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Paul vs. James: What We've Been Missing in the Faith and Works Debate
"I welcome Chris Bruno's readable and thoroughly biblical exploration of faith and works. He sets the matter in both its wider biblical context at the same time as he makes clear its relevance and importance to faithful Christian living today." -Douglas J. Moo from the Foreword
Everything you never knew about the men behind the controversy.
Put James and Paul next to each other and some tough-to-answer questions come up. Paul says we're saved by faith alone, not works--and James seems to say the opposite. If you've been around the church for a while, you probably know enough to say "the right thing" if someone asked about these verses. But would your answers hold up to scrutiny? If pressed, would you know what to say?
Dive into the life stories of both apostles, learn more about the context of their letters, and discover the truth about the shared message they both proclaimed. No more canned answers or lingering questions, gain confidence and go deeper in Paul vs. James.
Everything you never knew about the men behind the controversy.
Put James and Paul next to each other and some tough-to-answer questions come up. Paul says we're saved by faith alone, not works--and James seems to say the opposite. If you've been around the church for a while, you probably know enough to say "the right thing" if someone asked about these verses. But would your answers hold up to scrutiny? If pressed, would you know what to say?
Dive into the life stories of both apostles, learn more about the context of their letters, and discover the truth about the shared message they both proclaimed. No more canned answers or lingering questions, gain confidence and go deeper in Paul vs. James.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
28 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bruno
6 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Chris Bruno (PhD, Wheaton College) is the assistant professor of New Testament and Greek at Bethlehem College & Seminary.
He has served at Northland International University, Cedarville University, and Trinity Christian School in Kailua, HI. Before that, he was pastor of discipleship and training at Harbor Church in Honolulu, HI.
Chris and his wife Katie have been married since 2001 and have four sons who love to be outdoors playing ball or pretending to be super heroes, all while wrestling their dad.
Chris Bruno (PhD, Wheaton College) is the assistant professor of New Testament and Greek at Bethlehem College & Seminary.
He has served at Northland International University, Cedarville University, and Trinity Christian School in Kailua, HI. Before that, he was pastor of discipleship and training at Harbor Church in Honolulu, HI.
Chris and his wife Katie have been married since 2001 and have four sons who love to be outdoors playing ball or pretending to be super heroes, all while wrestling their dad.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 10, 2024
A nice introduction to the reconciliation of Paul and James's view on justification. The biggest highlight of this book was the astonishingly casual style in which Bruno writes. Fittingly as a pastor in Hawaii it could be nearly characterized as a surfer dude's dogmatics. I think he does a wonderful job of demonstrating what writing about complex concepts in an approachable style should look like.
No real new ground is broken in this treatment of the issue (despite the cover's claim to reveal something we've all been missing, the answer Bruno provides is the standard classical Protestant formulation) but I did find his argument's use of the shared reliance on Abraham's story in both James and Paul to be quite compelling.
All in all it was enjoyable to read my former professor's book and see how inevitable his change over to anglicanism always was.
No real new ground is broken in this treatment of the issue (despite the cover's claim to reveal something we've all been missing, the answer Bruno provides is the standard classical Protestant formulation) but I did find his argument's use of the shared reliance on Abraham's story in both James and Paul to be quite compelling.
All in all it was enjoyable to read my former professor's book and see how inevitable his change over to anglicanism always was.
August 2, 2025
Popping back in to lower my rating as I write my book review for class. This book is, in my humble opinion, not very well-edited. I find the organization on a macro-level fine, but the organization of each chapter is very confusing to me.
Also, I appreciate that he wants to demonstrate the real-world application of these ideas, but the book ends with some left-field discussion of same-sex marriage that frankly gets beyond the scope of the book and is missing some important nuance. Honestly, his conclusions are good in the abstract, but I think once he starts applying them to real life, he skews a little toward works-righteousness in a way that makes me uncomfy. (In acknowledgement, I grew up as free grace as you could possibly be, so I am especially sensitive).
I might recommend it for a very broad overview, but tbh I’m sure there are better books about the issue.
————
Read for class. A fine book for getting the big idea I think. I didn’t love it. I feel like it was too long but also too short? Michael Bird endorsed it so ignore me.
