“Early Christianity presents us with a wide diversity in attitudes towards the law. There were also many different Christologies circulating in different communities. The book of James presents one unique perspective. It seems to be written in the tradition of Jewish wisdom literature in its presentation of sayings and its concern for the poor. James also presents a view of works and faith that seems to oppose Pauline teaching. However, the terms “faith” and “works” function differently in Paul’s writings and in the book of James”

Dr. Dale B. Martin (1954-2023) was Professor of Religious Studies at Yale University, specialising in New Testament and Christian Origins. Dr Martin holds a BA from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a MA and a PhD from Yale University. Dr Martin grew up as a fundementalist Baptist, later in life he became a practicing episcopalian.