Difference between revisions of "Faith" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Albrecht Dürer Betende Hände.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Faith'' in something greater is an important theme in all the world religions. Painting by [[Albrecht Dürer]].]]
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'''Faith''' (from Greek-''pistis'' and Latin-''fides'') refers to confidence, trust, and hope in [[God]], a person, community, tradition, or locus of inspiration. The object of faith varies among people, but the common denominator is a level of conviction and an inner attitude towards a greater power or force in the universe. Etymologically, the word 'faith' is closely linked to the concept of "fidelity," which emphasizes commitment to something or someone. Faith can thus be envisioned as a trust in [[providence]], and has been used as a synonym for religion, such as in the [[Buddhist]] faith or the [[Christian]] faith.
  
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== Faith ==
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In a lesser sense, faith is often understood to mean 'loyalty' to a particular view of [[divinity]], allegiance to a particular religious community and belief in its [[doctrine]]s. Yet all religious traditions regard mere "belief"—intellectual assent—as faith of the weakest kind.
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Faith is an important aspect of the world religions, and a common theme of human religiosity. According to Christian tradition, faith is one of the gifts of the [[Holy Spirit]] that provides impetus for humanity to move forward, and is said to be especially important when one encounters obstacles in life. Living a life of faith helps one transcend a limited view of self and live for the sake of the larger human community and the purposes of God. For many people, faith, or the lack thereof, is an important part of their overall identity.
  
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'''Personal faith''' is confidence, trust, and hope in a person, community, tradition, belief or other object that provides a purpose for one's life. Faith gives the impetus to move forward, and is especially important when normal life encounters obstacles. Faith is also necessary for growth, because people learn through acquiring character and knowledge from some authority in which they have faith. '''Communal faith''' is a shared commitment to a common object of faith, which is historically and culturally inherited or acquired. 
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== Various Semantic Usages of Faith ==
  
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The word 'faith' is closely linked to the concept of "fidelity" as in commitment or loyality to something or someone. Faith can also mean 'loyalty' to one's religious  doctrines or particular religious community.
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The concept of faith is central to many religious traditions; yet, the term's usage is somewhat problematic due to it's elastic nature. For example, the word ''faith'' can be used in a variety of ways according to one's intention, perspective, and theological context. [[Protestant]] Christians, for instance, speak of the doctrine of ''[[Justification by Faith]]'', which has a specific meaning within Protestant discourse (see below).
  
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Another understanding of faith is called [[fideism]], which means that one ought to believe a God exists without any [[reason]]s at all.  Faith in this sense, grounded simply in the sincerity of faith, belief on the basis of believing, is often associated with the idea of "blind faith."  However, faith need not be blind or submissive: both the [[Hebrew Bible]] and the [[Talmud]], for example, depict a committed but contentious faithful relationship between the Jews and their God.  
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Generally speaking, faith has both an individual and a communal dimension: '''Personal faith''' is an individual's confidence, trust, and hope in something or someone greater, whereas '''Communal faith''' is a shared group commitment to similar ideals. Communities of faith can be of various kinds ranging from family and kinship groups, ethnic groups, religions, philosophical communities, political parties, or even scientific schools.  
  
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Christians often define "Faith" as '[[hope]] in [[action]].' This perspective is summed up in what many Christians consider the great chapter in the New Testament on faith, Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen."
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Moreover, the terms "faith" and "belief" are often used as synonyms ''albeit'' scholars such as Wilfred Cantwell Smith (1998) have nuanced the respective meanings of these terms. Typically, a "belief" implies an intellectual or mental assent to a proposition, whereas "faith" is a deeper holistic commitment of one's entire being to a higher calling, which resonates and permeates one's entire life. Thus, faith often includes an act of the will and an emotional commitment beyond the intellect, whereas beliefs are rooted in intellectual commitments and convictions.  
  
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==Faith and Belief==
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Modern writers and skeptics often speak of ''blind faith'' in a pejorative manner. Critics describe faith as an "irrational practice" and argue that one should only accept what is directly supportable by logic or evidence. To have faith in a God or power without any reasons to support it is called [[fideism]]. Faith in the sense of being grounded simply in the sincerity of faith, has thus been ridiculed as "blind faith." However, faith need not be blind or submissive: both the [[Hebrew Bible]] and the [[Talmud]], for example, depict a committed but contentious faithful relationship between the Jews and their God.
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Faith and belief are often used interchangeably and there is a dynamic interplay between them. However, ''faith is an emotional commitment'' to an object of faith based on loyalty, confidence, and trust, such as a person, community, tradition, or belief. A ''belief is an intellectual commitment'' based a concept that the object of belief represents truth. One can have faith in a belief, or belief in a community of faith, which can be objectified. Historically, faith in traditional beliefs has allowed communites to continue to flourish. Such communities of faith can be, for example, family and kinship groups, ethnic groups, religions, philosophical communities, political parties, or scientific schools.
 
