James: An Introduction and Study Guide: Diaspora Rhetoric of a Friend of God

(Paperback)

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In this guide Margaret Aymer introduces the letter of James, countering arguments that it is of limited theological value and significance for early Christianity. Aymer focuses on James' theology of Gods divine singularity and immutability, and of Gods relationship to the community as father and benefactor. These are theological foundations for its emphasis on community actions of belief, humility and mutual care. Aymer introduces and examines the letter's stand against empire, not least in regard to wealth. Divine power is envisioned as an alternative power to that of the Romans, though in some respects it can seem equally brutal. Aymer concludes by focusing on those addressed by Jamess homily, the exiles in diaspora. Engaging the psychology of migration, she unpacks the migrant strategy underlying Jamess call to living unstained. Finally, Aymer encourages student to ask what it might mean now for twenty-first-century people to take seriously a separatist migrant discourse not only as an interesting ancient writing but as a scripture, a lens through which its readers can glimpse the possibilities for how lives are to be lived, and how contemporary worlds can be interpreted and engaged

Reviews

This introduction and study guide gives a fresh perspective on this ancient letter. Students and lay persons will find it usefula stimulating read * Neotestamentica *
[This volume] both offers a clear and balanced introduction to the Letter and makes a distinctive contribution ... A careful and yet powerful piece of scholarship. * The Catholic Herald *
Aymer makes the text come alive in its context [her] reading of James is thought-provoking. This volume will be an excellent addition to a textbook list for seminarians and graduate students, but it is also accessible to the pastor who wants to linger longer in the study of the Word. * Review of Biblical Literature *
Margaret Aymers primer orients readers to key critical debates concerning James, relying on recent scholars proposals about its structure and rhetoric. * The Christian Century *

Author Bio

Margaret Aymer is Associate Professor of New Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin Texas.