Changes

[[Image:Faith.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Faith.jpg|right]]

'''Faith''' is a concept referring to a confidence or trust in a greater good.  A classic statement of faith in the [[Bible]] was by the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] centurion of [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208:5-10;&version=49; Matthew 8:5-10], who expressed his confidence that [[Jesus]] could cure his servant from a distance without even seeing him.  [[Jesus]] repeatedly emphasized the importance and value of faith to his disciples.

'''Faith''' is a concept referring to a confidence or trust in the achievement of [[God]]'s will, even though unseen.  A classic statement of faith in the [[Bible]] was by the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] centurion of [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%208:5-10;&version=49; Matthew 8:5-10], who expressed his confidence that [[Jesus]] could cure his beloved servant from a distance without even seeing him.  [[Jesus]] repeatedly emphasized the importance and value of faith to his disciples.

Faith embodies more than belief in two significant respects.  First, faith implies a causal role by the believer in an outcome, as in [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith or in overcoming a personal fear.  Second, faith implies advancement or accomplishment rather than wrongdoing.

Faith embodies more than belief in two significant respects.  First, faith implies a causal role by the believer in an outcome, as in [[Peter]]'s walking on water based on his faith or in overcoming a personal fear.  Second, faith implies advancement or accomplishment rather than wrongdoing.

Faith is also helpful in overcoming fear, such as fear of public speaking,  appearing on [[television]], or standing up to a [[bully]].

Faith is also helpful in overcoming fear, such as fear of public speaking,  appearing on [[television]], or standing up to a [[bully]].

Opposites of faith include fear, anxiety, depression and lack of confidence.  A lack of faith can be very harmful, leading to self-destructive behavior.

Lack of faith includes fear, anxiety, depression and lack of confidence.  A lack of faith can be very harmful, leading to self-destructive behavior.

Faith is expressed in [[Greek]] using the term ''pistis'', and in [[Latin]] using the term ''fides''.  Faith is mentioned in 229 verses in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]), but only twice in the much larger [[Old Testament]] ([[KJV]]).<ref>http://www.crosswalk.com</ref>  In attempt to convert [[Jews]] to [[Christianity]], [[Paul]] described [[Abraham]]'s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son [[Isaac]] to [[God]] as an act of [[faith]], though the [[Old Testament]] did not describe it with that term.

Faith is expressed in [[Greek]] using the term ''pistis'', and in [[Latin]] using the term ''fides''.  Faith is mentioned in 229 verses in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]), but only twice in the much larger [[Old Testament]] ([[KJV]]).<ref>http://www.crosswalk.com</ref>  In attempt to convert [[Jews]] to [[Christianity]], [[Paul]] described [[Abraham]]'s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son [[Isaac]] to [[God]] as an act of [[faith]], though the [[Old Testament]] did not describe it with that term.