The Scandal of James
Elsa Tamez says:
“As we read the central message of James, though, we
wonder when a document that defends the oppressed from injustice
becomes irrelevant. For there have always been oppressed people.
Another of the objections to the letter is that there
is little mention of Jesus, or little Christology. But is it not
James who makes most mention of the sayings of Jesus? The Sermon
on the Mount appears almost in its entirety in the letter. Why should
we give importance to what is said about Jesus and not to what Jesus
said? (Tamez 3)
… This is a letter that is important for us
to recover and reread today. Notwithstanding all its difficulties,
the letter was not “intercepted”. It has survived thanks
to its defenders throughout Christian history and the Holy Spirit.
Today nobody doubts its authenticity as part of our canon.
Still, although it might seem strange, we can say
that the attempts at unconscious “interception” still
continue. For example (Tamez 4):
…b. James radical critique of the rich has contributed
to this “crafty theft” of the letter. I know of churches
where the letter is skipped over in the liturgies because there
are many rich members in the congregation, and it is very uncomfortable
to speak against them when they are sitting in the front seats…
(Tamez 5).
Elsa Tamez, The Scandalous Message of James: Faith Without
Works is Dead (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company,
1990). Study Guide by Pamela Sparr, 2002.
Discussion questions:
- 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?
|