JAMES, THE LETTER OF

also called The Epistle Of St. James The Apostle, New Testament writing addressed to the early Christian churches (to the twelve tribes in the dispersion) and attributed to James, a Christian Jew, whose identity is disputed. There is also wide disagreement as to the date of composition. The letter is moralistic rather than dogmatic and reflects early Jewish Christianity. The writer covers such topics as endurance under persecution, poverty and wealth, control of the tongue, care for orphans and widows, cursing, boasting, oaths, and prayer. The only New Testament reference to anointing of the sick (5:14) is cited, mostly by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theologians, as a probable reference to what they consider one of the seven sacraments.