First, let me say thank you for this discussion. It is a good thing to talk about both the similarities and differences in our faith. As you often say, Don, I’m sure that in episode 999 there will be some serious issues that will make the differences seem insurmountable. However, until that time, I pray that all of you can keep the friendship and mutual respect for each other by remembering that the same God loves us all (Protestant or Roman Catholic).

Surprisingly, last episode you guys hit on a topic that I thought would not come until episode 935…not 3. “Faith vs. Works” is a monumental issue that cuts to the heart of the division between our two faith practices (I too am Protestant, Scott). It also unfortunately stands in the way of true catholicism (small “c”). I think it is necessary to look back and study the Reformation period in order to understand what the Faith + Works doctrine is for the Roman Catholic church as opposed to the Faith Alone for Protestantism.

I believe the reason Luther was so adamant about reforming the Roman Catholic Church was because he realized that too many man made rules (or “works”) had overtaken the church. Specifically, the selling of indulgences was the proverbial “nail” that drove the 95 Theses into the door of the Wittenberg church. In reviewing Luther’s document it is clear that he was concerned that the church had moved away from salvation by faith alone to salvation conferred at the discretion of the Pope (see #52, 75 of Luther’s previously mentioned work). It was these kinds of “works” (indulgences, paid burial masses, etc) that Luther protested, not the “good works that come from faith” (Jaroslav Pelikan, The Riddle of Roman Catholicism, 49). This is the primal difference between Protestantism and Catholicism. Even though the Roman Catholic Church today does not sell indulgences as much as it used to, it still holds to institutional laws that must be obeyed in order to be in right accord with Christ. These laws, which manifest themselves in “works”, are what Luther was trying to reform (see Vittorio Subilia, The Problem of Catholicism, 157, where he discusses the necessity to submit to the Roman Pontiff or lose faith and salvation).

This is where I feel that the discussion of “Faith vs. Works” in episode 3 discouraged me. I absolutely agree that “deeds” (I prefer this over “works”) are an integral part of faith. However, I believe that deeds are a result of God’s spirit working in me as a result of my personal salvation, not another step to salvation. Don, you said in episode 3 that according to the Catholic Church “Faith and works are inseparable” and that “If you have faith in God then you’re going to do good works. If you do good works, then you can only really truly do good works if you have faith in God.” I would agree with this but clarify that “works” are NOT necessary for salvation but are necessary for righteous living. I do not see a direct correlation in the Bible to “faith + works = salvation” as I do see “faith= salvation.” If this is not true, how then does the thief on the cross next to Jesus enter into the kingdom (Luke 23.42-43)?

Having said this, and realizing that this comment is too long for anyone’s good, I will finish by stating that I agree with you Scott that the issue is really more about “saved by grace and not by works.” Since God’s grace alone saves me, who is inherently prone to sin, no “works” or deeds I do can add anything of value to my state of salvation. If that was not the case then I think it is possible to “extrapolate” to the dangerous point of saying that Jesus’ death was not enough to bring about salvation for me completely because now I have to do “works” to prove I have salvation. Ultimately, and I’m aware that this is radical, it is not about my faith but about believing that it was Jesus’ faith that makes us righteous before God and therefore justified.

Scott, Don and Drella, thanks for your time and for your ministry via this podcast. I look forward to many more episodes, good discussion and deep, thoughtful reflection on topics you all cover. God bless each of you.

James T.

P. S. I think it is important to be aware of Luther’s complete stance on the book of James. Yes indeed, Don, he did at one time desire to remove it from his translation. But he also thought part of it beneficial to the masses because he preached from it several times. His dislike is somewhat linked to the question of James’ true canonicity which has been debated from the earliest Greek manuscripts known today. See this link for further information: http://www.ntrmin.org/Luther%20and%20the%20canon%202.htm