Is there no better definition for faith than this?

Question

the finding of security in the permanence of the need for truth in human nature, used as a shield for fear when truth is unattainable. "In order that the area of love and understanding may grow, faith is necessary. Faith holds the character of the individual in a fixed position when comprehension is not sufficient to release the individual to a full scale relationship with the ideal. Faith bridges the gap when understanding fails; when understanding has grown to the necessary point, faith disappears, its work done, and insight is born." [Psychoanalysis and Civilization] analog: hope


http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/5179/Glossary.htm

Answer 1

I think that it is an excellent definition of faith and quite beautiful. Even if I were xtian, I would love this. For example:

"Faith holds the character of the individual in a fixed position when comprehension is not sufficient to release the individual to a full scale relationship with the ideal. Faith bridges the gap when understanding fails; when understanding has grown to the necessary point, faith disappears, its work done, and insight is born."

That says to me, what I cannot comprehend right now, faith will keep me constant until the day I will no longer need faith. For xtians when they die or are raptured they will no longer need faith as their understanding/comprehesion will change. It says that faith bridges all that we know with all that we believe. Holding us up, until we have grown into understanding....then we have no need of faith. For me as an agnostic this tells the story of my faith and how it has changed with my understanding.

One day we will all KNOW one way or the other and faith will be gone.

Answer 2

That sounds like a decent attempt to dismiss faith by using secular jargon. But it ultimately sounds as unconvincing as couching creationism in scientific terms.

See Hebrews 11 or Alma 32 for a better religious-based discourse on faith. Also the "Lectures on Faith" are a good description of the origins, practical application, and potential of true faith.

Answer 3

Here's the best definition of "faith" I've ever seen. Not surprisingly, it comes from God:

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

It is not surprising that Paul Rosenfels gives this definition of "faith." He did not believe in God and thus was unable to comprehend what faith truly is.

Answer 4

I prefer:
faith (fth) KEY

NOUN:

1) Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2) Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief, trust.
3) Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.
4) often Faith Christianity The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
5) The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.
6) A set of principles or beliefs.

Answer 5

Webster

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

Answer 6

Faith is the opposite of doubt and resultung fear. Belief beyond doubt.

Actually fear is negative faith. Ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecies?

Faith beyond doubt can move mountains - "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed..." Few if any of us have enough of it. Which doesn't mean it is impossible. It is just that we always have some doubt. That's "human nature".

Answer 7

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. "

That chapter gives many examples for recognizing faith.

And following it sare some excellent tiodbits for increasing understanding. Such as:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

and

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. "


and

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. "

Answer 8

Hebrews 11:1 that others mentioned tells us what faith is. These verses tell us what the purpose of faith is. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, THROUGH FAITH- and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Answer 9

That is a lot of jargon and doubletalk.

Biblical faith is knowledge about something that we cannot see. It's not "blind faith," but faith based on evidence.
Hebrews 11:1 ¶Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Answer 10

what are rosenfelsian semantics? this some college philosophy class you have? sure, try webster instead of your own f*cked up doctrinal definition.

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs