The latest edition of the Global South Theological Journal is devoted to ‘the Epistle of James and the Mission of God’.
The articles and their abstracts are as below, with individual essays available here.
In addition, those interested in James and/or missional readings of Scripture should also check out: Abeneazer G. Urga, Jessica A. Udall, and Edward L. Smither (eds.), Reading James Missiologically The Missionary Motive, Message, and Methods of James (Pasadena: William Carey Publishing, 2025).
Youdit Tariku Feyessa
The Wholeness of Life as Christian Mission: Reading the Epistle of James in Contemporary Ethiopia
This article explores the concept of "wholeness of life" in the Epistle of James, arguing that it is a foundational principle for Christian mission, encompassing terms like “completeness,” “perfection,” “integration,” and “maturity.” It draws parallels between James's teachings and the holistic mission advocated by Qes Gudina Tumsa, a prominent Ethiopian church leader. Tumsa emphasized a holistic ministry that addresses socio-political, cultural, and economic issues, urging the church to engage proactively in its mission. The article examines the significance of wholeness in James, Tumsa's holistic theology, and the relevance of these concepts for contemporary Ethiopia, which faces numerous challenges such as poverty, conflict, and religious extremism. It concludes that understanding and applying the notion of wholeness in Christian mission is crucial for addressing the complex issues in Ethiopian society today.
Phyllis D. Johnson
“Love Your Neighbor” as a Missionary Method in James’ Epistle
Phyllis D. Johnson's article, "Love Your Neighbor” as a Missionary Method in James’ Epistle, delves into the missional theology embedded in the book of James, particularly chapter 2. Johnson argues that a deeper hermeneutic reveals James’ emphasis on the Royal Law: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” derived from Leviticus 19:18 and reinforced by Jesus. This principle serves as a moral and ethical guide for believers, urging practical expressions of faith through compassionate actions. The article explores the broader biblical context of “neighbor,” extending beyond cultural and national boundaries. Johnson posits that James’ epistle calls the church to function as a missionary outpost, advocating for social justice and care for the marginalized. By integrating faith and works, James emphasizes the importance of living out kingdom principles, thereby fulfilling the Great Commission and reflecting God”s love to all humanity.
Melesse Woldetsadik
Walking the Talk: Jacobite Exhortation as a Missiological Method
A study of the Epistle of James reveals that true faith is expressed in obedience. The message of the letter, therefore, is not just a set of rules but a call to transformation, transcending the mere observance of rules. It is designed to shape a new community of disciples who embody a new way of life, a life that belongs to the new era established by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. This new life changes believers and enables them to radiate Christ's life to the world. The letter advocates for a life of faith expressed through obedience, providing practical biblical principles for living in a way that pleases God and fosters connections with others. The book is designed to inspire dispersed messianic communities to uphold God's moral and ethical standards in their daily lives and, in doing so, to experience the transformative power of Christ.
Abyot S. Gashute
Holiness and the Mission of God in the Epistle of James
James’s central critique in the Epistle is faith that is devoid of practical action or ethics. Genuine Christian faith should be reflected in practical ethical conduct. The theme of holiness and the mission of God is explored from the perspective of the practical nature of holiness that is aligned with God’s mission. Holiness involves practical action that reflects the genuineness of faith. True holiness is expressed in practical ways, both in fulfilling personal and communal ethical responsibilities through guarding oneself against the wickedness of the world (1:27; 4:4), loving one’s neighbor (2:8), caring for the needy (1:27; 2:14–17), and administering justice for the oppressed (2:6–7; 5:1–6). In James, Christian faith (orthodoxy) and ethics (orthopraxy) are inseparable, and the practical nature of holiness and the mission of God is founded on these two aspects of Christianity.
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