Introduction Discussion Questions
1. Why Study James
Sorting the Bible Experiential Activity
- Are some books of the Bible more familiar than others?
- Why are some more familiar?
- Are some more books more important than others?
- Are Paul’s letters more important (or useful, understandable)
than other’s letters?
- Why might we study some of the less familiar texts?
The Letter of James in History
- Did you know the controversy about James and other books and
our New Testament?
- Do you think that we have the “right” books in the
New Testament?
- Do you think that Luther thought that James message was wrong?
How about John Wesley?
- What do you think is your local Church’s opinion of the
Letter of James?
- Is it OK if James and Paul disagree? What does that mean to
our faith?
The Letter of James Today
- Did you know these texts were in the Bible?
- Why do you think they aren’t included in Worship?
- Does your church read an epistle every week? Why or why not?
- How do you think the lectionary affects what you know about
the Bible?
The Scandal of James
- Do you think of your congregation as a wealthy one in your
community?
- Is it wealthy compared to others in the United States? In the
world?
- Do you think that wealth affects how we read the scriptures?
- Can you remember the last time that your church read James in
Worship or in Bible Study?
Large Group Reflection
- Which reason for studying James surprised you most?
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