James on Justice (An Appeal for Classless Christianity) Intro Part 1

Check out the series of audio podcasts through the Book of James that I’m in the process of producing. Introduction Part 1 is only 16 minutes long and fills in some of my skeleton thoughts here. Thus all the “…”

In a nutshell, James is about how Classism and Christianity clash…

“Classism,” according to the dictionary, “is discrimination on the basis of social class or economic status.” It’s a system set up to benefit the upper class at the expense of the lower class. James saw it in the Church and by the Church, and he wasn’t having it…

“Classless Christianity” is the kind that treats everybody basically the same, where we preach and practice an egalitarian treatment of all humans (all divine image bearers), rich and poor, black and white, powerful and weak…

Most of us Bible fans would say the key to James is faith that works––“Don’t just say it, do it!” It’s true that he pulled no punches to make his point that a do nothing Christianity is no Christianity at all. But James had on his mind, a particular kind of good works that give evidence of saving faith. He hated theoretical faith but replaced it with something much more than theoretical works. He had some specific things in mind that demonstrate authentic Christianity, the kind that eschews classism…

Christians, just as prejudiced and bigoted along economic lines? “No way!” says James…

True religion looks after orphans and widows… You don’t get to show favoritism to the rich person over the poor at the church front door… If a brother or sister doesn’t have enough clothes or food and you do nothing about it, “What good is it?”… Some of you live in luxury and self-indulgence while some can’t even get a decent wage for their day’s labor…

James is bold to speak to the powerful rich and the vulnerable poor, to the corporate kings of Wall Street and those who live on the street. He tells us that the only brand of Christianity that God accepts clashes with cultural classism…

Check out the podcast…

BTW, I’m writing a book on evangelism. If you have any input for me, I’m all ears! And if you haven’t read my memoir, the profits of which benefit Freedom House, what are you waitin’ for?