James, Brother of Jesus

by Pierre-Antoine Bernheim

A shadowy and mysterious figure from the earliest history of the church who presents problems for the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary and the apostolic succession. This investigation into his life and rôle makes fascinating reading.

Genres: Nonfiction

366 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[John Vanderslice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a superb introduction to the different currents of thought surrounding the historical figure of James, otherwise known as the "Brother of the Lord." The author very carefully summarizes various interpretations not only of James--who he was, what precisely is said in the epistle that bears his name, what was his position in the early church--but all sorts of related subjects, e.g.: the degree of "liberality" (or not) of Peter and Paul; the relationship in the early church between Jewish-Christian communities and those communities in Gentile lands; the Mosaic Law and what it meant to various people and various communities. It's quite the far-reaching book, actually, and at times you'll wonder when or if the author is going to back to discussing the actual person of James. He does, but, given how little there really is in the historical record about him, it is these other issues that always seem to come to the fore when people discuss what James did or did not represent. The great thing about Bernheim is that he clearly has no axe to grind. He is not a theologian and does not have an argument that he seeks to overwhelm the reader with. He calmly and shrewdly reviews many sources--theologians from various eras, the New Testament, the non-canonical gospels, and other extra-Bible literature--summarizing general trends of thought over the years and suggesting which positions have or have not fallen out of favor and why. Sometimes he does say that a certain position makes more sense than another, but he does so always gently and reliably. It's a superb book, one that anyone exploring this topic will want to read early in her or his studies.

[Harry Minogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone exploring the character and life of James the Just, Brother of the Lord is up against it. Though attested outside of theological texts, James is a figure shrouded in mystery. Despite occupying an preeminent position in the early Church, in the New Testament we find him sidelined in favour of Peter and Paul, to this day remaining a little known nor celebrated figure. The question and reasons of why are skillfully tackled here by Pierre-Antoine Bernheim in this excellent work.

Via careful reading of the available writings and taking account of the context of the first century AD, Bernheim is able to detail James' firm leadership of the post-ascension Jerusalem Church, his work and disputes with the apostles in spreading his brother's message and explores why Christians have tended to overlook him.

Clearly written with first rate research and the occasional flash of wry humour, this book provides a rarely rivalled portrait of James and a good exploration of the beginnings of organised Christianity.