A Letter to Stressed Communities

""Finlay offers valuable insights into the often-neglected Letter of Jacob, or James. He does so by discussing, first, the author's typically Hebrew--therefore scriptural--mode of conveying wisdom, by deploying chiastic structures. Second, he challenges the readers to 'crack the code, ' to walk in the shoes of the letter's initial audiences, to grasp the message the way those audiences did. It is only then that, third, readers are invited to learn wisdom for life."" --Doru Costache, Professor of Theology, Nisibis Assyrian Theological College ""Great to have Graeme's teachings penned down for the benefit of future generations. The chiastic structures greatly help new believers understand and remember Scripture better. A true teacher who understands his students' needs."" --Eva Koh, Assistant Pastor, Global Congregation, Auckland Baptist Tabernacle ""This book is the fruit of a radically committed and intimate life with Christ, lived out in the wisdom of Jacob's writings. From a career disciplined in scientific conclusion Graeme Finlay cleverly brings rich insight in this most practical book."" --Mike van der Vlugt, Global Pastor, Auckland Baptist Tabernacle ""As a theologian amidst urban complexities and oppressions, one often wonders about the book of James (correctly known as Jacob!). What was his role in the early church? How did he climb the heights and depths of complex ethical issues, logically yet deeply motivational. Graeme Finlay, with his structural analytical clarity, dissects the details of this earliest pastoral writing with depth. Study of each chapter will mark any moral person's character and theology for decades."" --Viv Grigg, Professor of Urban Leadership, William Carey International University