If you want a fuller review I’ll send you my book report when it’s done lol
Also, I appreciate that he wants to demonstrate the real-world application of these ideas, but the book ends with some left-field discussion of same-sex marriage that frankly gets beyond the scope of the book and is missing some important nuance. Honestly, his conclusions are good in the abstract, but I think once he starts applying them to real life, he skews a little toward works-righteousness in a way that makes me uncomfy. (In acknowledgement, I grew up as free grace as you could possibly be, so I am especially sensitive).
I might recommend it for a very broad overview, but tbh I’m sure there are better books about the issue.
————
Read for class. A fine book for getting the big idea I think. I didn’t love it. I feel like it was too long but also too short? Michael Bird endorsed it so ignore me.
If you want a fuller review I’ll send you my book report when it’s done lol
December 5, 2019
There are not many theology books that could be recommended equally to lay people in a church Sunday School class or students in a theological seminary. Nor would such widely varying audiences often come away with meaningful takeaways from such a book. "Paul vs. James: What We’ve Been Missing in the Faith and Works Debate" is just such a rare book. Chris Bruno and Moody Publishers are to be commended for such an attractive and useful book on such an important theological topic.
The attention of the reader is grabbed from the outset of this little book. The cover is catchy with its icon-like ancient paintings of James and Paul and the large font used for the title. The subtitle is explained helpfully by the equally arresting back cover. There, beneath their respective portraits, are Paul’s words on justification by faith apart from works, and James’ words that one is justified by works and not by faith alone. The back cover goes on to introduce the “problem” that is sure to intrigue the casual churchgoer and appeal to those who have already spotted such seeming contradictions in their own study.
In the foreword, Douglas Moo applauds Chris Bruno (the author) for his “readable and thoroughly biblical exploration of this issue” (p. 10). I second Moo’s motion, and agree that the book reads very smoothly and his point is driven home. Both James and Paul agree that the biblical faith that justifies, is a faith that inevitably manifests itself in and through good works. The charts and tables used throughout the book, as well as the large section headers, help ensure that readers of all levels don’t miss the argument.
Bruno begins with a mini-biography of sorts on both Paul and James. Students will catch his position on a wide variety of interpretative questions, and average readers will appreciate a review of just who James and Paul are. Then he goes back further to Abraham, who features prominently in both Paul’s (Galatians, Romans) and James’ (James) statements on justification. Bruno emphasizes that:
…James is standing in Genesis 22, looking back at Abraham’s faith in God’s covenant promises that was confirmed by his ongoing obedience. However, Paul is focused on Abraham’s initial belief in Genesis 12 and 15, looking forward to Abraham’s works of faith. (p. 74)
Paul’s context led him to stress that Abraham’s faith alone was what justified him, whereas James’ situation required him to emphasize that a mere faith without works was not what Abraham had – his faith was ultimately justifying faith because of his works (and his continuing in the faith). Bruno clarifies (concerning James’ assertion that “a person is justified by works” 2:24): “the way that good works serve to justify is by confirming, both during our lives on earth but especially in the last judgment, that we have durable, persevering, good-works-producing faith” (p. 85).
After driving this point home — and my only complaint is that at times Bruno can be overly repetitive — the book concludes with two practical ways of applying the doctrine of justification by faith. Now, up to this point, evangelical Christians will largely agree with his points (Roman Catholics will have a problem however). So this is where Bruno gets risky — he takes on both same-sex marriage and racism. These are polarizing topics in society, but fairly straightforward when it comes to Scripture. The book does not unpack each issue in depth, but illustrates how understanding James and Paul correctly informs how we approach these questions. With respect to same-sex marriage, the necessity of good works leads us to reject same-sex marriage as antithetical to the Gospel and potentially soul-damning. And when it comes to racism, any demands for cultural conformity in our churches can be seen as adding to the faith alone that justifies and are also a threat to the Gospel.
I encourage you to consider "Paul vs. James" for use in a small group or Sunday school (or even your seminary class). I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
The attention of the reader is grabbed from the outset of this little book. The cover is catchy with its icon-like ancient paintings of James and Paul and the large font used for the title. The subtitle is explained helpfully by the equally arresting back cover. There, beneath their respective portraits, are Paul’s words on justification by faith apart from works, and James’ words that one is justified by works and not by faith alone. The back cover goes on to introduce the “problem” that is sure to intrigue the casual churchgoer and appeal to those who have already spotted such seeming contradictions in their own study.
