Faith
Faith (from Greek-pistis and Latin-fides) refers to confidence, trust, and hope in God, a person, community, tradition, or another locus of inspiration. The object of faith varies among people, but the common denominator is a level of conviction and an inner attitude towards a greater power or force in the universe. Etymologically, the word 'faith' is closely linked to the concept of "fidelity," which emphasizes commitment to something or someone. Thus, faith is often understood to mean 'loyalty' to a particular view of divinity, and allegiance to a particular religious community and it's cognate doctrines. Yet, faith can also be envisioned more broadly as a trust in providence, and has been used as a synonym for religion, such as in the Buddhist faith or the Christian faith.
Faith is an important aspect of the world religions, and a common theme of human religiosity. According to Christian tradition, faith is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that provides impetus for humanity to move forward, and is said to be especially important when one encounters obstacles in life. For many people, faith or the lack thereof, is an important part of their overall identities.
Biblical faith
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."[1] Faith is trust based on evidence.[2]
Jesus was unique in preaching the significance of faith apart from works for salvation. No other religion is based on faith-alone. Faith is mentioned 280 times in the New Testament. An example is Jesus observing 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 indicates 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
The word "faith" is mentioned 56 times in the Old Testament (KJV).
Other Definitions
Faith is generally used otherwise by non-Christians. The Merriam-Webster dictionary, for example, includes this definition of faith: "a system of religious beliefs."[3] Under this meaning, any and every religion has "faith".
In the Koran, the concept of submission to Allah is mentioned 11 times, while the concept of faith in Allah is mentioned only once.
References
- ↑ Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
- ↑ Fallacious Faith—Correcting an All-too-Common Misconception, by J.P. Holding.
- ↑ http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/faith
