What is faith?

Question

I have been arguing against close mindedness, and one response by corezink has made me put this up. So I will be arguing against faith here, but it is all just in search of knowledge, so no need to get angry.

Maybe I misunderstand what faith is, but it seems to me like just a horrible excuse to not think logically. Can't I have "faith" that God is a spaghetti monster? Can't I have "faith" in Darwin and the theory of evolution? How is that faith any different than the faith in god? Why do some have "faith" in the Christian version of God while others have "faith" in Islam and that version of God?

Answer 1

The word “faith” is translated from the Greek pi′stis, primarily conveying the thought of confidence, trust, firm persuasion. Depending on the context, the Greek word may also be understood to mean “faithfulness” or “fidelity.”—1Th 3:7; Tit 2:10.

The Scriptures tell us: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Heb 11:1) “Assured expectation” translates the Greek word hypo′stasis. This term is common in ancient papyrus business documents. It conveys the idea of something that underlies visible conditions and guarantees a future possession. In view of this, Moulton and Milligan suggest the rendering: “Faith is the title deed of things hoped for.” (Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, 1963, p. 660) The Greek word e′legkhos, rendered “evident demonstration,” conveys the idea of bringing forth evidence that demonstrates something, particularly something contrary to what appears to be the case. Thereby this evidence makes clear what has not been discerned before and so refutes what has only appeared to be the case. “The evident demonstration,” or evidence for conviction, is so positive or powerful that faith is said to be it.

Faith is, therefore, the basis for hope and the evidence for conviction concerning unseen realities. The entire body of truths delivered by Jesus Christ and his inspired disciples constitutes the true Christian “faith.” (Joh 18:37; Ga 1:7-9; Ac 6:7; 1Ti 5:8) Christian faith is based on the complete Word of God, including the Hebrew Scriptures, to which Jesus and the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures frequently referred in support of their statements.

Faith is based on concrete evidence. The visible creative works testify to the existence of an invisible Creator. (Ro 1:20) The actual occurrences taking place during the ministry and earthly life of Jesus Christ identify him as the Son of God. (Mt 27:54; see JESUS CHRIST.) God’s record of providing for his earthly creatures serves as a valid basis for believing that he will surely provide for his servants, and his record as a Giver and Restorer of life lends ample evidence to the credibility of the resurrection hope. (Mt 6:26, 30, 33; Ac 17:31; 1Co 15:3-8, 20, 21) Furthermore, the reliability of God’s Word and the accurate fulfillment of its prophecies instill confidence in the realization of all of His promises. (Jos 23:14) Thus, in these many ways, “faith follows the thing heard.”—Ro 10:17; compare Joh 4:7-30, 39-42; Ac 14:8-10.

So faith is not credulity. The person who may ridicule faith usually has faith himself in tried and trusted friends. The scientist has faith in the principles of his branch of science. He bases new experiments on past discoveries and looks for new discoveries on the basis of those things already established as true. Likewise, the farmer prepares his soil and sows the seed, expecting, as in previous years, that the seed will sprout and that the plants will grow as they receive the needed moisture and sunshine. Therefore faith in the stability of the natural laws governing the universe actually constitutes a foundation for man’s plans and activities. Such stability is alluded to by the wise writer of Ecclesiastes: “The sun also has flashed forth, and the sun has set, and it is coming panting to its place where it is going to flash forth. The wind is going to the south, and it is circling around to the north. Round and round it is continually circling, and right back to its circlings the wind is returning. All the winter torrents are going forth to the sea, yet the sea itself is not full. To the place where the winter torrents are going forth, there they are returning so as to go forth.”—Ec 1:5-7.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word ’aman′ and other words closely related convey the sense of trustworthiness, faithfulness, steadiness, steadfastness, being firmly established, long-lasting. (Ex 17:12; De 28:59; 1Sa 2:35; 2Sa 7:16; Ps 37:3) One related noun (’emeth′) usually denotes “truth,” but also “faithfulness” or “trustworthiness.” (2Ch 15:3, ftn; 2Sa 15:20; compare Ne 7:2, ftn.) The familiar term “Amen” (Heb., ’amen′) also comes from ’aman′

Answer 2

Having faith requires a knowledge before placing ones hope in a particular person, place or thing. That knowledge is gained through life experiences - our own and others - and/or through reading and research. One does not follow blindly in faith...either they or someone before them has experienced the substance of things hoped for. The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

Answer 3

Great answer, Papa G. I recently put an article with this subject in my 360 Blog.

Faith is confidence, and basing your actions on prior knowledge. That's a short answer. It's got nothing to do with some murky belief in invisible stuff.

Answer 4

Faith is trust. Something you would put your whole weight on. Like when you swing on a swing, you have faith that the chains will hold you up. Many people have faith in evolutionism, and the lies of Darwin. ( In fact in the closing years of his life he realized that the concept of evolution as the source of life was ridiculous.) Yes! a measure of faith is given to every man. It is up to you what you place your faith in....even a spaghetti monster. One reason for so many faiths--- most people do not like to obey the Creator, so they alter things their own way, then try to attract followers, and raise their children to believe like they do. Scripture exists, and it testifies of its own truth (You don't have to believe it, the Almighty died so you would have free will). Most people don't like to change, or to think, so they tend to stay more or less where they were born.

Answer 5

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is believing in something true even when circumstances don't seem to support that truth and continuing to believe in spite of the circumstances. Faith is believing in something which is not seen but nevertheless true.

Answer 6

Hebrews 11:1- Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen

Answer 7

Faith is trust in a person, belief or idea that can not be proven using scientific methods.

Answer 8

It's believing something without evidence or reason to do so. It's simply a tool to avoid arguments or to help the "religion and science are compatible" brigade.

Answer 9

Spagetti monsters really funny.

He has a point but i dont think hes saying (our)God is a spagetti monster.

Answer 10

Whateva you wish to have faith in, it's your life lol