“We realize Roman Catholics give little heed to the words of Scripture”
Yet, it is the Protestants who ignore Scripture when it tell them, like St. James, that “faith without works is dead”.
Of course your other statements have no merit and are not supported by facts either.
James is saying that if a person does not display the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the good works of Christ within them, then it is doubtful they have been given true faith since true faith will result in good works.
And that is the only verse Roman Catholics can hinge their heresy of a works-based salvation on. One verse and still they get that verse wrong.
Paul corrected that error dozens of times...
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." -- Romans 4:4-5
"Knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by works of the law: for by works of the law shall no flesh be justified." -- Galatians 2:16 "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Good works are the result of God's free and merciful gift of salvation; not the cause of it or else men would have reason to boast. And boy, does Rome boast.
It's no coincidence Rome doesn't understand God's free grace; it's so much more fun and self-satisfying to congratulate themselves for their salvation than to thank the Triune God alone for rescuing them from the penalty of their sins.
Read your Bible and learn the truth.