We often hear the word faith without fully understanding the context in which it is being used. This can be quite confusing since there are many shades of meaning within the word. So let’s explore this a little.
What is the dictionary definition? The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary provides us with the following:
Pronunciation: \ˈfāth\Function: nounInflected Form(s): plural faiths\ˈfāths, sometimes ˈfāthz\Etymology: Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at bideDate: 13th century1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one’s promises (2) : sincerity of intentions
2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs <the Protestant faith>faith. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
Retrieved January 22, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith
Here we can see several subtle and overlapping meanings to the single word faith. The first set of meanings (1a and b) deal more with our interpersonal relationships. The last set (3) deals more with the object of our faith. What we are interested here at Faith Be the Journey is found in the 2nd set of meanings. More specifically, 2b although it usually leads to faith as defined in 2a or 3.
For our journey we are going to examine the idea of faith as being a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. We will not be dealing with faiths (i.e. sets of doctrine and beliefs such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc. ) although we will see them quite regularly as they are often the starting point and end points of our journey.
What stands out for me in this definition are the expressions firm belief and no proof. These are the crux of faith, at least for our purposes here. We’ll talk soon about the conflict that arises between faith and reason since the latter struggles with the idea of “no proof”. Yet faith is defined based on the lack of proof. In fact, we’ll see that the most important issues of faith revolve around those that cannot be proven in a rational way.
I want to explore how our faith shapes who we are, what we do and how we relate to one another. We’ll also look at how our faith grows or atrophies as we use it, challenge it and feed it. I want to see how personal faith changes and grows in relation to the established faiths.
I’ve recently started attending a Truth Project seminar at my church. This is a series of video recording that looks at the basics of the Christian faith (there is a type 3 use of the word). [For those of you who are interested in exploring the Christian faith, I would highly recommend this series.]
At the end of session one, a question that was left for us to ponder, and as it relates deeply to the concept of faith in general, I will leave it for you to ponder as well:
Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?
#1 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 1:30 am
Quote
Online casinos are great for casual gaming.
vinci spin casino
#2 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 1:39 am
Quote
Love the soundtracks in online slots!
plinko review
#3 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 1:39 am
Quote
Playing roulette online is so convenient.
plinko review
#4 by Thomascrurn on May 18, 2025 - 1:48 am
Quote
купить дипломную работу цена https://diplomastudy.ru
#5 by Thomascrurn on May 18, 2025 - 1:56 am
Quote
заказать дипломная работа купить дипломную работу
#6 by Sazrjey on May 18, 2025 - 2:04 am
Quote
купить диплом в ноябрьске http://orikdok-2v-gorode-vladikavkaz-15.online/ .
#7 by Thomastok on May 18, 2025 - 2:05 am
Quote
стоимость реферата реферат купить онлайн
#8 by Jariorcii on May 18, 2025 - 2:07 am
Quote
купить диплом в нальчике https://orikdok-5v-gorode-lipetsk-48.online/ .
#9 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 2:08 am
Quote
Live dealer games make me feel in a real casino.
sportcash net
#10 by Thomastok on May 18, 2025 - 2:13 am
Quote
реферат купить заказать реферат недорого
#11 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 2:20 am
Quote
The game search feature is super handy.
plinko game
#12 by Sazrnce on May 18, 2025 - 2:34 am
Quote
купить диплом в петропавловске камчатском http://orikdok-3v-gorode-novosibirsk-54.ru/ .
#13 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 2:46 am
Quote
Love the immersive 3D slot games!
gold party
#14 by prodvijenie saitov_tyPa on May 18, 2025 - 2:46 am
Quote
продвижение сайта магазина prodvizhenie-sajtov-v-moskve.ru .
#15 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 2:46 am
Quote
Love the new slot themes every month!
furtune tiger
#16 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 3:00 am
Quote
The slot game themes are always fresh!
plinko demo
#17 by Mazroyj on May 18, 2025 - 3:03 am
Quote
Мы предлагаем дипломы любой профессии по доступным ценам. Заказ документа, который подтверждает обучение в ВУЗе, – это выгодное решение. Приобрести диплом любого университета: enxovaisguilherme.com.br/textstat/realnye-otzyvy-o-pokupke-diplomov-41
#18 by 1win_bpol on May 18, 2025 - 3:09 am
Quote
1win скачать казино http://1win22020.ru .
#19 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 3:24 am
Quote
Tried a crypto deposit, and it was seamless!
aviator
#20 by prodvijenie saitov_thPa on May 18, 2025 - 3:25 am
Quote
продвижение сайтов в москве продвижение сайтов в москве .
#21 by prodvijenie saitov_yzPa on May 18, 2025 - 3:38 am
Quote
сео продвижение сайта сео продвижение сайта .
#22 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 3:41 am
Quote
The live chat in games is so interactive.
plinko demo
#23 by Sazrurr on May 18, 2025 - 4:01 am
Quote
Приобрести документ о получении высшего образования можно в нашей компании в столице. Заказать диплом университета по доступной цене возможно, обращаясь к проверенной специализированной компании. yiyanmyplus.com/companies/frees-diplom
#24 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 4:02 am
Quote
The game search feature is super convenient.
plinko casino
#25 by Jariorees on May 18, 2025 - 4:06 am
Quote
купить диплом техникума https://www.orikdok-1v-gorode-tomsk-70.online .
#26 by 1win_jgol on May 18, 2025 - 4:12 am
Quote
бонусный счет 1вин https://1win22020.ru/ .
#27 by Stephengob on May 18, 2025 - 4:22 am
Quote
Online casinos have so many great games.
plinko casino