Poetry and The Letter of James

 In the two weeks leading up to the start of Lent the New Testament Readings set for the Midweek Eucharist were taken from the Letter of James.  I was drawn to the notion that these readings would provide excellent material for poetic exposition. On further research of this idea, I was not disappointed. Every chapter of this short book of the Bible has been used in some way to stimulate a wide variety of poetry, where James has been directly quoted or, where his themes have stimulated many poets to put pen to paper. The list of poets goes right back to William Shakespeare, and includes other well-known poets like Milton, Shelley, Scott, and Browning.  And there are many modern poets who have been active with this piece of scripture; notable is the American Theologian Poet Ray McClendon who “poetised the whole of James’s Letter (see further reading at end of blog). For this blog I have works by Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem and a very modern American Poet, Deborah Ann Belka.

 Before presenting these poems, a few words about James’ Letter. The letter of James, possibly the oldest book in the New Testament but has not always enjoyed a high reputation.  

James may have been Jesus’s brother or more likely his cousin and was the leader of the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem.  Although James didn’t mention any of Christ’s teaching directly, he tried to present a teaching which was acceptable to both Pharisee and Christian. James was trying to protect Christians from the more dogmatic Pharisee followers of Jesus who insisted on following the precepts of Judaism as conditional for following Jesus.

We perhaps should remember that this was still a very young church at this stage, clearly trying to find its way.

Importantly James does write inclusively with a distinct outlook on mission, which is why it is referred to as one of the catholic or Universal Epistles. It was in effect a treatise on Christian ethics, with five main themes – Testing, Wisdom, Wealth/Poverty, Prayer, and Faith.

So, my first selection come from Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

This poem, which is in a typical Sonnet form, suggests cheerfulness as an antidote to complaining.

It covers our journey through life, which can be bumpy and often causes us to complain.  There is a message that we should search for happiness in every aspect but if we are too timid, we won’t achieve it.

Instead of complaining, we should enjoy the moment and praise what we have. At the same time, it encourages us to be patient and have faith about the future.

Cheerfulness Taught by Reason (Elizabeth Barrett Browning) 

(Based on James 4.8 - Be Ye patient: stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh)

I THINK we are too ready with complaint

In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope

Indeed, beyond the zenith and the slope

Of yon grey blank of sky, we might grow faint

To muse upon eternity's constraint

Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope

Must widen early, is it well to droop, 

For a few days consumed in loss and taint?

O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted   

And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road

Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread

Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod

To meet the flints? At least it may be said

' Because the way is short, I thank thee, God.'

My second selection is a poem by Deborah Ann Belka. This poem focusses on the trials of life but instead of despairing of these times of testing, we should count them all as joyful. As the poem moves forward, it also talks of the rewards of patience, and the confidence of faith.

Count it all Joy (Deborah Ann Belka) 

(Based on James 1. 2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”)

Count it all for joy, 

each trial you go through 

 give it not a second thought 

 then watch what God will do.

Count it all for joy, 

 when tested for your belief 

 patience will be your reward 

 and His peace your relief.

Count it all for joy, 

 as He performs His work in you 

 let His perfection complete 

 and make you someone new.

Count it all for joy, 

 lest you be tossed about 

 seek by faith all your needs 

 and in God never doubt.

Count it all for joy, 

for His wisdom is yours to gain 

 ask believing without fear 

 and in your life He will reign.

Count it all for joy, 

 no matter your despair 

 let His love fill you up . . . 

and your life He’ll repair!

Sources

1. Both Quotations from the Letter of James are the King James Version)
2. Christian Poetry by Deborah Ann Belka

The Expositor Dictionary of Poetical Quotations, James Moffatt, Hodder &Stoughton, London, 1913

https://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/tag/james-12-3/

Further Reading

Ray MacClendon - https://christianity201.wordpress.com/2015/05/30/the-book-of-james-as-a-poem/

 Submitted by Roger Verrall - March 4th 2022