A nobleman, and Christian from birth, James was an intimate of King Yazdegerd I (reigned 399-425). Under influence from the King James renounced Christianity and became a Zorastrian. James’ family was so upset they threatened to cut off all relations with him because he “ had preferred a glory that is temporal to the love of Christ”. James reverted to his Christian faith, and was martyred by Yazdegerd’s son Varahran V in AD 421 – the first year of his reign.

This story is not as straightforward as it first appears. Yazdegerd I for example was known for his religious toleration of Christians and Jews during the first half of his reign. Indeed under the influence/freindhsip of Bishop Marutha he issued an edict of toleration in  AD 410. Thus it is likely that James’ Christianity was not an “issue” for the King. It has even been thought that Yazdgerd was seriously considering converting to Christianity himself.

Things changed however, when Abdaas, bishop of Ctesiphon burned down a Zorastrian fire temple and refused to re-build it. This sparked a backlash from the Magi and Yazdegerd had to take action.

Then there is the reaction of James’ family to his conversion. Was this truly the response of a Christian family? Was it right that they refused to associate with him if he remained Zorastrian? True we’re looking at this 1500 years later, with a different world view than they had, but . . . .

What we can take away from this very interesting commemoration is the idea that having abandoned the faith, and then later coming back – James (we can only hope) was openly welcomed back into the community. I would like to think that we each deserve the space to find our own way. And that the community, the network of freinds and fellow travellers that we build along the way will look out for our best interests, while at the same time not overwhelm us, imposing a set of ideas that we are not ready to accept, or do not ascent to in good faith.