Paul S asked me: You might help out by better explaining what you mean by "faith alone" (you seem to be one of the rare people who really understands this). Can you post a question or two that will help the Christians understand faith and the futility of trying to prove or find evidence for their belief in god? "
SURE! Faith, to Christians, "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is what we have, when we cant prove something to be right or wrong, to be there or not.
Often times, Christians tend to be asked for proof, and site faith. Faith is our PERSONAL proof, what we find to be true for our own reasons, and will not be proof to everyone. When someone asks for proof, the only argument we have is Faith. Faith alone is our personal proof.
Arguing proof to an atheist is pointless, we have none except our own personal faith and truth. And that is powerful to us. What do you think?
2006-07-25 07:31:58 · 7 answers · asked by sweetie_baby 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Faith itself is a gift from God.
People that need God to land in their backyard for proof of existence aren't seeking faith. Most people would love to have faith in the Christian God. Only through seeking can one find it.
2006-07-25 07:38:53 · answer #1 · answered by sean1201 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you may be twisting Paul's point of view a bit. Paul isn't making a coldly intellectual and philosophical argument about the nature of proof. When Paul is talking about faith, he doesn't mean some sort of intellectual assent, but rather is talking about how we respond to God.
The definition of faith you quoted is from Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
But look closely at the context.
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
In other words, faith means personal commitment.
By faith (a.k.a personal commitment) Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. (Hebrews 11:4)
By faith (a.k.a personal commitment) Enoch was translated that he should not see death. (Hebrews 11:5)
By faith (a.k.a personal commitment) Noah prepared an ark to the saving of his house. (Hebrews 11:7)
By faith (a.k.a personal commitment) Abraham went out, not knowing whither he went.
Personal commitment is the substance of things hoped for. Personal commitment is the evidence of things not seen.
2006-07-25 07:47:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you to some extent. However, I not only have faith and believe, but I can see logical reasons to believe. Without them I don't know that I would be able to believe.
To me, "faith alone" means that I am saved only by my faith that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. My realization that I am sinful, that I need a Messiah & that Jesus is the true Christ is my salvation. There are some legalistic people who believe that they are saved by works. Works are important (see James 2:17) so that we carry out what the Holy Spirit moves us to do, but they are not the key to salvation. I am saved by faith alone.
2006-07-25 07:39:53 · answer #3 · answered by byhisgrace70295 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its about personal faith, why have missionaries? Why feel the need to pray for those who dont believe in what you believe? If your parents were Jewish, and you were raised Jewish, you would probably be Jewish, its not your personal beliefs, its just all you know.
2006-07-25 07:36:10 · answer #4 · answered by Veets 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think you've said it very well.
And I say that because I believe you did... NOT for the 10 points.
2006-07-25 07:35:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think if that's your argument you shouldn't expect ot get any converts
2006-07-25 07:35:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure
2006-07-25 07:37:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