kinds of trials” (1:2, my translation) discussed here. Two other passages cover the same material as 1:2–4, namely, Romans 5:3–5 and 1 Peter 1:6–7. Romans 5:3–5 speaks of trials producing “endurance,” which produces “strength of character,” which produces “confident hope.” In 1 Peter 1:6–7 we are told that we should “be truly glad” because trials test our faith like “fire tests and purifies gold.” These three passages demonstrate a common thread of catechetical teaching in the early church. James