James Through the Centuries

This unique commentary on James by an outstanding New Testament specialist, provides a broad range of original perspectives of how people have interpreted, and been influenced by, this important epistle. The author explores a vast array of interpretations extending far beyond theological commentary, sermons, and hymns , which also embraces the epistle’s influences on literature, art, politics, and social theory. The work includes examples of how successive generations have portrayed the historical figure of James the Just, in both pictorial and textual form. Contextualizing his analysis with excerpts from key documents, including visual and artistic representations of James, the author reviews the dynamic interactions between the James and Jesus traditions and compares James’s epistle with those of Paul. The volume highlights James’s particular concern for the poor and marginalized, charting the many responses to this aspect of his legacy. Drawing on sources as varied as William Shakespeare, John Calvin, Charles Schultz’s Peanuts , and political cartoons, this is an exhaustive study of the theological and cultural debates sparked by the Epistle of James.

David B. Gowler is The Dr Lovick Pierce and Bishop George F. Pierce Chair of Religion at Oxford College, Emory University, USA.  He has published dozens of books, articles, book chapters, and book reviews, and since 1991 has served as co–editor of Emory Studies in Early Christianity .