In the foreword, Douglas Moo applauds Chris Bruno (the author) for his “readable and thoroughly biblical exploration of this issue” (p. 10). I second Moo’s motion, and agree that the book reads very smoothly and his point is driven home. Both James and Paul agree that the biblical faith that justifies, is a faith that inevitably manifests itself in and through good works. The charts and tables used throughout the book, as well as the large section headers, help ensure that readers of all levels don’t miss the argument.
Bruno begins with a mini-biography of sorts on both Paul and James. Students will catch his position on a wide variety of interpretative questions, and average readers will appreciate a review of just who James and Paul are. Then he goes back further to Abraham, who features prominently in both Paul’s (Galatians, Romans) and James’ (James) statements on justification. Bruno emphasizes that:
…James is standing in Genesis 22, looking back at Abraham’s faith in God’s covenant promises that was confirmed by his ongoing obedience. However, Paul is focused on Abraham’s initial belief in Genesis 12 and 15, looking forward to Abraham’s works of faith. (p. 74)
Paul’s context led him to stress that Abraham’s faith alone was what justified him, whereas James’ situation required him to emphasize that a mere faith without works was not what Abraham had – his faith was ultimately justifying faith because of his works (and his continuing in the faith). Bruno clarifies (concerning James’ assertion that “a person is justified by works” 2:24): “the way that good works serve to justify is by confirming, both during our lives on earth but especially in the last judgment, that we have durable, persevering, good-works-producing faith” (p. 85).
After driving this point home — and my only complaint is that at times Bruno can be overly repetitive — the book concludes with two practical ways of applying the doctrine of justification by faith. Now, up to this point, evangelical Christians will largely agree with his points (Roman Catholics will have a problem however). So this is where Bruno gets risky — he takes on both same-sex marriage and racism. These are polarizing topics in society, but fairly straightforward when it comes to Scripture. The book does not unpack each issue in depth, but illustrates how understanding James and Paul correctly informs how we approach these questions. With respect to same-sex marriage, the necessity of good works leads us to reject same-sex marriage as antithetical to the Gospel and potentially soul-damning. And when it comes to racism, any demands for cultural conformity in our churches can be seen as adding to the faith alone that justifies and are also a threat to the Gospel.
I encourage you to consider "Paul vs. James" for use in a small group or Sunday school (or even your seminary class). I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
December 15, 2019
A brief story of the early Christian church
James, the brother of Jesus connected with him closely and as a typical Essene, he was zealous for the Jewish laws. However, Paul departed from the Jewish laws to introduce faith as the most fundamental part Christ’s message. James strongly resisted Paul’s law-free version of the gospel, but the relationship between James and Paul was important for early Christianity; it epitomized the need to preserve the movement’s Jewish roots as its membership became predominantly non-Jewish. Though it created tensions, the connection of James with Jerusalem was important for Paul; his letters reflect both his theological departure from James and James’ authority on Jerusalem community. It also undermined James’ firsthand encounters with Jesus. But Paul’s strong personal experience of the risen Christ shaped his theology and identity as an apostle to the Gentiles.
The Pseudo-Clementine writings of the late fourth century illustrate the tensions between James and Paul. These writings are based on sources and traditions derived from Christian Jews from Jerusalem who fled to Pella around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. These writings portray Paul as the enemy of James and Christian Judaism. Historically, however, the evidence suggests that though the relationship involved tensions, the two were not enemies. In fact, this is the message of the author of this book
In the last chapter titled, Life and Works in Real Life, the author addresses controversial issues like same-sex marriage. He concludes that we need to apply whole of Bible’s teachings on faith and works. Because the scripture is clear that faith alone justifies. If that is the case, then gay-life styles, same-sex marriage and transsexualism is a sin as Sodom and Gomorrah. The author’s approach is understandable as a preacher, but one must separate belief and reality.
Jesus Seminar, a scholarly group that re-created early gospels found that the historical Jesus was a Jewish revolutionary and a faith-healer who preached a gospel of liberation. Jesus broke with established Jewish theological dogmas and social conventions in both his teachings and his behavior, often by turning common-sense ideas upside down, confounding the expectations of his audience. The Seminar also concluded that the sightings of a risen Jesus was a visionary experience rather than a physical encounter. The belief systems are man-made and strict adherence to gospels are unscientific and unrealistic.
