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| | '''Faith'''<ref>1200–50; Middle English feith < Anglo-French fed, Old French feid, feit < Latin fidem, accusative of fidēs trust, akin to fīdere to trust.</ref> extends beyond belief to include confidence about something unseen, such as the achievement of [[God]]'s will. Faith goes beyond [[materialism]] to include beneficial use of the underlying unseen reality. | | '''Faith'''<ref>1200–50; Middle English feith < Anglo-French fed, Old French feid, feit < Latin fidem, accusative of fidēs trust, akin to fīdere to trust.</ref> extends beyond belief to include confidence about something unseen, such as the achievement of [[God]]'s will. Faith goes beyond [[materialism]] to include beneficial use of the underlying unseen reality. |
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| − | Precisely defining "faith" is an interesting challenge. One definition is that faith is "realizing the [[infinity|infinite]], and using it for good." Faith overcomes [[liberal denial]] and recognizes an immense power for good. | + | Precisely defining "faith" is an interesting challenge. One definition is that faith is "realizing the [[infinity|infinite]], and using it for good." Faith overcomes [[liberal denial]] and recognizes an immense power for good. Faith is the antidote to [[addiction]], and infinite good is needed to overcome an infinite harmful obsession (addiction). |
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| | The entire Chapter 11 of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#11:1|Epistle to the Hebrews]], possibly written by [[Jesus]], is devoted to explaining faith, which is unique to [[Christianity]]. | | The entire Chapter 11 of the [[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#11:1|Epistle to the Hebrews]], possibly written by [[Jesus]], is devoted to explaining faith, which is unique to [[Christianity]]. |
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| | Faith is more than mere thought, emotion, and belief. Faith elevates one's being, while belief is limited to a mental state or emotion. Faith implies a [[causation|causal]] role by the believer in an outcome,<ref>For example, the Biblical [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith.</ref> or in overcoming a personal fear. Faith also implies advancement or accomplishment of something good, while mere belief does not achieve by itself. | | Faith is more than mere thought, emotion, and belief. Faith elevates one's being, while belief is limited to a mental state or emotion. Faith implies a [[causation|causal]] role by the believer in an outcome,<ref>For example, the Biblical [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith.</ref> or in overcoming a personal fear. Faith also implies advancement or accomplishment of something good, while mere belief does not achieve by itself. |
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| − | The importance of faith logically follows from the existence of [[God]], as explained in Luke 17:7-10 (merely doing as told is not enough - "We are unworthy servants; we have '''''only''''' done what was our duty.").<ref>Luke 17:10 (ESV) (emphasis added).</ref> God went beyond His duty, obviously, and would prefer His creation to do likewise. That requires faith. | + | The importance of faith logically follows from the existence of [[God]], as explained in {{bibleref|Luke|17|7-10}} (merely doing as told is not enough - "We are unworthy servants; we have '''''only''''' done what was our duty.").<ref>Luke 17:10 (ESV) (emphasis added).</ref> God went beyond His duty, obviously, and would prefer His creation to do likewise. That requires faith. |
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| | == Faith in God vs. secular psychology for solving addictions and other personal problems == | | == Faith in God vs. secular psychology for solving addictions and other personal problems == |