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The word  '''''faith''''', ''pitis'' in the ''Greek'', and ''fides'' in the ''Latin'', connotes a conviction,[[confidence]], [[Trust (sociology)|trust]] or inner attitude towards a greater power or force in the universe than oneself. The object of faith varies among people and can be seen as a person, an inanimate object, a state of affairs, or a [[proposition]] such as a [[Creed|religious credo]]. One may have faith in God or faith in others, but the common denominator is a level of conviction in an object of faith. Faith can also be used as a synonym for religion, such as in the Buddhist faith or the Christian faith. For many people, faith or the lack thereof, is an important part of their [[Identity|identities]].
 
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Belief is a mental acceptance or assent to something offered as true, with or without certainty. Belief can not be spoken of so confidently,
 
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It follows from an "I have faith in God because . . . " type of statement.  This relates more to indirect evidence of experience than more personal experience.  A faith in God resting upon such more intellectual and rational foundation might not, during a severe test, hold-up as well as a faith which is grounded in real religious experience.  In this way, belief is understood as a more cognitive function and faith as a unique commitment to an ultimate fundamental decision, or "ultimate concern," to borrow a phrase from [[Paul Tillich]], which stands upon real personal religious experience and around which life is organized.
 
  
 
== Faith in Religious Contexts ==
 
== Faith in Religious Contexts ==
  
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In Biblical Judaism [[faith]] is considered to be mostly juridical.  In means the adherence of the people of Israel to the [[Convenant]] created by God and thus the [[Covenant]] between God [[Jehovah]] and his people [[Israel]]. The notion of faith in [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]] which are rooted in historical experience and tradition, is similar.  Faith (IMAN in Arabic) in [[Islam]] distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. In the [[Qur'an]] (10:100), it is proclaimed that "None can have faith except by the will of Allah."  And in Christianity, the [[Apostle Paul]] defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1); and that it is a gift of God ((1 Corinthinas 12:8-9).  
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===Faith in Judaism===
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In Biblical [[Judaism]], faith is specifically understood as the continued obedience of the Jews to the commandments of [[God]] ([[Jehovah]]) found and repeatedly renewed in his [[Covenant]]s. Thus, faith is tied to the context of God's Covenant with his chosen people, [[Israel]]. In practice, this means that Jews are expected to be faithful to God by following the 613 ''Mitzvoth'', and honoring the holidays of the Jewish calendar, among other practices.
  
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Faith in [[Christianity]] is central to [[salvation]], with Catholic notions apparently adhering to the premise that humankind can be saved by faith alone, referring to faith in Jesus as the [[Savior]] and [[Messiah]] of all humankind; while Protestant groups generally agree that salvation is dependent on faith in Jesus as the Savior, God the creator, and on works, although there are myriad variations on these points within the hundreds of denominations in Protestantism. While the precise meaning and content of [[faith in Christianity]] differs in some respects between the various Christian traditions, there is much common ground. Hebrews Chapter 11, Verse 1 begins the "great chapter" on faith in the [[New Testament]] of the [[Holy Bible]]: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen," (discussed above).  It is observed that the contribution of Christianity to the religious world, is its clarification of the "object" of faith and the "goal" of faith. Clearly, the object of faith in Christianity is [[Jesus]], the [[Messiah]], and the goal is the salvation he ultimately offers to those who have faith in him.  
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===Faith in Christianity===
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The classic definition of "Faith" in [[Christianity]] is summed up in what many consider to be the greatest chapter on faith in the [[New Testament]] found in Hebrews 11:1:
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:"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen."
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While the precise meaning and content of faith in Christianity differs in some respects between the various Christian traditions, there is much common ground. In general, Christian faith is seen as 'hope in action' which tangibly manifests itself in the conviction that Christ is the [[Savior]] and [[Messiah]] of all humankind. Faith in this conviction is central to [[salvation]] in Christian theology. However, such faith is a gift of God (1 Corinthians 12:8-9), and Paul lists it along with hope and love as the gifts of the [[Holy Spirit]]. Interestingly, Paul states that love is "the greatest" gift but faith is the ground of all else.  
  
