St. James the Just
Study Group Reading & Discussion for July 26, 2008
Comparing the inspirational texts of St. James
from both the Epistle of James in the New Testament and the Secret Book of James (aka. The Aprocryphon of James) from the Gnostic texts found at Nag Hammadi, Egypt give us insight into the common themes thought to be important by both St. James and his scribes.
The major themes of both texts
| Epistle of St. James |
Secret Book of James |
| 1. Trials and temptations |
1. Being filled and lacking |
| 2. Listening and doing |
2. Believe in my cross |
| 3. Favoritism forbidden |
3. Be eager for the Word |
| 4. Faith and deeds |
4. Understand the Light |
| 5. Taming the tongue |
5. Shame on you, Blessings on you |
| 6. Two kinds of wisdom |
6. Few find the Kingdom of Heaven |
|
7. Know yourselves |
Questions for discussion
1. What do these themes teach us about St. James’s world view?
2. Where do they diverge?
3. Intersect?
This study group will meet immediately before the Mass scheduled at the Theosophical Society in Arlington at 7pm. See you there!
When
- Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
-
Where
-
21 Maple St
Arlington, MA 02476
978-376-5921
The Johannite Gnostic Liturgy, also know as the Graal of Undefiled Wisdom, is a celebration of the sacred meal as understood in the Johannite Gnostic tradition. It is a beautiful blend of traditional Christian symbols and esoteric Gnostic meaning. Membership is not required to attend or take part in the liturgy, so please come visit, and participate if you feel moved to do so.
This Liturgy will celebrate the Holy Apostle James the Just, brother of Jesus. St. James was an important figure in Early Christianity. According to Christian tradition, he was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament, and the first of the Seventy of Luke 10:1?20. Paul of Tarsus in Galatians 2:9 (KJV) characterized James as such: “?James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars?” He is described in the New Testament as a “brother of the Lord” and in the Liturgy of St James as “the brother of God” (Adelphotheos).
For Johannites St. James is an important figure because it is from the lineage of the bishops of Jerusalem that gives us our tradition. We’ll have some time after the liturgy to discuss St. James in more detail.
