Difference between revisions of "Faith"
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| − | Faith | + | '''Faith''' (from Greek-''pistis'' and Latin-''fides'') refers to confidence, trust, and hope in a [[God]], 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 [[doctrine]]s. 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. |
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| + | 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== | ==Biblical faith== | ||
Revision as of 00:28, March 24, 2007
Faith (from Greek-pistis and Latin-fides) refers to confidence, trust, and hope in a God, 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]
Jesus was unique in preaching the significance of faith exclusive to Christianity. No other religion is based on faith as distinguished from mere belief. Faith is mentioned 229 times in the Bible's 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)
The concept of faith is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament (KJV).
In the Koran, the concept of submission to Allah is mentioned 11 times, while the concept of faith in Allah is mentioned only once.
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."[2] Under this meaning, any and every religion has "faith".
Sources:
- ↑ Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
- ↑ http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/faith