James, the brother of Jesus connected with him closely and as a typical Essene, he was zealous for the Jewish laws. However, Paul departed from the Jewish laws to introduce faith as the most fundamental part Christ’s message. James strongly resisted Paul’s law-free version of the gospel, but the relationship between James and Paul was important for early Christianity; it epitomized the need to preserve the movement’s Jewish roots as its membership became predominantly non-Jewish. Though it created tensions, the connection of James with Jerusalem was important for Paul; his letters reflect both his theological departure from James and James’ authority on Jerusalem community. It also undermined James’ firsthand encounters with Jesus. But Paul’s strong personal experience of the risen Christ shaped his theology and identity as an apostle to the Gentiles.
The Pseudo-Clementine writings of the late fourth century illustrate the tensions between James and Paul. These writings are based on sources and traditions derived from Christian Jews from Jerusalem who fled to Pella around the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. These writings portray Paul as the enemy of James and Christian Judaism. Historically, however, the evidence suggests that though the relationship involved tensions, the two were not enemies. In fact, this is the message of the author of this book
In the last chapter titled, Life and Works in Real Life, the author addresses controversial issues like same-sex marriage. He concludes that we need to apply whole of Bible’s teachings on faith and works. Because the scripture is clear that faith alone justifies. If that is the case, then gay-life styles, same-sex marriage and transsexualism is a sin as Sodom and Gomorrah. The author’s approach is understandable as a preacher, but one must separate belief and reality.
Jesus Seminar, a scholarly group that re-created early gospels found that the historical Jesus was a Jewish revolutionary and a faith-healer who preached a gospel of liberation. Jesus broke with established Jewish theological dogmas and social conventions in both his teachings and his behavior, often by turning common-sense ideas upside down, confounding the expectations of his audience. The Seminar also concluded that the sightings of a risen Jesus was a visionary experience rather than a physical encounter. The belief systems are man-made and strict adherence to gospels are unscientific and unrealistic.
October 27, 2019
Some might think Paul and James make contradictory statements about faith and works. Bruno builds a case to show they were not opposed to each other. To do so he looks at their lives, giving context to their messages. He also reviews Abraham's life as both authors refer to him.
Bruno suggests “...James was combating a false faith that fails to give works their proper place as the necessary fruit of saving faith.” (104) James may very well have been responding to some false teaching. Paul, on the other hand, “...is arguing against phony works that are rooted in a failure to see that faith is enough.” (105) We know from Paul's writings he was, in fact, combating false teaching. The two had a different emphasis yet had a unified voice. With respect to Abraham, Paul focused on Abraham's initial faith while James focused on the subsequent works of obedience.
Bruno's writing style is easy to read as the material is not scholarly and would be great for newer Christians puzzled by the faith/works issue. Readers would receive lots of background information, biblical material seasoned Christians would already know, including an exploration of justification.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Bruno suggests “...James was combating a false faith that fails to give works their proper place as the necessary fruit of saving faith.” (104) James may very well have been responding to some false teaching. Paul, on the other hand, “...is arguing against phony works that are rooted in a failure to see that faith is enough.” (105) We know from Paul's writings he was, in fact, combating false teaching. The two had a different emphasis yet had a unified voice. With respect to Abraham, Paul focused on Abraham's initial faith while James focused on the subsequent works of obedience.
Bruno's writing style is easy to read as the material is not scholarly and would be great for newer Christians puzzled by the faith/works issue. Readers would receive lots of background information, biblical material seasoned Christians would already know, including an exploration of justification.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
August 19, 2024
I appreciated the ways that Bruno decisively attacked this subject from a place of unity rather than a place of division. Bruno effectively showed the shared ministries and passions of James and Paul. I agree with Bruno in the knowledge that these people are both Biblical authors so there is no way that they can contradict. However - there are some major flaws in Bruno’s book. Bruno cannot claim to understand Paul’s doctrine of justification with only discussing two chapters of his thirteen letters. Bruno discussed the primary passage of how Paul used Abraham in Gal 3 and Rom 4 but did not look at other passages that references the works/faith discussion and because of that I believe that Bruno failed in a lot of ways in this book.
Read
April 2, 2020This is a book about Paul vs James.
Spoiler alert: Paul wins in the 4th round by TKO. Theological Knock Out.