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In both the [[Theravada]] and [[Mahayana] traditions of Buddhism, faith is known as (saddha/ sraddha) and is an important constituent element of the teachings of the [[Buddha]]. While not of the blind variety and on occasion linked with insight (prajna), Buddhist faith (as advocated by the Buddha of the various scriptures) nevertheless requires a degree of trusting confidence and belief primarily in the spiritual attainment and salvational knowledge of the Buddha. Faith in [[Buddhism]] centres on belief in the Buddha as a supremely Awakened being, on his unexcelled role as teacher of both humans and gods, in the truth of his [[Dharma]] (spiritual Doctrine), and in his [[Sangha]] (community of spiritually developed followers). Faith in Buddhism functions as a form of motor, which propels the Buddhist practitioner towards the goal of Awakening ([[bodhi]]) and [[Nirvana]].
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In [[Protestant]] [[theology]], the concept of ''Justification by Faith'' is an important [[doctrine]] of various Protestant [[denominations]]. [[Martin Luther]], the founder of the Lutheran Church, for example, states that faith alone ''(sola fide)'' is necessary for salvation. According to him, faith was not a mere "intellectual assent" to Church doctrines because this did not actually touch one's heart. In fact, he would consider this to be what Paul calls the "faith of demons" which merely acknowledges the existence of God. Luther wrote, "Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it."<ref>Martin Luther [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/luther-faith.txt Martin Luther's Definition of Faith] Retrieved July 16, 2020.</ref>
  
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===Belief, Religion and Science===
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Luther argued that no amount of good works could ever compensate for a lack of faith. By deeming works necessary we deem Christ imperfect (see [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%203:22-25&version=31 Romans 3:22-25]). No sacrament or any church ritual is at all relevant in this matter; full [[justification]] takes place at the moment a sinner admits sin and trusts in the [[sacrifice]] of [[Christ]] who took the punishment for that sin. [[Sanctification]] is what follows as a result of gratitude for justification already completed. However, critics often point out that Luther's position is undermined by the Epistle of James, which states that people are "not justified by faith alone" (James 2:24).
  
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Classical science and philosophy studied truth through philosophy and natural science. The branch of philosophy that discusses acquisition of knowledge is called [[epistemology.]] Observation, comparison and logic were tools which helped ancients understand belief at a level beyond a revelation by a group elder.
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===Faith in Buddhism===
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In both the [[Theravada]] and [[Mahayana]] traditions of [[Buddhism]], faith is known as ''saddha / sraddha'' and is an important aspect of the teachings of [[Buddha]]. ''Sraddha'' means provisional adherence to the doctrine of Buddha ''(dharma)'' until personal experience and practice convinces one of the truth. Although Buddha insisted that his disciples experience truth for themselves, once one embarked on the [[Buddhist Eightfold Path]] the process nevertheless required a degree of trusting confidence primarily in the spiritual attainment and salvational knowledge of Buddha. Faith in Buddhism centers on belief in Buddha as a supremely Awakened being, in the truth of his [[Dharma]] (spiritual doctrine), and in his ''[[Sangha]]'' (community of spiritually developed followers).  
  
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Modern scientists have been critical of inherited religious beliefs that cannot be tested by [[scientific method]]s which demand testable and independent verification of correspondence to experienced reality. For example, using Newton's laws of motion to determine the path of billiard balls, different individuals will arrive at the same answer. Such correspondence is said to make up scientific truth, and thus more believable than a prediction by a religious or political leader about the path the balls will take. Thus, science can be said to promote wider and more rational believability than the pronouncements of more arbitrary revelation on a concept.  
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As Buddhism evolved and spread throughout Asia, the act of faith became very important in various forms of Mahayana Buddhism, which very much emphasized the importance of faith. For example, the [[Pure Land]] school of Mahayana Buddhism encouraged its practitioners to place ultimate faith the efficacy of the saving grace of [[Amitabha Buddha]]. Others placed faith the merit of various ''[[bodhisattva]]'' figures. Thus, faith to some degree helps propel the Buddhist practitioner towards the goal of Awakening ''([[bodhi]])'' and ''[[Nirvana]]'' or [[rebirth]] in higher celestial realms.
  
