Faith, through grace, is that which directs one to carry out good works. Works are not the cause of salvation; they are a symptom of it.

Faith without works is dead.

I think a major issue is the word faith being perceived as synonymous with belief. Faith, IMHO, has far more to do with steadfast and unwavering commitment to carrying out divine will which some are given the grace of knowing. Belief is perhaps a part of it, but it is so much more than belief. The idea that somehow believing in some stories told in our silly human language that are full of parable and metaphor can hold a candle to faithfulness is an odd idea to me. The stories and rituals are there to guide you to God. They're no more the object of devotion than a map of the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon.