Difference between revisions of "Faith"
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Faith is a concept that implies belief or complete confidence in something unseen, and is strongly emphasized in the Christian religion. The term lacks a precise definition, although several qualities can commonly be ascribed to people of faith (see below). Its root is the Latin word "fidere", meaning "to trust". | Faith is a concept that implies belief or complete confidence in something unseen, and is strongly emphasized in the Christian religion. The term lacks a precise definition, although several qualities can commonly be ascribed to people of faith (see below). Its root is the Latin word "fidere", meaning "to trust". | ||
| − | The concept of faith is not strongly emphasized in other major religions, although it is sometimes mentioned in the Holy Books of major non-Christian religions. While faith is mentioned 229 times in the New Testament, | + | The concept of faith is not strongly emphasized in other major religions, although it is sometimes mentioned in the Holy Books of major non-Christian religions. While faith is mentioned 229 times in the Bible's New Testament, the concept is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament (KJV). In an English translation of the Koran (Islam), the concept of submission to Allah is mentioned 11 times, but faith in Allah is only mentioned once. |
The term "faith" is often used to describe the belief systems of other religions.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith</ref> Modern usage of the word "faith" includes many definitions, which are supported by current dictionaries of the English language:<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith</ref> | The term "faith" is often used to describe the belief systems of other religions.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith</ref> Modern usage of the word "faith" includes many definitions, which are supported by current dictionaries of the English language:<ref>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith</ref> | ||
Revision as of 22:53, February 21, 2007
Faith is a concept that implies belief or complete confidence in something unseen, and is strongly emphasized in the Christian religion. The term lacks a precise definition, although several qualities can commonly be ascribed to people of faith (see below). Its root is the Latin word "fidere", meaning "to trust".
The concept of faith is not strongly emphasized in other major religions, although it is sometimes mentioned in the Holy Books of major non-Christian religions. While faith is mentioned 229 times in the Bible's New Testament, the concept is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament (KJV). In an English translation of the Koran (Islam), the concept of submission to Allah is mentioned 11 times, but faith in Allah is only mentioned once.
The term "faith" is often used to describe the belief systems of other religions.[1] Modern usage of the word "faith" includes many definitions, which are supported by current dictionaries of the English language:[2]
- 1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
- 2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
- 3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
- 4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
- 5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
- 6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
- 7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
- 8. Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved. —Idiom
- 9. in faith, in truth; indeed: In faith, he is a fine lad.
Anyone who believes in something that cannot be empirically observed has faith. Therefore, adherence to any theistic religion requires faith because the existence of God (or gods) cannot be proven.
Jesus Christ, having noted the faith and righteousness of a Roman centurion, a pagan, proclaimed:
"Assuredly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:10-12)
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