Even Luther worked toward reconciling the epistle with his theology.
It seems your teachers have found it much easier: Just ignore the parts you don’t like or don’t fit your theology, whether it be St. James or Jesus.
Ignore? How about understanding God’s Plan for mankind? Because it’s very clearly written. And available to anyone who bothers to study God’s word of truth, rightly divided. If the Holy Spirit is in you, then you have the ability to understand what He has written to you and for you. If not, then all the studying in the world will bring you nothing but confusion. The wisdom of man is foolishness to God. And we know He is not the author of confusion. Show me a religious institution that has more books on books of studies of doctrines and traditions and what God “meant to say” and I will show you one CONFUSED, deceived place.
I know what Catholics do when Paul is quoted. Here are Jesus' own words on the subject.
John 10:25-30 25Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one."