I just recently saw someone on this forum say about cultists that they "have little or no faith." To me, this is wrong. I don't like OR agree with the way they chose to profess their faith (suicide is never a good thing), but I can't deny that they had faith in their leader. It would take a lot of faith to willingly go to your death, I think. But it got me thinking - what exactly is faith to all of you? Be honest - both positive and negative answers are welcome.
stedyedy
Favorite Answer
Faith is belief without facts or physical evidence. Faith is far more than only a religious idea. One may have faith in their spouse. Faith in their doctor. Superstitions are forms of faith. If you drive down the highway one generally has faith that the oncoming cars will stay on their side of the road. A child has faith that Santa Claus will come. Faith is generally a prerequisite, until one acquires knowledge which replaces faith. Faith may be based on assumed truths or ridiculous assumptions.
Anonymous
Every person on this earth has a measure of faith. Jesus said so. How we use it or ignore it is up to us.
Example: I have faith that my car will start in the morning so I can go to work.
Example 2: I have faith that my job will still be there in the morning whether my car starts or not.
Example 3: My God shall supply all your need; according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (that's one of my favorite faith builders)
Faith is a belief in something or someone as defined by the dictionary. Hebrews 11:1 gives a more Christian view of what faith is.
Good question by the way!
Anonymous
I'll leave blind-faith to others, they can define or defend it. Faith is clear, sure knowledge. To put it the context of a religous journey, the man with faith, is the one who has travelled the road, and really doesn't need a map. Those who trust him (blind), can be led. Disciples can read the signs that he has put along the way. Sadly, Death stands between you and the journeys end. It's like a chasm, that you will have to leap, eyes open, or not. Either way, time will bring us all to that end/beginning.
Is that cryptic, or what?
Ask Mr. Religion
By "faith" I mean the following:
Faith commences with the conviction of the mind based on adequate evidence; faith continues in the confidence of the heart or emotions based on conviction, and faith is crowned in the consent of the will, by means of which the conviction and confidence are expressed in conduct.
Key points, faith is a…
Conviction of the Mind
Confidence of the Heart
Consent of the Will
Conduct of the Body
As you can see from the above, faith affects the whole of a person's nature. Even the demons *believe*. Belief is not enough. Many may claim to be Christians, but we know from the scriptures that many are called, but few are chosen:
Mat 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Mat 7:18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' (ESV Translation)
Faith without works is dead, just as the fig tree cursed by Christ when it did not bear fruit (Mt. 21:19). By a Christian's fruit you will know their true nature.
Anonymous
Faith means the same as blind folding yourself and someone giving you directions on the top of a building on how to get down.