Hi Kyle,

I think the two are different. Works as written about by Paul are linked to the law. Works as written about by James seem to be more about doing good things out of love. His definition of religion, for example, mentions helping widows and orphans. He seems to be taking a very general view of works, based on a real desire to love and help others. This attitude of the heart is much different than following the law, and seems to follow along the lines of Jesus' admonitions of the Pharisees, who worship God out of a legalistic rather than loving attitude.

I'm sure this idea is nothing new, and I notice it helps resolve the superficial contradiction between James and Paul. No need to contort "justify", though I think James is obviously saying works will evidence faith. The question is whether faith alone will justify a soul.

As an aside, I sometimes get the feeling that good works are somehow bad when I talk to Calvinists. They have built up such a defense against good works relating to salvation, that they've grown accustomed to opposing good works of any kind! This is surely not a good thing, because while we may disagree about the status of good works, we should surely agree that we should still do them.

Best regards,
Mike