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If one believes he is saved or damned by his works , then one comforts oneself with the idea that "I am not as bad as my neighbor"

The Bible tells us "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." That is the inspired word of God . It does not say that some have fallen short and some are "close"

May I quote James to you?

Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

So a liar is also a murderer in Gods eyes.

No where does Jesus say or imply that one is saved by works.

The book of James was written to a converted church , not heathens seeking salvation It tells them how their conversion is seen by the unsaved world . It is not about becoming saved or being saved. It is about the fruit of your salvation.

Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

The key word here is faith.. Faith PRODUCES WORKS..works do not produce faith ... Being saved by works only produces doubt... have I done enough? been good enough

James is an amplification of the teaching of Jesus that we know a tree by the fruit it bears. It is how we know the saved from the unsaved. It does not declare that the man has faith ...but that he SAYS he has faith.

This addresses a hollow profession of faith , not a saving one .Can a hollow profession save him? NO, any more than works can save.This scripture says to the church that this faith is non existent , it is dead.

The bible is clear that it is God that gives the faith and it is God that ordains the works of the saved

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Hbr 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Phl 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Catholic believe this. Faith without works is dead! We do not believe "once saved always saved." You can lose your salvation. Just because I say I believe in Christ, doesn't make it so unless I prove to him I do. My love and forgiveness of others are works. My dedication to Christ is a work. Praying is a work. Helping those in need is a work. It is not just about how much money you give a charity or how much you helped your neighbor, it is your heart that he wants and that my friend is a work. It is not easy to love, pray and forgive my enemy, but I have to if I want enter into Heaven. I think you misunderstand what we call works and what you call works.

You're right when you say James was written to an already converted (justified) community but that's actually the Catholic claim. No one is justified by any work. Only God's grace justifies. But once one is justified, the path to salvation includes work, and not just any work but work that cooperates with continued grace from God.

[James] addresses a hollow profession of faith , not a saving one .Can a hollow profession save him? NO, any more than works can save. This scripture says to the church that this faith is non existent , it is dead.

So then which is it, faith alone or faith + works? You can't have it both ways.

You seem to want to have your cake and eat it too. You say it's bad for Catholics to have a faith + works belief system yet claim the same for yourself. Make up your mind.