I am not looking for a limited definition like "faith in.....(something - God, Jesus, Allah, the Torah, the Holy Qu'ran, Buddha, the Dallas Cowboys, the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard etc.,)" I am looking for a definition for the entire concept of "FAITH" more or less as a cognitive awareness. That which militant Atheists tend to discount as self-delusion or false and those of religious conviction or belief feel is central to a person's relationship to the "infinite" or "divine."
How would YOU define this concept?
2006-11-28 08:26:53 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear Don J:
As I understand it, the concept of Faith is - to give reverence toward something that can not be proved ; yet, aids the action of "believing" through intuitiveness, or instinct.
I see the act of Faith as being an intermediary step, rather than an end result to be achieved.
I think of it as a step between Belief and Certainty. It's an action of soul or spirit-mind that fills the gulf between "I believe. . .and KNOWING!"
When we believe something, we have decided that something is probably real or likely ; however, beliefs are subject to change and fluctuation by something or someone else convincing us otherwise. The statement, "I believe" lacks Knowing.
The use of miracles by Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, was never used to induce belief. It was used to induce Certainty or Knowing - from which you can never back away ; what you have experienced can not be taken from you.
Faith requires a certain effort. It is a "tool" that enables one to "hang in there" when their experiences and eyes are telling them otherwise. It is necessary because it teaches Infinite Patience. It will carry you to the proper conclusion of a situation. It takes a "lock" to be able to turn away from outside appearances and continue to believe, in a stronger context, through Faith. And, every time the outcome of your Faith produces the experience you believed was possible, your Faith grows. It is ever increasing . Eventually, a particular experience will occur, or many experiences will add to your increase, until you have come to "Know." And as Certainty replaces Belief, Faith itself has been replaced as well.
1. Belief - is changeable by outside influences
2. Faith - is putting a "lock" onto your belief - yet, without proof.
There are moments when the position of Faith is
uncomfortable. It's a "tool" used in a process.
3. Certainty/Knowing - is what Faith has finally proven beyond
doubt.
Faith was your intermediary vehicle for the transition from Belief to Certainty.
We all desire to reach Certainty, I believe.
Sincerely, Lana
2006-11-28 11:42:47 · answer #1 · answered by Lana S (1) 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is having the belief that something is TRUE. It is something we aren't able to see or touch. It is so much a part of me that I would give my life up for it.
People say that they have faith in the Cowboys, but it isn't real faith. That is just an expression meaning that they trust the Cowboys will win, but there is a chance they may not.
Real faith for me is knowing that Jesus is God. That is something I rest my entire life on.
Faith is what I believe. Faith can be different for different people, but that doesn't mean they are correct.
2006-11-28 08:40:06 · answer #2 · answered by Red-dog-luke 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Faith is Believing, Trust, Firm Confident
2006-11-28 15:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't think it will be defined, because to provide it a definition can make it into something, that is the option of no longer something. when I examine the note "nothingness" what I see in my thoughts is this: The hum of the universe fading to quietness--no longer because it really is quiet, yet because each and every thing interior of ones self is attuned with it (style of like a smell will bypass away instantly because you get used to it.) Then, out of the stillness, there is nothingness. *shrug*
2016-10-07 22:24:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to religion "faith" would be belief ( in my case Christ's rising on the 3rd day etc.) when human reason would seem to dictate other wise. Faith is a gift.
2006-11-28 08:54:41 · answer #5 · answered by John r 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Self-Delusion.
2006-11-28 08:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Faith is confidence.
2006-11-28 08:29:15 · answer #7 · answered by 11:11 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Foraking
All
I
Trust
Him
2006-11-28 08:29:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Forsaking
All
I
Trust
Him
2006-11-28 08:28:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so."
-Mark Twain
2006-11-28 08:50:13 · answer #10 · answered by Wise1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