author of this book.

James was probably written in A.D. 61 or 62 to Christians scattered throughout the world due to widespread persecution and difficulties. James is "The Christian Walk for Dummies" of the time and helped young Christians who had lost everything for their faith to live a Christian life.

James begins with a section on Trials and Temptations in 1:2-18. He tells these young Christians that whenever they face trials they should rejoice and persevere, for they will be rewarded; if someone lacks wisdom if he asks without doubt God will give it to him, and that trials and temptations come from their own evil desires not from God, He only gives us blessings.

The next major teaching is in 1:19-26 where James talks about Listening and Doing. He teaches that instead of closing our ears to correction we need to fix whatever we are doing wrong instead of defending our actions. He also tells us that merely believing won't get us anywhere; we need to back up our religion with actions.

James then goes on to tell us in 2:1-13 that we should not judge others for two reasons. The first reason is that God sees everyone as equals in his eyes and we shouldn't put anyone before another person because of class or wealth. The next reason is that everyone is guilty of breaking the law, all laws are equal so everyone is equally guilty; those who show no mercy to others will be judged harshly.

The next major truth in James is that faith without deeds is worthless (2:14-26). James goes on to say that merely believing something won't change anything, you need to combine your faith and your deeds to be justified.

This is one of the most well-known teachings parts of James; the taming of our tongues (3:1-13). James tells us that if a man can control what he says he is perfect and is in total control of himself, although James says that no one can ever be in complete control of his speech we should always try. James also says that it is impossible to be two-faced; if we say wrong things sometimes eventually we will say wrong things all the time.

The next section in James is short (3:13-18) but very important. It talks about the difference between good and evil wisdom. Good wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Evil wisdom comes from Satan and harbors bitter envy and selfish ambition within our hearts.

The next teaching in James is submission to God (4:1-12). James says that all conflict comes from a lust for more, we cannot love God and the world at the same time, if we resist the devil he will flee from us, if we submit ourselves to God he will bless us, and that we should not slander or judge one another.

A very important teaching in James is that tomorrow isn't definite (4:13-17). We should not act as if we can just postpone things till tomorrow because it is up to God to decide whether we live or die, we might never live to see tomorrow. The next teaching is short so I'll combine it with this one; in 5:1-6 James warns those who have cheated others in order to gain their own wealth that they will be punished by God.

The last thing James teaches us is patience during suffering (5:7-20). James says we need to persevere and be patient during our suffering and we will be blessed. We also need to avoid swearing as this will not change anything. Instead of swearing we need to pray faithfully as God will answer earnest prayer with right motives. Even if we stray from God we can always be forgiven by him.

Since James was written to help young Christians live righteously almost everything can be applied to our own lives without as much thought about the meaning of each verse. Oftentimes James gives us what is wrong and whether to avoid it or if we are to replace it with something better.

James 2:14 says "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" This may seem to conflict with what Paul is saying in Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." While it may seem to conflict with what Paul is saying in reality it completes Paul's thought. True faith is followed by deeds, although some people might do good works to simply do them and look good a person with true faith in Jesus will want to do good deeds and help others in order to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

Although James had controversial beginnings, James holds many truths vital to young Christian and teaches them in such a straightforward way that no one can question the helpfulness of James to the young believer. If you ever need guidance on how to live a Christian life, James is a great place to begin.