THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES (a) Recount the teachings of James in which he remarked that...
THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES
(a) Recount the teachings of James in which he remarked that love your neighbour as yourself.
(b) Identify three negative effects of discrimination among Christians.
Explanation
(a)(James 2:1-13):
(i) James admonished Christians not to show' partiality to anyone but to treat people equally as God expects.
(ii). James holds the view that all Christians are ambassadors of Christ who have the faith of Christ.
(iii) James gave an illustration of a rich man who comes into a Christian gathering, with golden ring and fine clothes and is given special attention
(iv) At the same time, a poor man shabbily dressed also comes in and is treated with contempt.
(v) James is of the view that both the rich man and the poor man should be treated equally without discrimination.
(vi) He says if preferential treating is given to the rich man over the poor man then one is guilty of partiality. According to James,
(vii) showing partiality amounts to causing disunity and assuming the role of judges with evil intention.
(viii) Hence, to James, no distinction should be made among the people because God Himself does not discriminate. (ix) James said God has chosen the poor in the land to be rich in faith.
(×) He stressed that the poor are the heirs of the kingdom which is promised to those who love God.
(xi) He further stated that it is the rich who oppress the poor and drag them to court
(xii) Furthermore, James says that the rich blaspheme the honourable name of God.
(xiii) He therefore concluded that discrimination against the poor and favouring the rich was wrong and unacceptable.
(xiv) James hold the view that anyone who keeps the whole law but fails in one has become guilty of all.
(xv) This is due to the fact that the same God, who said we should not commit adultery, said we should not kill.
(xvi) He finally urged Christians to speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.
(xvii) For judgment is without mercy to those who show no mercy
(xviii) However, mercy triumphs over judgment.
(b) (i) It creates division in the church/Disunity,
(ii) It could lead to break away of members/ Loss of faith in God.
(ill) It inhibits spiritual growth among Christians.
(iv) It discourages unbelievers from joining the church.
(v) It brings about unhealthy rivalry and discord in the church.
(vi)It leads to segregation in the church.
(vi) It stifles development of talents.
(viii) It leads to favouritism/nepotism,
(ix) It breeds undemocratic tendencies in the church.
(x) It breeds inferiority complex /Lack of confidence/Absence of belongingness.