Abstract
James offers a “complete” Christian ethics by James W. McClendon's standard, skillfully interweaving concerns for the (1) body, (2) the social self, and (3) the new order, that together capture the essence of what it is to live life as a Christian. The first, bodily strand appears in James' concern for creature needs, acknowledgement of mortality, and awareness of human feelings, yearnings and psychological divisions. The second, social strand is evident in James' definition of religion; his confrontation of patterns of discrimination and neglect within congregations; his interest in speech and inter-personal wisdom; his demand for fair business practices; and interest in congregational practices that support community. The third, eschatological strand appears in James' conception of the new community as “first fruits of creation,” in the in-breaking of Kingdom values, in the expectation of rewards and the comfort provided by “the coming of the Lord.” Like McClendon's ethic, James' is rooted in an understanding of God and of how Christians relate to God. For James, God is the very model of integrity, whose values and acts (e.g., choosing the poor) set the standard for the beloved community.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
