Just James: The Brother of Jesus in History and Tradition

Just James reviews the legends surrounding a towering figure in the early Christian church and evaluates the importance of a man whose contributions have been obscured from Christian consciousness. Fully disclosing the prominence that James the brother of Jesus held as the first bishop of the Jerusalem church - Christendom's mother church - John Painter explains why Christian leaders have minimized James's early influence and brings to light his role as the fountainhead of traditions used to further the interests and causes of Jewish Christians, Gnostics, and the larger Christian community. Painter explores the many legends and traditions associated with James, including those of Mary's perpetual virginity, James's kinship to Jesus, his receipt of special revelations from the risen Lord, his designation as "the Just" or "the Righteous," and his status as one of the first Christian martyrs.