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However, the idea of [[absolute truth]] in science was called into question with the [[Heisenberg uncertainty principle]] and Einstein's [[Theory of relativity]]. These ideas showed that Newton's laws only describes a very accurate but not absolute path of billiard balls, and only when the conditions of space and time experienced on earth apply.  
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===Faith in Islam===
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The Arabic word for "Faith" is ''Iman'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: &#x0625;&#x064A;&#x0645;&#x0627;&#x0646;). This term literally means “to fully observe one's faith” or “to learn one's faith,” and lexically denotes affirmation and confirmation in the heart. It can be found in a verse of the Holy [[Qur'an]], which proclaims that ''iman'' distinguishes a believer from a non-believer: "None can have faith except by the will of [Allah." Qur'an (10:100).
  
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Religious communities do not give up their beliefs quickly. A well-known example is that the [[Catholic]] Church did not accept the view of the universe developed by [[Copernicus]], which says the earth is round and a very small speck in a large universe, for 300 years. Copernicus was condemned by the Church in his own time. Chinese [[Confucian]] scholars argue that Confucius' ethical teachings are right because their practice improves social stability, and they have not been disproved in 2,500 years. They would argue that scientists who throw out such concepts because they can't be verified by their empirical methods would lead society into social chaos.
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According to [[Islam]]ic teaching, ''Iman'' means acquiescing to a truth of a thing in the heart (heart being the spiritual center). Faith is not mere belief, but firm commitment to knowledge of truth of which we do not doubt.
  
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===Scientific faith===
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===Faith in Chinese Religions===
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Scientists have faith and beliefs. In this sense they are religious, or sometimes called quasi-religious. For example, many scientists believe in Darwinism, which has been called a "pseudo-religion." They believe that the concept of unguided random mutation and natural selection can explain the development of life on earth. While they can point to reasons why they believe this, they cannot prove it with the scientific method, nor can they disprove those who believe the universe was designed by a Creator.
 
  
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==Religious Faith==
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The word for "Faith" in Chinese characters consist of two characters (信仰); the first one (信), which consists of a pictograph of "a person" (人) and an ideograph of "words or speeches" (言), has a meaning of "trusting" or "believing." The second one (仰) consists of a pictograph of "a person" (人) and a radical with a meaning of "raising one's head and looking up to" (卬). Thus, faith in Chinese character has a connotation of "a human action of trusting in the words of a leader or a teacher in spiritual matters and looking up to him or her or a superhuman being behind him/her (Andrew Wilson's Scope Notes)."
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''Main Article: [[Religious faith]]''
 
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===Small groups and sects===
 
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Religious faith is generally associated with a community with shared objects of faith. The word [[cult]], which is the root of the word [[culture]], is associated with core objects of faith essential for the life of the community.
 
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Historically such faith was limited to family and kinship groups or tribes which lived together in small face-to-face communities. It related to the common historical experiences and goals of the community, often non-verbal and non-rational. Such a faith may be associated with an object of faith, or a god, which provides favors or protection for the group.
 
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===Religions===
 
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Religions are the transference of faith to a large group in society, not all in face-to-face relations. They are organized by common cultural practices and teachings (scriptures) which bind together groups that transcend traditional communities. They may have many temples or churches for different communities. However, an adherent to one church will feel comfortable joining another church of the same religion in a different area. A general expansion of such religions occurred in the [[axial age]] (600-200 B.C.E.) as commerce and trade brought large groups of people into relationship with one another and large urban areas developed by seaports.
 
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In the [[Ancient Near East]] family and community gods were eventually superseded by the idea of God, the creator and sustainer of the entire world ([[Monotheism]]). Often the names for God used by a particular group, like "Yahweh," (Lord of Hosts) or "Elohim" (Father sky) were said to be different names for the same God. This allowed absorption of smaller religious groups into the larger religious sphere.
 
  
 
== Faith Development and Psychology ==
 
== Faith Development and Psychology ==
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''Main Article: [[Faith Development]]''
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Many draw upon the field of psychology to enhance understandings of faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages. These [[faith development]] theorists, chief among them being [[James Fowler]] (1995), stand upon the foundation of [[moral development]] stage theorists like the pioneering [[Jean Piaget]], [[Lawrence Kohlberg]], and others. Modern developmental psychologists explain faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages.
  
