Whacko! “Don’t worry … be happy!” Then and now James’ command to “Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds” sounds irrational! Put this verse on a sign next to the expressway and it would appear to be the work of a crazed fanatic. Indeed, to any culture (including ours) determined to insulate itself from trials, even from discomforts, this sounds crazy. Tragically, it even seems irrational to many who identify with Christianity. What does James’ command really mean? In answer, we must