@bobbala @BattleDwarfGimli @Snidely_Whiplash @WilhelmIII @s2208 @Aly @EdBoatConnoisseur @KingOfWhiteAmerica @Largo @dogslurp This is what we are talking about. The faith/works distinction is because of a mistranslation by Luther. When he was asked why he mistranslated, he said it was on purpose because he felt it should be that way.
The problem with "faith alone" is that you can't point at a pastors 1000sqft mansion and ten ferraris and say "brother you are not christian" because the church is falling apart. The pastor can counter with "i have faith, therefore im Christian" and it is an ultimate trump card. Works are a worldly receipt for faith, they should be synonymous, only a liar would separate works from faith. Because he does one thing, and claims to believe another, which is called a lie.
It is wrong to "side" with Paul or James, they are both part of the Bible, and both Paul and James are in 100% full agreement on faith and works. It is the interpretation that is flawed and only the interpretation that is flawed, the Holy Writ is by definition correct.