In this fascinating book John Keenan offers a classical commentary on the New Testament Letter of James, section by section, informed by a thorough study of contemporary Jamesian scholarship. His approach is unique in theat it employs Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy as the interpretive lens to focus on this early Christian text. The author argues that the first chapter of James' letter presents wisdom as non-discriminative, in a manner very similar to Mahayana Buddhist teaching on wisdom. And James' insistence upon deeds of compasssion and justice recommends a notion of Christian practice that is quite close to the Mahayana ideal of Bodhisattva engagement in the world. Because of these areas of resonance, James in particularly amenable to a Mahayana reading-a reading that enables us to elicit fresh insights from the text.

In The Wisdom of Crowds, New Yorker columnist, Surowiecki, explores the question of whether the many are better than an elite few – no matter their qualifications – at solving problems, promoting innovation and making wise decisions. Surowiecki’s text uses multiple case studies and touches on the arenas of pop culture, sociology, business management and behavioural economics among others. Surowiecki’s is a fascinating text that is key to considerations and theorisations about economics, politics and sociology.

By paying attention to passages in the New Testament where "James, the brother of the Lord" or "James, the Righteous One", or simple "James the Just" appears (directly or indirectly), this study illustrates James' role within the early Christian movement. It shows the richness and diversity of early Christianity and how it defined itself in relationship to its roots in Judaism and ever-increasing number of believers who joined the movement from the wider Greek and Roman worlds.

Richard Bauckham explores the historical and literary contexts of the Epistle of James, discussing the significance of James as the brother of Jesus and leader of the early Jerusalem church. He gives special attention to the aphorisms which encapsulate James' wisdom, and to the way that James' teaching closely resembles that of Jesus.

Dan McCartney, a highly regarded New Testament scholar and an expert on biblical interpretation, offers a substantive yet accessible commentary on James in this latest addition to the award-winning BECNT series. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, McCartney leads readers through all aspects of the book of James--sociological, historical, and theological--to help them better understand its meaning and relevance. As with all BECNT volumes, this commentary features the author's detailed interaction with the Greek text and an acclaimed, user-friendly design. It admirably achieves the dual aims of the series--academic sophistication with pastoral sensitivity and accessibility.

"With updated bibliography"--Copyright page.

In his commentary on the letter of James, Hartin offers a unique approach toward understanding a much-neglected writing. Refusing to read the letter of James through the lens of Paul, Hartin approaches the letter in its own right. He takes seriously the address to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" (1:1) as directed to Jews who had embraced the message of Jesus and were living outside their homeland, Israel. At the same time, Hartin shows how this letter remains true to Jesus' heritage. Using recent studies on rhetorical culture, Hartin illustrates how James takes Jesus’ sayings and performs them again in his own way to speak to the hearers/readers of his own world. Hartin examines the text, passage by passage, while providing essential notes and an extensive explanation of the theological meaning of each passage. The value of this commentary lies in its breadth of scholarship and its empathic approach to this writing. The reader will discover new and refreshing insights into the world of early Christianity as well as a teaching that is of perennial significance.

In Life-study of James, Witness Lee emphasizes two key points related to the Epistle of James—first, that the believers must progress in practical Christian perfection, and second, that the believers must be careful not to cultivate such perfection without a clear vision concerning the law and grace of God in God's New Testament economy. In Life-study of First Peter, he describes the Christian life under the government of God with its high demand, and in Life-study of Second Peter, he details the divine provision that supplies the believers with all that they need to meet that high demand.

Christians wrestling to apply the teachings of Jesus to their everyday lives. Communities plagued by divisiveness and hypocrisy, with an emphasis on wealth and status. That’s the book of James ... and the story of our modern lives. A Youth Worker's Commentary on James has the entire NIV Biblical text printed alongside a deeply rich, yet readable, look into the meaning of this marvelous book. The book includes dozens of word studies, with fascinating historical accounts and personal stories, followed by a large section of thought provoking questions to get your students thinking and talking. Written for youth workers, ministry volunteers, and everyday people who want to probe deeper into the Book of James, youth workers will find it an invaluable aid for message and lesson preparation. Using this book to achieve a solid understanding of James, including its historical context, rationale, and meaning, youth workers will then apply this pertinent wisdom to the needs and issues they and their youth groups are working through. A Youth Worker's Commentary on James also includes bonus material and activities that make the passages come to life.