It can be summed up like this- Paul and James are on the same team. One emphasizes the role of faith in salvation, the other the role of works.
Spoiler alert: Paul wins in the 4th round by TKO. Theological Knock Out.
It can be summed up like this- Paul and James are on the same team. One emphasizes the role of faith in salvation, the other the role of works.
June 25, 2022
Strength: A good biblical exposition of apostolic teaching that sides with the Reformation. The value of the book lies in its survey of the two NT writers. Bruno shows that Paul enjoins good works and that James extols sovereign grace. In other words, they agree!
Weakness: The author stumbles in the final chapter of application by connecting the error of "faith without works" to racism, in that way making broad accusations. Bruno thinks evangelicals engage in subtle racism through structures, whatever those are. The best that can be said is that he is groping in the direction of a helpful thought. Sadly, he doesn't provide benefits while traveling the road of divisive cultural Marxism. It does no good to adopt the prevalent left-wing reduction that it is white Christians who are closet racists, whether or not there is a tangible sin against another person. So sad that an otherwise insightful book ends in a dubious political controversy. In contrast, his thoughts on the same-sex marriage debate in the same chapter are spot on.
Weakness: The author stumbles in the final chapter of application by connecting the error of "faith without works" to racism, in that way making broad accusations. Bruno thinks evangelicals engage in subtle racism through structures, whatever those are. The best that can be said is that he is groping in the direction of a helpful thought. Sadly, he doesn't provide benefits while traveling the road of divisive cultural Marxism. It does no good to adopt the prevalent left-wing reduction that it is white Christians who are closet racists, whether or not there is a tangible sin against another person. So sad that an otherwise insightful book ends in a dubious political controversy. In contrast, his thoughts on the same-sex marriage debate in the same chapter are spot on.
October 8, 2019
Interviews about the book here:
https://missionspodcast.com/podcast/f...
https://bridgeminlaredo.org/99-dr-chr...
https://www.booksataglance.com/author...
Article here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://missionspodcast.com/podcast/f...
https://bridgeminlaredo.org/99-dr-chr...
https://www.booksataglance.com/author...
Article here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
May 29, 2019
Paul vs. James – By Chris Bruno
In life, there is always that one thing that sticks upon you and your reputation before the eyes of others in spite of many other things you might have done or say. The same is true to most biblical characters.
In his new book Paul vs. James, the author is bringing to the front of what some people see as contradictions by two of the leading pillars of the early church in regards to what they are saying in regards to faith and salvation, and thus the author wants us to see that actually Paul and James weren’t opposed to each other as to their understanding of justification, but rather in the same camp as we read their statements in their contexts, so that us at the end of the day we may see the clear unity of the biblical teaching, for it is at stake.
In this book, the author, Chris Bruno, begins by a look of their early lives and influences, how they were saved, and how their ministries interacted. In part two, he dispenses the issue at hand regarding justification of Abraham and how James and Paul used it in their letters in their context and thus helping us the unity of thought. With this, the author then shows us how this legacy of the understanding of these viewpoints of justification by Paul and James has influenced the church over the centuries, and then finally finishes off as to how faith and works live in our everyday spiritual lives.
This is a great book, though short, and of which I highly recommend you to pick it up and read.
In life, there is always that one thing that sticks upon you and your reputation before the eyes of others in spite of many other things you might have done or say. The same is true to most biblical characters.
In his new book Paul vs. James, the author is bringing to the front of what some people see as contradictions by two of the leading pillars of the early church in regards to what they are saying in regards to faith and salvation, and thus the author wants us to see that actually Paul and James weren’t opposed to each other as to their understanding of justification, but rather in the same camp as we read their statements in their contexts, so that us at the end of the day we may see the clear unity of the biblical teaching, for it is at stake.
In this book, the author, Chris Bruno, begins by a look of their early lives and influences, how they were saved, and how their ministries interacted. In part two, he dispenses the issue at hand regarding justification of Abraham and how James and Paul used it in their letters in their context and thus helping us the unity of thought. With this, the author then shows us how this legacy of the understanding of these viewpoints of justification by Paul and James has influenced the church over the centuries, and then finally finishes off as to how faith and works live in our everyday spiritual lives.
This is a great book, though short, and of which I highly recommend you to pick it up and read.
