Quest for True Spirituality
One of the most misunderstood books of the Bible is the epistle of James. Throughout the church history, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the canonicity of the book. Early church leaders such as Theodore doubted the authenticity of the book. According to Wikipedia, even Eusebius doubted it and classified it under contested writings.
It is not indeed right to overlook the fact that some have rejected the Epistle to the Hebrews... Among the disputed writings, which are nevertheless recognized by many, are extant the so-called epistle of James and that of Jude, also the second epistle of Peter, and those that are called the second and third of John. Eusebius18
In his early years, Martin Luther, one of the fathers of the reformation disputed the canonicity of the epistle of James. Luther also doubted three other books, namely Hebrews, Jude and Revelation because he thought they were against sola gratia and sola fide. The teaching we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith alone is called sola gratia and sola fide, respectively. Martin Luther argued that the epistle of James, Hebrews, Jude and Revelation promoted salvation by performance and justification by works.
If Luther's negative view of these books were based only upon the fact that their canonicity was disputed in early times, 2 Peter might have been included among them, because this epistle was doubted more than any other in ancient times"... However, the prefaces that Luther affixed to these four books makes it evident "that his low view of them was more due to his theological reservations than with any historical investigation of the canon.
Bible Researcher19
The Heart of the Controversy
Since the book of James was written to Hebrew Christians, the book was not as widely distributed among gentile Christians. Hence, some early church fathers doubted its canonicity. Anyone who has read the book of James two verses stand out. These verses are probably the heart of the controversy. One verse seems contrary to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone and the other the doctrine justification of by faith.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Jas 1:22
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Jas 2:17
On the surface, since the verse preceding James 1:22, says, "Put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." th