Abstract
This limited exercise in comparative theology begins with examination for descriptive commonalities between James' conception of God and that of three Islamic texts (a Koranic sura, a prayer from Rabi'a, a female Sufi, and an excerpt from Ameer Ali's The Spirit of Islam). James identifies God not in proto-Trinitarian language but with the commonplaces of Abrahamic monotheism. James does not identify Jesus in unambiguously proto-Trinitarian language, nor does it make clear reference to Jesus' passion and resurrection. James draws heavily upon the sayings of Jesus and commends actions consistent with those seen in Jesus earthly ministry. That James found a place within the canon demonstrates that conversations about the nature of the Christian life do not have to begin with ‘high’ Christology. In a shrinking world of heightened religious tensions, James reminds readers of what the Abrahamic traditions share and provide an opportunity for conversation with Islam about the nature of God/Allah. Similarities in descriptions of God illustrate a common reservoir of theological beliefs, and James' and Islam's shared emphasis on actions consistent with such faith.
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