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Modern developmental psychologists expalin understandings of faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages. At birth, one is totally dependent on one's parents. The world of the parents, including their faith, is absorbed by the child. As one's own identity develops, one has to distinguish personal faith from that of the parents, which could be said to be communal.
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===Scientific faith===
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Scientists have faith and beliefs. In this sense they are religious, or sometimes called quasi-religious. For example, many scientists believe in Darwinism, which has been called a "pseudo-religion." They believe that the concept of unguided random mutation and natural selection can explain the development of life on earth. While they can point to reasons why they believe this, they cannot prove it with the scientific method, nor can they disprove those who believe a Creator designed the universe.
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[[Faith development]] theorists, chief among them being [[James Fowler]], stand upon the foundation of [[moral development]] stage theorists like the pioneering [[Jean Piaget]], [[Lawrence Kohlberg]], and others. See also Freud's theory of the [[ego]].Critics of faith often describe it as being irrational and they argue that one should only accept what is directly supportable by logic or evidence. 
 
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Many traditions understand that God, the Creator, whether known as [[God]], [[Heavenly Father]], [[Jahovah]], [[Allah]], et al, uses central individuals on earth to facilitate the development of faithful individuals, families and communities.  Thus, have arisen the various notions and personages from [[Prophets]], [[Priest]] and [[King]]s, to [[Messiah]], [[Savior]], [[Son of Man]], etc, in the Old and New Testaments of the [[Judeo-Christian]] traditions, and by the [[Meitreya]] in Buddhism, [[Avatar]] in Hinduism, [[Saoshyans]] in Zoroastrianism , and [[Imam-Mahdi]] in Islam, to mention a few examples from other religious traditions.  A question found in the New Testament of the Christian tradition, asks: "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8) This is a Biblical example of a sentiment found within Christianity, which appears to embrace the need for some precondition in man (faith) and the coming of a human vehicle, [[Savior]], understood as a core element of faith, through whom God works to establish a gateway for the reunion (this topic is discussed further in articles linked here, and others on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc). And, this question of "faith on earth," also insinuates the notion that faith is a developmental process, or at least, that there exist different qualities or levels of faith and hence, faithfullness.  Of Course, world religions vary on their teaching of the core element of faith through which, we assume, one's faith would develop and grow.  While some emphasize a messianic figure, leader, or teacher, others emphasize scripture, tradition, a covenant or covenants, the religious hierarchy, or other objects of faith. Most religions have some variant of one or more of these, including Islam which emphasizes faith in the Koran (scripture), in addition to a concept of Imam-Mahdi (which corresponds to savior).  Other traditions also maintain that some human preconditions, or demonstrations of faithfulness, including prayer, fasting, study, community service, celebacy and other spiritual exercises are required before spiritual elevation and human improvement can occur, or new revelations of truth can be given and received. 
 
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Meanwhile, many in Christian traditions, as well as some in other traditions, draw upon the field of psychology to enhance understandings of faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages.  These [[faith development]] theorists, chief among them being [[James Fowler]], stand upon the foundation of [[moral development]] stage theorists like the pioneering [[Jean Piaget]], [[Lawrence Kohlberg]], and others.  See these articles for further discussion.
 
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== Conclusions ==
 
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Having "Faith" in something greater than oneself appears to be a common strand in the major religious traditions, if not all religious traditions. Thus, faith works to create unity and a community of the faithful.
 
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Faith.  See the discussion of faith in "World Scripture" which gives many nuances of the term, from adherence to a creed to an internal life-attitude. 
 
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In Buddhism, for example, "sraddha" means provisional adherence to the doctrine until experience and practice convinces one of the truth. [Mahayana Buddhism very much emphasizes the importance of faith. /Takeuchi]
 
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In Islam, "Iman" means acquiescing to a truth of a thing in the heart (heart being the spiritual center).  Faith is not mere belief, but firm commitment to a knowledge of truth of which we do not doubt. 
 
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Etymological analysis; Faith in Chinese characters consist of two characters (    ); the first one (  ), which consists of a pictograph of "a person" (  ) and an ideograph of "words or speeches" (  ), has a meaning of "trusting" or "believing." The second one (  ) consists of a pictograph of "a person" (  ) and a radical with a meaning of "raising one's head and looking up to" (  ).  Thus, faith in Chinese character has a connotation of "a human action of trusting in the words of a leader or a teacher in spiritual matters and looking up to him or her or a superhuman being behind him/her."
 
