dead faith

Martin Luther actually thought this book didn't belong in the Bible.  The reason?  James's assertion that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17) Romans 10:9-10 might seem to contradict that claim.  Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James would not be contradictory.  I choose to think of it as hyperbole. .  (An extreme statement to make a point).  He illustrated with the body and the spirit.  "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". (James 2:26)  That's a strong claim but an important nuance.  Genuine faith will produce Christian works. As much as James talks about it in this chapter, I can appreciate Martin Luther's consternation.  The simple fact remains that James never asserts the opposite relationship. He never says that works produces faith.  This to me is crucial and the reason I can emphatically affirm the book of James as the word of God.  Praise God!