What do you think about the text in James 2:14-26 versus Romans 4:1-25? Are the authors talking about same thing but in two different ways, or do they have opposing views? -- Måns Lindkvist

Their views mesh nicely. Both believe in an active faith. Not a dead faith, but one that gets up and does something! Many scholars, however, see a disagreement where there is none. Others see none at all. 

Abraham actively pursued God. He left Ur. He believed in God's promises. He sinned, but still overall he was faithful to the covenant. Similarly, James argues that we cannot only talk the talk--we must walk the walk. 

No contradiction here!