October 19, 2021
Typically, we hear about Paul in church on Sunday, in Bible studies, and through our own devotions. Many of us tend to shy away from parts of the Bible written by other apostles/writers because we don't understand the context, it seems contradictory to what Paul has written , or seems less important than letters written by Paul. Who do you know who says that their favorite book of the Bible is written by James?
Chris Bruno brings to light the lives and contexts of both Paul AND James in "Paul vs. James: What We've Been Missing in the Faith and Works Debate.". His focus is a shared message, proclaimed by both Apostles, made accessible for all readers.
Jump in and explore the Faith and Works argument. Are we justified by faith alone or by works? Bruno presents a readable analysis that emphasis balance.
Chris Bruno brings to light the lives and contexts of both Paul AND James in "Paul vs. James: What We've Been Missing in the Faith and Works Debate.". His focus is a shared message, proclaimed by both Apostles, made accessible for all readers.
Jump in and explore the Faith and Works argument. Are we justified by faith alone or by works? Bruno presents a readable analysis that emphasis balance.
August 25, 2019
Toward UNITY in Christ's body: HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH.
Virtually, since Martin Luther's 95 Thesis posted on the church door in Wittenburg's Castle, there has been a strenuous division between interpretations on James' and Paul's view of WORKS and FAITH in relation to salvation. This book provides, perhaps, the clearest exposition of their views which UNIFIES their views into a cohesive, practical and operational theology that clearly demonstrates that BOTH James AND Paul are in complete harmony: FAITH is the sole requirement for salvation through Christ's finished sacrifice on the cross; WORKS are the consequential product of saving faith, "Which GOD has before (in eternity past when HE chose us to be in HIS redeemed) ordained that we should walk in them."
Virtually, since Martin Luther's 95 Thesis posted on the church door in Wittenburg's Castle, there has been a strenuous division between interpretations on James' and Paul's view of WORKS and FAITH in relation to salvation. This book provides, perhaps, the clearest exposition of their views which UNIFIES their views into a cohesive, practical and operational theology that clearly demonstrates that BOTH James AND Paul are in complete harmony: FAITH is the sole requirement for salvation through Christ's finished sacrifice on the cross; WORKS are the consequential product of saving faith, "Which GOD has before (in eternity past when HE chose us to be in HIS redeemed) ordained that we should walk in them."
September 19, 2019
Paul vs James is the great debate of Christian faith vs. works. In giving us the ground work of Paul and James, we learn that faith and works is complimentary. There is no works without faith and no faith without works. There is a tension as we stand by the teaching in Grace alone we are saved, however, the tension may come from not living a life of faith that produces works. Works can look like many things and for me that is the confusion and the tension.
If you struggle with this tension, you will find comfort how much works and faith come together. A clearer picture of what faith and works looks like in the gospel. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 7, 2020
“Faith followed by works is the calling of all true followers of Jesus.”
This is the truth of the faith vs works conversation, or the Paul vs James tension. It definitely appears at first glance there is a disagreement, but when we understand the context of the writing and the background of the disciple, things become ever more clear.
Chris Bruno is very knowledgeable about this topic and does a wonderful job weaving together a concise yet content-filled book that overwhelmingly clarifies the unity between Paul and James.
When I first received the book, I was pretty confident in my understanding that there is not so much a tension as a difference in starting point. I expected to have known most of what was going to be in this book, and yet I was surprised and impressed by the depth of research and the ease of reading.
Thank you for this book, Mr. Bruno. And thank you for not just writing in theory, but using the last chapter to talk about some very divisive, hard, but very real things the Church and individual Christians are wrestling with in regard to Christianity and what the Bible says.
May we not add rules the Bible does not and may we not expect less of disciples of Jesus Christ than the Bible does.
I will end this review with one last quote from the book: “Faith and works are distinct but ultimately inseparable and absolutely necessary for true followers of Jesus.”
*Note: Moody Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the truth of the faith vs works conversation, or the Paul vs James tension. It definitely appears at first glance there is a disagreement, but when we understand the context of the writing and the background of the disciple, things become ever more clear.
Chris Bruno is very knowledgeable about this topic and does a wonderful job weaving together a concise yet content-filled book that overwhelmingly clarifies the unity between Paul and James.
