What is Faith? What a question to ponder. Are not religious fanatics accused of blind faith things that are not tangible? After all, faith is not scientific. It is not something that can be weighed and measured on a scale. Not even a 1-10 scale! At first glance, the idea of “faith” is pretty weird, and those who claim to have it usually act pretty weird.
Faith is usually first associated with religion. Religion is the most visible entity based almost entirely on faith. Religionists place their faith in tradition, devotion, history, a cause, or some higher power. Actually, religion encompasses almost every aspect of faith in it’s tenets. No wonder religion is often referred to as faith. What faith are you? Means, what is your espoused religion?
Besides Christianity, faith is required by Islam, multiple cults and groups, Satanism, Evolutionism, