shadmans Musings  

  You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.  (James 2:24) Yes, the title and the first line do seem to contradict one another, don’t they? Faith alone, or Sola Fide, is the foundational belief that came out of the Reformation but, not surprisingly, has been completely rejected by both Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism. In fact, Catholic and Orthodox believers often tell Protestants how wrong they are for their belief in ‘Faith Alone.’ So, does not James 2:24 make it clear that faith alone is not true? Is there a contradiction here?  I’ve had enough encounters with Roman Catholic (RC) and Eastern Orthodox (EO) believers and with the exception of one, all have chosen the easy route of name calling and dogmatic proclamations. I already know they disagree with me but they generally misrepresent what Protestants believe and present a dogmatic statement with zero proof for what they believe and act as if that settles the whole conversation. It always make...

  (7) As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. (8) For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; (9) and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. (10) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); (11) and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. (12) Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (13) For I t...