James
James' letter appears to have been written at a time near the close of the first century. The letter is traditionally attributed to James, who was the brother of Jesus, but the contents of the letter raise some doubts if this James is the real author, for the letter contains a conception of religion quite different from the one that James, who later was the head of the Jerusalem council, supported. Perhaps, then, the letter was written by yet another James, who had a message that he regarded as appropriate for the churches of his time.
Paul emphasized the importance of faith as the means of salvation and disparaged those who believed that salvation could be obtained by obedience to the laws of God. Many interpreters of Paul's comments understood his message to mean that nothing matters so long as a person believes that Jesus is the Christ. The Law was no longer binding, and Christians could follow their own inclinations in matters of conduct. To correct this notion, the letter of James was written.
The author defines "pure and faultless" religion strictly in terms of ethical conduct. As he sees it, the actions of individuals are far more important than the mere content of their intellectual beliefs. He insists that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Furthermore, the standard of goodness is obedience to the laws of God. In obeying what the author calls "the perfect law that gives freedom," individuals gain their true freedom. Anyone who breaks one of the commandments is guilty of all. However, evidently the writer has the moral rather than the ritualistic commandments in mind, for he sees no virtue in mere formalism. Helping the poor and the needy and maintaining a humble attitude exemplify the Christian religion. The writer also has much to say about the harm that may arise from gossip and careless use of the tongue. The rich, too, are severely criticized for hoarding their wealth instead of using it to meet the needs of their fellow humans. The letter ends rather abruptly but emphasizes the type of ethical conduct that should always characterize the life of a true Christian.
