Why? Saint James didn't follow that kind of rule? Aren't you just inventing laws? If saint James can write (under inspiration) that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone why ought I to be afraid to say the same?
Because according to Martin Luther, James Epistle is an "Epistle of Straw" !! Luther was much more fond of Galatians.
You need to remember MoreCoffee - that the Reformation wasn't only an attempt to clarify some doctrine that Luther thought in error - it was also a rebellion against the abuses of the RCC at that time. Luther focuses on "faith alone", which, by necessity, must leave out or minimize an Epistle like James.
At the same time, while the Catholic church may be more accepting of James and works, it also claims spiritual authority over all believers and has, in past times, carried them out ruthlessly. I like the Protestant movement even if I'm not down with Luther's focus, because at least it provides a range of belief and practice that doesn't have to put *certain works* into the curriculum like deference to priests, bishops, popes, kissing their rings, praying to Mary,keeping a Sabbath that isn't Sunday, giving to the already super wealthy Catholic church, on penalty of excommunication or worse. And, I also don't believe the Catholic church or the hierarchy thereof has the authority in the first place.