When I first received the book, I was pretty confident in my understanding that there is not so much a tension as a difference in starting point. I expected to have known most of what was going to be in this book, and yet I was surprised and impressed by the depth of research and the ease of reading.
Thank you for this book, Mr. Bruno. And thank you for not just writing in theory, but using the last chapter to talk about some very divisive, hard, but very real things the Church and individual Christians are wrestling with in regard to Christianity and what the Bible says.
May we not add rules the Bible does not and may we not expect less of disciples of Jesus Christ than the Bible does.
I will end this review with one last quote from the book: “Faith and works are distinct but ultimately inseparable and absolutely necessary for true followers of Jesus.”
*Note: Moody Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 24, 2023
First, I'm acknowledging that I'm rating this as 2 stars even though I don't think it's a bad book--it's an OK book. I'm rating is just as "It was okay" because I don't think the book brought anything new to the table. I'm already comfortable with how to balance faith and works and I didn't read anything new to me. If you have trouble on how to reconcile the two, however, then this book may be a good one to read.
August 14, 2019
Chris Bruno does a good job contrasting the problems that Paul and James wrote to address. He also shows the tremendous amount of theological agreement between these two men, which serves to prove that their messages are not contradictory.
August 24, 2019
Solid book. Lots of good nuggets here. As I read this I was reading 1 John in my quiet time and honestly the solution to the Paul vs James question can be found in the first three chapters of 1 John, once again proving that the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. Recommended
November 23, 2019
An impressively accurate, engaging, and clear work on themes such as justification, faith, and works in James and Paul. Bruno takes James and Paul on their own terms yet nicely shows how they strongly agree with one another.
February 16, 2020
This was a much better treatment of the subject matter than I have normally seen. I did not agree with all of the author's positions. But he had some clever and useful analogies. He gets bonus points for working in the Bad Boys as well as the moral teachings of Mike Tyson.
March 22, 2021
A helpful, clear aid to understanding the relationships between works and faith, Paul and James.
April 19, 2021
Very good book!
November 21, 2021
The Bible does not contradict. Bruno does a great job of clarifying the faith and works debate.
February 17, 2023
A abordagem é interessante, mas poderia ser ainda mais breve. É preciso mas não consiso.
May 11, 2023
Was expecting some scholarly work, got a Christian defense of dogma.
August 26, 2019
What an excellent little book with a great title! It confidently tackles a frequently troubling apparent theological dichotomy head-on but in layman’s terms, which is the important part.
This is an area where many who consider themselves following the Christian faith may find that they are confused by teachings based on St. Paul’s writings, stating we are saved by faith and not by works, contradicting James who apparently states the opposite. There is much to understand here.
Much of the book deals with the background to both Paul and James and the context in which they find themselves when writing the letters that have come to be included in the bible and deals with why they make apparently somewhat contradictory statements. The author has a real knack of getting to the heart of the matter and simplifying the arguments without stripping them of their meaning. And you may not be surprised to learn that the author makes a case for the agreement between Paul and James but this is done thoughtfully, convincingly and portrays a genuine understanding of the problem.
The book does become a little more complex and challenging (and possibly almost controversial) towards the end, but it has earned it by then and in fact it is important that it does this to prevent the book being overly simplistic or trite.
This may quite certainly be a book written for Christians but it is engaging and contains enough history and points of interest that those outside the faith may also find it a genuinely interesting read. Excellent.
Copy supplied by NetGalley
This is an area where many who consider themselves following the Christian faith may find that they are confused by teachings based on St. Paul’s writings, stating we are saved by faith and not by works, contradicting James who apparently states the opposite. There is much to understand here.
Much of the book deals with the background to both Paul and James and the context in which they find themselves when writing the letters that have come to be included in the bible and deals with why they make apparently somewhat contradictory statements. The author has a real knack of getting to the heart of the matter and simplifying the arguments without stripping them of their meaning. And you may not be surprised to learn that the author makes a case for the agreement between Paul and James but this is done thoughtfully, convincingly and portrays a genuine understanding of the problem.
The book does become a little more complex and challenging (and possibly almost controversial) towards the end, but it has earned it by then and in fact it is important that it does this to prevent the book being overly simplistic or trite.
This may quite certainly be a book written for Christians but it is engaging and contains enough history and points of interest that those outside the faith may also find it a genuinely interesting read. Excellent.
Copy supplied by NetGalley
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