Episode 74: Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James with Alicia Batten

Alicia Batten, a professor of New Testament early Christianity, discusses her article “Courtroom Theatrics in the Letter of James.” She explores how the text critiques wealth and partiality, drawing parallels to ancient courtroom settings and the importance of community mediation in legal disputes. Batten also delves into the significance of various aspects of ancient cultures, particularly focusing on seating arrangements in synagogues, the significance of clothing in courtroom settings, and the social dynamics present in the biblical text of James. Alicia’s recommendations for resources include the works of Leanne Bablitz, Kelly Olson, David Gowler, Avi Shlaim, Alistair MacLeod, Mary Oliver, WH Auden, John C Wright, John Keats, Jalal al-Din Rumi, David Adams Richard, Margaret Laurence, Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, WO Mitchell, Farley Mowat, Michael Ondaatje, The Oxford Handbook of Social Relations in the Roman World, Dale Allison’s Commentary on James, Bible Odyssey, and History Valley Podcast.   Please reach out with guest suggestions and/or feedback at [email protected]. If you would like to support the podcast financially, you can hear episodes a week early for $5 a month on Patreon.