I have faith in something. Does that make it true?

Question

Compare these statements...

"I have faith in X. I really feel that it is true."
-vs.-
"I have rationally demonstrated X. It can be proven using verifiable evidence."

Are they the same? Two paths to truths?

Answer 1

No, there's a difference between feeling that something is true and proving that it's true. Faith doesn't make something true....in fact, if it were proven to be true there would be no reason to have faith in it as faith is described in the bible as believing in something that cannot be proven true or false.

I guess we'll really only know all the answers at the end times.

Answer 2

They are not the same. Religious faith, in general, is an opinion.

But not every assumption is based on scientific testing. I go to the bookstore to buy a book, and I assume that they have books for me to buy. I base that assumption on experience, but I do not apply the scientific method before I leave the house to make sure that the presence of books at the bookstore is demonstrated using verifiable evidence.

And many elements of religious thought are systems used to categorize experience. Can you prove that the Dewy Decimal System is true? Of course not. It is not a scientific assertion, it is an organizational system. Most religious mythology and most religious documents (i.e. Scriptures) are organizational systems as well. No historical narrative was ever included in Scripture because it actually happened (although many of them did actually happen) - they were included because they illustrated a principle that was valued by the community.

Answer 3

Many heads are starting to explode now. Thanks.
Faith does not prove truth. Faith may be placed in what is false. Also, beliefs may prove to be true or false. Faith and beliefs are not the same, having different meanings.
I believe the chair in which I sit will hold me. It is the proper size, it has sufficient strength, and it is properly balanced. These attributes are evidence that lead to my belief. Add to that the fact that I am now sitting in it and I can confidently say I have proven my belief to be true.
Faith is almost universally misunderstood. Faith is acceptance of the truthfulness of one who makes claims. Objects and ideologies make no claims, persons do. If you tell me I can safely sit in this chair it is my faith in you, or acceptance of your truthfulness, that either prompts or restrains me. If I lack faith in you I may yet decide to believe your words.
Christian faith is based upon evidence. That evidence is pertinent to spiritual matters.

Answer 4

It has been rationally demonstrated by my personal experience that every airliner I have ever been on has not gone down in a fiery ball of death and destruction. However, it still helps to have qualified confidence that such observations will remain so in the future.

My continued existence has demonstrated that my faith in the science of aeronautics has been well placed.


Gravity, too.

Answer 5

I have faith in God because He has rationally demonstrated Himself to me, proven in my mind using verifiable evidence.

I guess it's the same, sort of.

Answer 6

Having faith in something does not make it true. However, just because one doesn't have rational evidence for something doesn't rule out the possibility that it is true.

Answer 7

They are not the same. Thousands of years ago, the Norse "felt it was true" in regards to thunder being a product of Thor striking his anvil. Of course, they couldn't prove this.

In some case, they could be a path to a single truth, but this would be pure coincidence.

Answer 8

I have faith that, you are G-d,
vs
i have rationally demonstrated, you are G-d.

See this may sound good but only the second one makes sense

Answer 9

Dictionary.com says that Faith is a belief that is not based on proof.

So, no, they are not the same. I'm not sure where you're going with this, though.

Answer 10

Proof + logic = truth