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Faith is a concept that implies belief or complete confidence in something unseen, and is strongly emphasized in the Christian religion.  The term lacks a precise definition, although several qualities can commonly be ascribed to people of faith (see below).  Its root is the Latin word "fidere", meaning "to trust".

Faith is a concept that implies belief or complete confidence in something unseen, and is strongly emphasized in the Christian religion.  The term lacks a precise definition, although several qualities can commonly be ascribed to people of faith (see below).  Its root is the Latin word "fidere", meaning "to trust".

The concept of faith is also strongly emphasized in other major religions, although this is by no means true of all major non-Christian religions.  While faith is mentioned 229 times in the Bible's New Testament, the concept is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament (KJV) which forms part of the basis for the Jewish religion.  However, the Koran places a strong importance on faith; throughout the preaching of Mohammed (the Muslim prophet) as recounted in the Koran, it is repeated that faith is an "absolute requirement" for Muslims who wish to enter Paradise.<ref>Ringgren, H.  <i>The Conception of Faith in the Koran</i>.  Oriens, Vol. 4, No. 1. (Aug. 15, 1951), pp. 1-20.</ref>  The term <i>mu'min</i>, meaning "believer" or "faithful", is actually more commonly used in the Koran to refer to believers in Islam than is the term "muslim" (ibid.).   

The concept of faith is also strongly emphasized in other major religions, although this is by no means true of all major non-Christian religions.  While faith is mentioned 229 times in the Bible's New Testament, the concept is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament (KJV) which forms part of the basis for the Jewish religion.  However, the Koran places a strong importance on faith; throughout the preaching of Mohammed (the Muslim prophet) as recounted in the Koran, it is repeated that faith is an "absolute requirement" for Muslims who wish to enter Paradise.<ref>Ringgren, H.  <i>The Conception of Faith in the Koran</i>.  Oriens, Vol. 4, No. 1. (Aug. 15, 1951), pp. 1-20.</ref>  The term <i>mu'min</i>, meaning "believer" or "faithful", is actually more commonly used in the Koran to refer to believers in Islam than is the term "muslim" (ibid.).  By telling followers that questioning their beliefs means that their "faith" is weak, the use of "faith" damps down the ability of Muslims to question, and ultimately renounce, their ways.

The term "faith" is often used colloquially to describe the belief systems of other religions.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith</ref>  Modern usage of the word "faith" includes many definitions, which are supported by current dictionaries of the English language:<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith</ref>

The term "faith" is often used colloquially to describe the belief systems of other religions.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith</ref>  Modern usage of the word "faith" includes many definitions, which are supported by current dictionaries of the English language:<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith</ref>

Anyone who believes in something that cannot be empirically observed has faith. Therefore, adherence to any theistic religion requires faith because the existence of God (or gods) cannot be proven.  

Anyone who believes in something that cannot be empirically observed has faith. Therefore, adherence to any theistic religion requires faith because the existence of God (or gods) cannot be proven.   Mark Twain said, "Faith is believin' what we know ain't so."

Jesus Christ, having noted the faith and righteousness of a Roman centurion, a pagan, proclaimed:

Jesus Christ, having noted the faith and righteousness of a Roman centurion, a pagan, proclaimed: