I hold faith to be a relationship, but atheists also have systems of beliefs, values and assumptions, i.e. rationalism, humanism, naturalism, dialectic materialism, etc. Do any of these point to an external point of reference, even if that is not an entity or person? Is it possible for faith to be totally self involved?
2007-09-30 16:39:59 · 12 answers · asked by Fr. Al 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
While it is debatable whether the evidence is factual or objective, I seriously doubt whether there is faith without any. Blind faith to me equates to no faith, but delusion. Perhaps that is a prejudice on my part, but if someone believed in me I'd rather they know me. Belief is connected to faith, as is trust, but a more important part is often left out of current discourse and that is knowing, without the mind is there really a soul? One may not see or understand who or what one believes in, but faith is predicated on some basis of experience concerning those beliefs.
2007-10-01 08:19:41 · update #1
The question is in regard to other belief systems besides my own. I tried not to limit it to any religion or particular faith, other than state I hold it to be a relationship. That is also a point I would hold open to question if someone can present a logical argument otherwise.
2007-10-01 08:34:16 · update #2
One who has the faith is the subject and whatever he/she has faith in is the object.... the very subject-matter of the faith becomes the external point of reference and it is therefore possible to have faith without any other point of reference.... thus I can have faith in my own beliefs, values, capabilities etc. even without any other external point of reference... any faith in self does come in this category. However, faith to be strong enough and long-lasting, other external points of reference are important contributory factor..... perhaps because self-confidence to stick to the faith arises only through external points of reference. Perhaps that is why every religion needs various rituals, symbols, mascots, holy books and places etc. to sustain faith in its followers.
SUPERB question... enjoyed thinking through this one!! Thanks!!!
2007-09-30 16:53:15 · answer #1 · answered by small 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have no outside forces to justify or base your Faith on , then what would you have or need Faith for ?? I have Faith because I can think and answer questions with no knowledge whatsoever where the thought is conceived , where the questions and answers are stored , or how they got there , or how I am able to translate a thought into a spoken word . My Faith is concrete in the fact that I know how to turn a thought on , but I do not know where the thought is stored or where the switch is that brings forth the thought !!!! Since man cannot answer the same questions , then I have Faith that there is a God that has predestined all knowledge.. As you read this answer , isn`t it amazing that you are not saying anything , but you can hear the words as plain as day in your mind . I have Faith that you will not be able to deny that there is something far Superior to our limited understanding that demands Faith , and is in control of the Master Switch ??
2016-05-17 22:09:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A very thought provoking question. Fear has been the external point of reference of Faith. God has been the point of reference of Faith. Therefore faith must have a basis whatever external point of reference it may have. However, in your question: Is it possible to have Faith without an extrernal point of reference. My answer is a resounding YES! Because Faith is believing on something even without evidence.
2007-09-30 17:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by Third P 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Faith in what? It seems to me that without any external point of reference, belief in anything is nothing more than wishful thinking or speculation.
2007-09-30 16:44:24 · answer #4 · answered by zzgorch 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all, I have to know what your description of faith is . Faith is different to many men.
As soon as I know how you reference the word "faith" in your belief system, my answer will be forthcoming. This is a lovely question.
2007-09-30 19:03:28 · answer #5 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that belief is self-involved, it's personal, so I don't see it as a relationship. Faith is a step above belief I think, so that's a tougher one to answer, but it's still just a stronger belief, and you can't take it further than that untill you can relate it to more than yourself.
2007-09-30 16:44:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Like the eye of a storm it all came clear to me. I can make realizations from within. I possess a mind and therefore have all I need to determine my beliefs. I guess you might say is it your first point of reference or is it your second.
2007-09-30 17:39:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If someone does serious thinking about something and comes to a conclusion, they can be considered to have faith in that conclusion and their point of reference could be their own thoughts and reasoning.
2007-09-30 16:46:05 · answer #8 · answered by egn18s 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is very possible. you dont need a God to have faith. you can have faith in yourself. you can have faith in your ideas. i feel the reason for a God and for a deity is for a release. if something were to fail you could turn to your God or your saint and scream or vent to them. of course you will recieve no answer but you feel someone listened.
2007-09-30 16:47:24 · answer #9 · answered by Haruhi 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
External and internal are not two.
2007-09-30 19:03:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