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Discuss the relationship between faith and knowledge.  There are various standpoints.
 
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Providential view: OT age of justification by the law—"Don't do..." gave way to the NT age of justification by faith—"Believe...".  This is because God's providence moves.  Today we are entering the Completed Testament Age, justification by realizing true love in the self—"Become."
 
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Classic biblical passage for Christians on faith is Hebrews 11.  Faith includes and consists largely in trust.  Greek word used in NT is Pistis; Latin fides.  Note: Credot ut intelligam (Augustine)
 
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Credo quia ineptum (Tertullian)
 
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On must live by faith, which is not totally ignorant or blind.  Through the life of faith one gradually acquires a kind of knowledge (Calvin saw this.).  Though faith has an intellectual content it is an act of the will.  It is a gift of God providing the recipient to perceive, all trials notwithstanding, a definite purpose in life.  It is essential very prominent in the Christian life; yet it has a role in all religions.
 
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A really good entry on this subject would be invaluable.  Paul lists it along with hope and love, making love "the greatest", nevertheless faith in the first in this trial, being the ground of all else.
 
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Moral stories illustrating faith.
 
  
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== Links to Faith in other Traditions ==
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== Conclusion ==
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'''Faith''' in something greater than oneself is a common theme among the world's religions. Faith is manifested both at the level of personal connection to something deeper in life, and at the level of commitment within a community. Whereas "belief" implies an intellectual assent to a proposition, faith is a deeper holistic commitment of one's entire being to a higher calling, which resonates and permeates one's entire life. The role of faith has an essential place in all religions, and has been an important way for humanity to live a fulfilling life.
  
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*[[Faith in Islam]]
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==Notes==
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*[[Faith in Judaism]]
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<references/>
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*[[Apostasy]]
 
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*[[Belief]]
 
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*[[Religious conversion]]
 
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*[[Rationalism]]
 
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*[[Faith Development]]
 
  
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==Writings on Faith==
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==References==
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*Buber, Martin. ''I and Thou.'' New York: Free Press, 1971. ISBN 0684717255
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*Fowler, James W. ''Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development.'' Harper San Francisco, 1995. ISBN 0060628669
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*Luther, Martin. ''By Faith Alone.'' World Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0529109670
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*Smith, Wilfred Cantwell. ''Faith and Belief: The Difference Between Them.'' Oxford: Oneworld Press, 1998. ISBN 1851681655
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*Sungenis, Robert A. ''Not by Faith Alone: Biblical Study of the Catholic Doctrine of Justification.'' Queenship Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 1579180086
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*Tillich, Paul. ''The Dynamics of Faith.'' Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2009 (original 2001). ISBN 0060937133
  
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*Martin Buber ''I and Thou''
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==External Links==
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*Paul Tillich ''The Dynamics of Faith''
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All links retrieved March 23, 2024.
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*John Calvin, ''The Institutes of the Christian Religion''
 
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*R.C. Sproul, ''Faith Alone''
 
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*Michael Novak, ''Faith and Belief''
 
  
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Traditional small group and sects faiths still exist in much of Africa, and among native Americans, and aboriginal peoples in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
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*[http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/luther-faith.txt Martin Luther's definition of faith]
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*[https://billygraham.org/answer/can-you-give-me-a-simple-definition-of-faith/ A simple definition of faith] ''Billy Graham Answers''.
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*[https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/faith/ Faith] ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy''.
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*[https://www.compellingtruth.org/definition-of-faith.html What is a biblical definition of faith?] ''Topical Truth''.
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*[https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-faith-700722 How Does the Bible Define Faith?] ''Learn Religions''.
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*[https://www.islamweb.net/en/article/134445/the-islamic-concept-of-faith The Islamic concept of faith] ''Islam Web''.
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*[https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/article/faith-its-role-and-meaning-in-a-buddhist-wisdom-tradition/ Faith: Its Role and Meaning in a Buddhist Wisdom Tradition] ''Barre Center for Buddhist Studies''.
  
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[[category:Philosophy and religion]]
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[[category:Philosophy and religion]][[category:religion]]

Latest revision as of 00:32, 25 March 2024


Faith in something greater is an important theme in all the world religions. Painting by Albrecht Dürer.

Faith (from Greek-pistis and Latin-fides) refers to confidence, trust, and hope in God, a person, community, tradition, or locus of inspiration. The object of faith varies among people, but the common denominator is a level of conviction and an inner attitude towards a greater power or force in the universe. Etymologically, the word 'faith' is closely linked to the concept of "fidelity," which emphasizes commitment to something or someone. Faith can thus be envisioned as a trust in providence, and has been used as a synonym for religion, such as in the Buddhist faith or the Christian faith.

In a lesser sense, faith is often understood to mean 'loyalty' to a particular view of divinity, allegiance to a particular religious community and belief in its doctrines. Yet all religious traditions regard mere "belief"—intellectual assent—as faith of the weakest kind.

Faith is an important aspect of the world religions, and a common theme of human religiosity. According to Christian tradition, faith is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that provides impetus for humanity to move forward, and is said to be especially important when one encounters obstacles in life. Living a life of faith helps one transcend a limited view of self and live for the sake of the larger human community and the purposes of God. For many people, faith, or the lack thereof, is an important part of their overall identity.

Various Semantic Usages of Faith

The concept of faith is central to many religious traditions; yet, the term's usage is somewhat problematic due to it's elastic nature. For example, the word faith can be used in a variety of ways according to one's intention, perspective, and theological context. Protestant Christians, for instance, speak of the doctrine of Justification by Faith, which has a specific meaning within Protestant discourse (see below).

Generally speaking, faith has both an individual and a communal dimension: Personal faith is an individual's confidence, trust, and hope in something or someone greater, whereas Communal faith is a shared group commitment to similar ideals. Communities of faith can be of various kinds ranging from family and kinship groups, ethnic groups, religions, philosophical communities, political parties, or even scientific schools.

Moreover, the terms "faith" and "belief" are often used as synonyms albeit scholars such as Wilfred Cantwell Smith (1998) have nuanced the respective meanings of these terms. Typically, a "belief" implies an intellectual or mental assent to a proposition, whereas "faith" is a deeper holistic commitment of one's entire being to a higher calling, which resonates and permeates one's entire life. Thus, faith often includes an act of the will and an emotional commitment beyond the intellect, whereas beliefs are rooted in intellectual commitments and convictions.

Modern writers and skeptics often speak of blind faith in a pejorative manner. Critics describe faith as an "irrational practice" and argue that one should only accept what is directly supportable by logic or evidence. To have faith in a God or power without any reasons to support it is called fideism. Faith in the sense of being grounded simply in the sincerity of faith, has thus been ridiculed as "blind faith." However, faith need not be blind or submissive: both the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud, for example, depict a committed but contentious faithful relationship between the Jews and their God.

Faith in Religious Contexts

Faith in Judaism

In Biblical Judaism, faith is specifically understood as the continued obedience of the Jews to the commandments of God (Jehovah) found and repeatedly renewed in his Covenants. Thus, faith is tied to the context of God's Covenant with his chosen people, Israel. In practice, this means that Jews are expected to be faithful to God by following the 613 Mitzvoth, and honoring the holidays of the Jewish calendar, among other practices.

Faith in Christianity

The classic definition of "Faith" in Christianity is summed up in what many consider to be the greatest chapter on faith in the New Testament found in Hebrews 11:1:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen."

While the precise meaning and content of faith in Christianity differs in some respects between the various Christian traditions, there is much common ground. In general, Christian faith is seen as 'hope in action' which tangibly manifests itself in the conviction that Christ is the Savior and Messiah of all humankind. Faith in this conviction is central to salvation in Christian theology. However, such faith is a gift of God (1 Corinthians 12:8-9), and Paul lists it along with hope and love as the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Interestingly, Paul states that love is "the greatest" gift but faith is the ground of all else.

In Protestant theology, the concept of Justification by Faith is an important doctrine of various Protestant denominations. Martin Luther, the founder of the Lutheran Church, for example, states that faith alone (sola fide) is necessary for salvation. According to him, faith was not a mere "intellectual assent" to Church doctrines because this did not actually touch one's heart. In fact, he would consider this to be what Paul calls the "faith of demons" which merely acknowledges the existence of God. Luther wrote, "Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it."[1]

Luther argued that no amount of good works could ever compensate for a lack of faith. By deeming works necessary we deem Christ imperfect (see Romans 3:22-25). No sacrament or any church ritual is at all relevant in this matter; full justification takes place at the moment a sinner admits sin and trusts in the sacrifice of Christ who took the punishment for that sin. Sanctification is what follows as a result of gratitude for justification already completed. However, critics often point out that Luther's position is undermined by the Epistle of James, which states that people are "not justified by faith alone" (James 2:24).

