Why did Martin Luther want to
remove the book of James from the Bible?

Why did Martin Luther want to
remove the book of James from the Bible?

Q. Why did Martin Luther want to remove the book of James from the Bible?

(Submitted by: S. W.)

A. You may go to gbgm-umc.org/umw/james/Background/Canon.htm to find some background information about this controversy in article titled 'Is James IN or OUT?'

By consulting Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia you will see where Martin Luther was coming from. Page 264 states:

"Lutherans believe that faith, is understood as trust in God's steadfast love, and is the only appropriate way for human beings to respond to God's saving initiative. Thus "salvation by faith alone", the distinctive and controversial slogan of Lutheranism. Opponents claimed that this position failed to do justice to the Christian responsibility to do good works, but Lutherans have replied that faith must be active in love and that good works follow from faith as a good tree produces good fruit."

What comes to mind right away is Psalm 119, correlating with Hebrews, with tell us to put faith together with works. For instance:

"It was by faith that Abel obeyed God. " (Hebrews 11:4)

"By faith Abraham obeyed." (Hebrews 11:8, RSV)

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently." (Psalms 119:1-4, RSV)

As you can see action is required. Additionally, consider the Israelites in Egypt, and why God gave them the lands of the heathen, pagan, Gentile nations:

"And he gave them the lands of the nations; and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples' toil, to the end that they should keep his statutes, and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!" (Psalms 105:44-45, RSV)

A scripture in the New Testament that refutes Luther's teachings that you "only need faith and works would follow," is Revelation 14:12 :

" Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. " (Revelation 14:12, RSV)

The book of James also holds a very important scripture to the basic way of life Jesus Christ expects a Christian to walk.

"If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. " (James 1:26-27, RSV)

This acceptable way is also supported by the Old Testament, and a theme that reoccurs often in Christ's teachings in both Old and New Testaments.

"Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:5-7, RSV)

Answer Given By: Rick/Eileen Beltz