Book of James

Interesting things happen when you Google "Book of James", looking for images to add some colour to your post. For some, that means the biblical Epistle of St. James, and there's some pretty creative introductory study guides and series based on it. For others, apparently, it means a James of a different kind. Let me say this: I'm a big fan of the Epistle of St. James, and for the record, Sir Sean Connery ("Bond. James Bond.") was the best 007 (imho).

During one of our online forum discussions at Resonate.ca, it occurred to me that perhaps the impetus behind much of the emerging church conversation is The Epistle of St. James, Chapter 2.

All talk of Detoxing from Church aside, is it possible that what we're seeing is a healthy reconsideration of the practical dynamics of James 2: not favouring the rich over the poor, mercy triumphing over judgment, and the interplay of faith and works?

If you listen to a lot of the reasons behind why people are disillusioned with their former church experiences (or dissatisfied with their current church), how much of that centres around faith not being in action? Bigger buildings and bigger budgets and bigger numbers, but nobody actually getting around to "doin' the stuff" of ministry to/with/among the poor, and actually living out their faith in their actions?

Let's forget about postmodernism and foundationalism and logo-centrism for a second, and just ponder: is it possible that all of this conversation is really just about re-discovering James 2, and trying to find like-minded individuals and small groups that just want to simplify things to the point where James 2 can be part of a church gathering's "blueprint" or "DNA"?

Thoughts?