[OLD REGGIE]

Admonishing sinners isn't a work? Defending the wrongfully accused isn't a work? Instructing the ignorant isn't a work? You have a much more narrow view of works than do we Catholics.

“By the same token a confession of faith is a ‘work’ is it not?”

Certainly! As was St. Dismas’ confession of sin to the High Priest, his repentance, and his acceptance of his penance on the cross.

But although these are works, I don't know how non-Catholics might look at them, so I didn't include them.

I will not argue with your position. It is a reasonable, if generous, definition of "work".

It seems you might accept the Protestant position that "Faith Alone" is sufficient.

I believe there is a widespread misunderstanding among sincere Catholics and Protestants concerning "Faith/Works".

Most Protestants (I think) believe Faith is always melded with Good Works. The distinction (once again - I think) is the Protestant belief is that Faith Alone is sufficient while Works Alone is never sufficient.

Protestants are invited to tell me how little I know. :)

[sitetest]

Dear OLD REGGIE,

"I will not argue with your position. It is a reasonable, if generous, definition of 'work'."

I have a hard time seeing "admonishing sinners" and "instructing the ignorant" as being "generously" defined as works. These are basic spiritual works of mercy.

“Most Protestants (I think) believe Faith is always melded with Good Works.”

Not sure what you mean exactly by that, but from what I see, non-Catholic/non-Orthodox seem to think that faith and works are two separate things and that only faith is required for salvation.

Even you say that:

“...the Protestant position that “Faith Alone” is sufficient.”

For Catholics, the dichotomization between faith in works seems a little screwy.

“...while Works Alone is never sufficient.”

I don't know any properly-catechized Catholics who believe that.

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