James Through the Centuries

This unique reception history of the Epistle of James is a prominent addition to the Blackwell Bible Commentaries series. Written by an outstanding New Testament specialist, it chronicles the major theological, political, and aesthetic responses to the text over the centuries, and to James as a historical figure.
* Surveys the many theological, cultural, literary, political, and artistic uses of the Epistle of James, and the broader influence his letters have had throughout the ages
* Includes extensive excerpts offering vital historiographical context
* Examines James's impact on popular culture, including examples such as Charles Schulz's Peanuts
* Unearths a range of neglected writings and opens access to material not readily available elsewhere

This unique commentary on James by an outstanding New Testament specialist, provides a broad range of original perspectives of how people have interpreted, and been influenced by, this important epistle.The author explores a vast array of interpretations extending far beyond theological commentary, sermons, and hymns , which also embraces the epistles influences on literature, art, politics, and social theory. The work includes examples of how successive generations have portrayed the historical figure of James the Just, in both pictorial and textual form. Contextualizing his analysis with excerpts from key documents, including visual and artistic representations of James, the author reviews the dynamic interactions between the James and Jesus traditions and compares Jamess epistle with those of Paul. The volume highlights Jamess particular concern for the poor and marginalized, charting the many responses to this aspect of his legacy. Drawing on sources as varied as William Shakespeare, John Calvin, Charles Schultzs Peanuts, and political cartoons, this is an exhaustive study of the theological and cultural debates sparked by the Epistle of James.

This unique reception history of the Epistle of James is a prominent addition to the Blackwell Bible Commentaries series. Written by an outstanding New Testament specialist, it chronicles the major theological, political, and aesthetic responses to the text over the centuries, and to James as a historical figure. Surveys the many theological, cultural, literary, political, and artistic uses of the Epistle of James, and the broader influence his letters have had throughout the ages Includes extensive excerpts offering vital historiographical context Examines Jamess impact on popular culture, including examples such as Charles Schulzs Peanuts Unearths a range of neglected writings and opens access to material not readily available elsewhere