Difference between revisions of "Faith"

Revision as of 19:37, July 20, 2007

Faith is a uniquely Christian concept referring to a confidence or trust in a greater good. 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).^[1]

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.

Etymologically, the word 'faith' is closely linked to the concept of "fidelity," which emphasizes commitment to something or someone, specifically Christ. Thus, faith is often understood to mean 'loyalty' to a particular view of divinity. Yet, faith can also be envisioned more broadly as a trust in providence, as it entails an active role for the believer himself for advancing good.

Faith is emphasized in Christianity and is unknown or unrecognized by other religions or belief systems.

Biblical examples

Perhaps the greatest description of faith is Hebrews 11. It states: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."^[2] Jesus observed the powerful healing faith of a Roman centurion: "Assuredly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (Matthew 8:10)

Paul indicated that faith itself is a gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:8-9 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit

Other references are from Genesis 22 where God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. As Abraham prepared to do what God commanded -he was stopped. Genesis 22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

Other Definitions and Religions

Outside of Christianity, faith is misused as a synonym for "belief". The Merriam-Webster dictionary, for example, includes this definition of faith: "a system of religious beliefs."^[3]

Alternatively, faith often refers to a "firm belief in something for which there is no proof" or evidence.

In the Koran, the concept of submission to Allah is mentioned 11 times, while the concept of faith in Allah is mentioned only once.

Faith in Literature

Missionaries spread their faith to other countries, such as China, and the Congo. A primary example of ideal missionary behaviour is exhibited in The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. The protaganist, Nathan, attempts to spread his faith to the other Conglonese until his dying words.

Missionaries have been known to impress their faith on others forcefully, such as shortly after the Boxer Rebellion in China. The novel Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord is a fact-based novel about the fearless martyrs of the Christian faith. Even though the Chinese were attacking them on the streets, the missionaries still pursued them in their attempts to create a greater following.^{[Citation Needed]}

References

1. ↑ http://www.crosswalk.com
2. ↑ Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
3. ↑ http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/faith