Faith in Buddhism

In both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions of Buddhism, faith is known as saddha / sraddha and is an important aspect of the teachings of Buddha. Sraddha means provisional adherence to the doctrine of Buddha (dharma) until personal experience and practice convinces one of the truth. Although Buddha insisted that his disciples experience truth for themselves, once one embarked on the Buddhist Eightfold Path the process nevertheless required a degree of trusting confidence primarily in the spiritual attainment and salvational knowledge of Buddha. Faith in Buddhism centers on belief in Buddha as a supremely Awakened being, in the truth of his Dharma (spiritual doctrine), and in his Sangha (community of spiritually developed followers).

As Buddhism evolved and spread throughout Asia, the act of faith became very important in various forms of Mahayana Buddhism, which very much emphasized the importance of faith. For example, the Pure Land school of Mahayana Buddhism encouraged its practitioners to place ultimate faith the efficacy of the saving grace of Amitabha Buddha. Others placed faith the merit of various bodhisattva figures. Thus, faith to some degree helps propel the Buddhist practitioner towards the goal of Awakening (bodhi) and Nirvana or rebirth in higher celestial realms.

Faith in Islam

The Arabic word for "Faith" is Iman (Arabic: إيمان). This term literally means “to fully observe one's faith” or “to learn one's faith,” and lexically denotes affirmation and confirmation in the heart. It can be found in a verse of the Holy Qur'an, which proclaims that iman distinguishes a believer from a non-believer: "None can have faith except by the will of [Allah." Qur'an (10:100).

According to Islamic teaching, Iman means acquiescing to a truth of a thing in the heart (heart being the spiritual center). Faith is not mere belief, but firm commitment to knowledge of truth of which we do not doubt.

Faith in Chinese Religions

The word for "Faith" in Chinese characters consist of two characters (信仰); the first one (信), which consists of a pictograph of "a person" (人) and an ideograph of "words or speeches" (言), has a meaning of "trusting" or "believing." The second one (仰) consists of a pictograph of "a person" (人) and a radical with a meaning of "raising one's head and looking up to" (卬). Thus, faith in Chinese character has a connotation of "a human action of trusting in the words of a leader or a teacher in spiritual matters and looking up to him or her or a superhuman being behind him/her (Andrew Wilson's Scope Notes)."

Faith Development and Psychology

Many draw upon the field of psychology to enhance understandings of faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages. These faith development theorists, chief among them being James Fowler (1995), stand upon the foundation of moral development stage theorists like the pioneering Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and others. Modern developmental psychologists explain faith as a developmental process that evolves in certain definable stages.

Scientific faith

Scientists have faith and beliefs. In this sense they are religious, or sometimes called quasi-religious. For example, many scientists believe in Darwinism, which has been called a "pseudo-religion." They believe that the concept of unguided random mutation and natural selection can explain the development of life on earth. While they can point to reasons why they believe this, they cannot prove it with the scientific method, nor can they disprove those who believe a Creator designed the universe.

Conclusion

Faith in something greater than oneself is a common theme among the world's religions. Faith is manifested both at the level of personal connection to something deeper in life, and at the level of commitment within a community. Whereas "belief" implies an intellectual assent to a proposition, faith is a deeper holistic commitment of one's entire being to a higher calling, which resonates and permeates one's entire life. The role of faith has an essential place in all religions, and has been an important way for humanity to live a fulfilling life.

Notes

  1. ↑ Martin Luther Martin Luther's Definition of Faith Retrieved July 16, 2020.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Buber, Martin. I and Thou. New York: Free Press, 1971. ISBN 0684717255
  • Fowler, James W. Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development. Harper San Francisco, 1995. ISBN 0060628669
  • Luther, Martin. By Faith Alone. World Publishing, 1998. ISBN 0529109670
  • Smith, Wilfred Cantwell. Faith and Belief: The Difference Between Them. Oxford: Oneworld Press, 1998. ISBN 1851681655
  • Sungenis, Robert A. Not by Faith Alone: Biblical Study of the Catholic Doctrine of Justification. Queenship Publishing Company, 1997. ISBN 1579180086
  • Tillich, Paul. The Dynamics of Faith. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2009 (original 2001). ISBN 0060937133

External Links

All links retrieved March 23, 2024.

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