2007-06-21 02:48:31 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
faith noun
1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
—Idiom9. in faith, in truth; indeed: In faith, he is a fine lad.
2007-06-21 03:19:48 · answer #1 · answered by FallenAngel© 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Belief without evidence. It is generally belief that something is true based on just wanting to believe it is true, or fearing it true.
It should be noted that faith is different than an assumption. In science, for example, assumptions are made and subsequent theories are based on those assumptions. For example, most scientists make the explicit assumption that the universe is homogeneous. Given that, they interpret the evidence according to that assumption.
The difference here is, assumptions can be overturned if evidence contradicts them. Whereas, faith is often a belief held in spite of contradictory evidence. If you could show evidence that the universe is actually homogeneous or not homogeneous, it would make scientists very happy, because that would firm up theories or open new avenues of research. On the other hand, each bit of evidence that contradicts a faith belief upsets the believer because of the emotional attachment to the idea. Their reaction, usually, is to deny the evidence or rationalize it away, pretending that it actually supports their faith or doesn't affect it.
2007-06-21 02:50:40 · answer #2 · answered by nondescript 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Actually, as an atheist I have difficulties to define faith. When I accept an opinion as true, I do this because of rational reasons (hopefully), and when other reasons turn up which counter the opinion I might change my opinion. So far, so good, and I don't think there is any faith involved.
People who have "faith" seem to reach their opinions in other ways, and even though some try to rationalize them, it seems that ultimately they are driven by irrational impulses. I feel often dumbfounded when people of faith try to explain it. I can only attribute it to their fantasy running wild.
And, for some reason, it seems that people of faith have very big difficulties to reconsider their opinions. Faith seems to be immune to argument.
2007-06-21 03:12:26 · answer #3 · answered by NaturalBornKieler 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is like many words in our language. It has more that one meaning.
There is faith that coincides with evidence, "The sun will rise in the east.".
There is faith with out evidence, "You have an honest face, I'll give hire you.".
Lastly, there is faith in spite of the evidence, "The story of Noah's arc is literally true.".
The level of faith one can have in the supernatural is usually the defining point between atheism and belief.
2007-06-21 03:19:04 · answer #4 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A word to describe an abstraction. I have faith in my friends. I have faith in the rational theories of academic science.
If you are implying that one cannot possess faith without God, then your logic is confused. I'd expect that from anyone who follows a religion.
By the way, this girl I know... she like had a baby, and she is still a virgin! I know! It's like a miracle. What?! You do not believe me?... have Faith, it is true.
2007-06-21 02:56:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since an Atheist does not believe in a God(s) and I am guessing you are using the word faith in its religious context, I can guess they would say it is a delusion for those that need a crutch to get by in life. Oddly enough most Atheists I have meet do not realize it but have placed science as a god and made a cult around it
2007-06-21 03:01:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
faith is what propels us to action. for example if your didnt believe that you would get payed at work then you wouldnt go. You dont get your money the moment you get there yet you still work because you believe you will be paid in the future. Faith is a very misunderstood word.
2007-06-21 02:57:26 · answer #7 · answered by Spencer D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith is when you know something in your heart and helps you to be a better person. It doesn't matter what that faith happens to be in.
Faith does not = religion.
2007-06-21 02:52:34 · answer #8 · answered by Vintage Glamour 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They have no idea at least not in the spiritual; but certainly in the material. They have faith in what they can see, and feel which is no faith at all
2007-06-21 02:57:08 · answer #9 · answered by I Wanna Know 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheists can have faith of all sorts, just not in God.
2007-06-21 02:51:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