Is faith a "private" matter?

Answer 1

It should be. When it isn't, it causes great problems on a local, state, national, and global scale.

Answer 2

faith is a private matter, but the bible says that we should be ready always to give an answer for the hope that we have (1st peter 3:16) so if we follow the Bible we should at least do that. If you openly proffess your faith it no longer becomes private, if you tell people you are a christian, and then are out seen doing questionable things, then you are probably going to SHAKE other peoples christian faith, so if you tell people about your faith and then (act hypocritically) and do something that shouldn't be done (as stated in your faith) then it is not private.

Basically it is private if you keep it private, but even then, people can see when you are happy and have the light of God in you, so it's not so private anymore.
However the specifics of your faith can be kept private and it is fine to do so, especially if they are being targeted (as has occoured in the past).

Answer 3

It takes an element of faith to believe anything (although admittedly there's more foundation to that faith in some instances than in others).
There is no such thing as total objectivity, since what we believe directly affects everything else we believe - how we percieve the world around us - how we process new information, how we interpret evidences and arguments and events.
For these reasons (and more) it's impossible for faith to be a private matter - it's part and parcel of everything we do, say, think and are.

Answer 4

Well, it depends… It actually differs with different kind of people… Some are open with it some are not. For example if I were a Christian or a Muslim or whatsoever, yes I can be, yet it still depends but if I were to be open… It is because I am faithful on the beliefs of such religion; plus the acceptance factor… And in that I mean- Such subjects are acceptable to mass of people… so its not embarrassing to shout it out… another example would be if were a Satanist- something not accepted… yet it also depends… If I were faithful or whatsoever, there is still chance that I could be open with such subject… so it all ends up with “It depends with the type of person” Every person has their own belief… Some are open some closed…

Answer 5

That's a tough one. I think that faith is something that is personal to everyone. I do believe that a lot fewer wars would exist throughout history if we all kept our faith in the closet. I mean not every Jew believes the EXACT same thing and not every Christian believes the same either. This causes problems from the Inquisition to low-grade rumblings amongst family. Faith is something that we should have the right to disclose or not. Some shout it from the rooftops and set up neon nativities in their front yard and others keep it inside to light their souls, only putting out a small silver menorah once a year.

Answer 6

Faith is NOT a private matter......religion IS.

Faith is a universal and non denominational concept- something that even atheists can embrace. It's a belief that things can be better. Religion is where specific beliefs are enforced by an individual(s) of a certain affiliation. A big difference in my book :o)

Answer 7

If your faith is in Christ, how can it be a private matter? You would live as Christ would want you to live. So inevitably someone would ask you, how is that you are so calm, how is it that you are so kind to other, how is that you always smile even when things appear to not be going well? What will you say, "none of your business?" Of course not you will tell them so that they to can know Christ. You would think if you lived as Christ directed it's seems impossible to keep it private. Of course I'm answering as a Christian, not of another faith.

Answer 8

Private and spiritual. We can develop some measure of faith by ourselves. There is also a gift of faith from the Holy Spirit. It is unshakable.

Answer 9

faith is a private matter as far as choosing a faith is concerned. but when u try to be open abt ur faith and try to force it on others, it is a public matter. also it rapidly loses it public nature and becomes a volatile issue.

Answer 10

Faith is general and private
we believe in God able to make all thing that faith is general
we have faith that God can shift mountain by man pray that is private.

Answer 11

I suppose it depends on your definition of private. Should you be able to express YOUR faith freely? Sure. Should you pressure other people to express your faith freely? No, THAT you should keep private.