Arts of Debate
At the Second of James, the writer uses an art of debate known as “indisputable comparison” to show at Verse Twenty-Six that faith without works is as dead as a body without a spirit. At Verses Fifteen and Sixteen, James uses “projection of logical conclusion” to illustrate that to wish a needy brother well does not go the same distance as fulfilling that brother’s need. At Verse Eighteen, James uses “burden of proof” in his challenge to demonstrate faith without works, while true faith is demonstrated by the works of the faithful. Thus, by indisputable comparison, projection of logical conclusion, and burden of proof, James has conclusively proven that faith without works is dead by using three effective arts of debate.
Written by David Hayes Prophater