James’ teaching on impartiality is basically about the need to avoid discrimination against the poor in favour of the rich. This teaching on equality in the Epistle of James mentions important tenets of the Christian faith such as God’s choice of the poor to inherit the earth, the royal law, what constitutes sin, the need to obey God’s commandment in its totality, and the importance of showing mercy to all.
Today, we want to take a closer look at James’ Teaching on Impartiality (Equality). You can find the teaching of James on impartiality in the Epistle of James 2: 1-13
The Meaning of Impartiality
Remember that in an essay on this WAEC WASSCE Christian Religious Studies question, you will need to define the term ‘impartiality’. So let’s begin with a simple definition of impartiality.
Impartiality means treating everyone equally or being fair to everyone regardless of their station in life. Impartiality also means that there is no place for favouritism in all human relationships. Both the rich and the poor receive equal treatment.
James’ Teaching on Impartiality
With the definition of ‘impartiality’ out of the way, it is time for us to explain what James had to say about impartiality in his epistle to the members of the early Christian church.
In the teaching of James on impartiality, James urges Christians not to show partiality as they profess the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rich and Poor
James teaches that equal attention should be given to both the rich and the poor visitor alike. Anything apart from this amounts to making distinctions among themselves. This will, in turn, make them become judges with evil thoughts.
The Aims and Objectives of ECOWAS, NEPAD, AGOA, IDA, EEC
Mode of Dressing
Another aspect of the teaching of James on impartiality dwells on the treatment of others based on their mode of dressing.
James teaches that if well-dressed people are treated better than shabbily-dressed people this will mean the practice of discrimination in the church.
He illustrates this teaching by referring to a situation where the rich are given better seats in the church even though they come in later than the poor.
This is how the poor are dishonoured in God’s house
James strongly advises that such an open show of impartiality should not exist among the followers of Jesus Christ.
The Poor Shall Inherit God’s Kingdom
According to James, God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and to inherit his kingdom.
He reminds believers of the negative attitude that the rich show to the poor by oppressing them and dragging them to court. James says this is not pleasing to the Lord.
The Royal Law
In his teaching on impartiality, James encourages Christians to remember the royal law which says, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.
He emphasizes that this is the more reason why there should be no preferential treatment of the rich over the poor.
Discrimination is a Sin Against God
Further, James teaches that any show of partiality amounts to sin. And this transgresses the law.
To him, whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one becomes guilty of breaking all.
To illustrate this, James mentions that God has ordered Christians not to commit adultery and at the same time not to kill. He argues that disobeying one of these commandments would make one guilty of violating all aspects of the law.
The Need to Show Mercy
James concludes his teaching on impartiality by saying that judgment is without mercy to anyone who shows no mercy. Yet, mercy triumphs over judgment.
Final thoughts
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