James

Learning from the book of James this month... considering how in this book from the New Testament the emphasis on proving one's faith (1:3, 1:12) appears contradictory to other teachings in the Bible and why even people like the great Martin Luther at one point considered the book useless.

What I have learned so far... this book is written by James the Just, the oldest child of Joseph and Mary, brother of the Lord (Mark 6:3)... not to be confused with James the Less, son of Alphaeus and Mary (Mark 15:40 and John 19:25) nor James, son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John (Matthew 27:56 and Mark 15:40 ). The book is one of the earlier written books of the New Testament, though placed close to the end. It addresses those who already claim to have salvation through Jesus Christ. It is about proving and perfecting one's faith... living a reality that goes beyond a profession of faith. It is about how one's daily actions, words, and character reflect one's faith and spiritual life. If one professes and even possesses great faith, should it not naturally be translated into one's actions?

Insights?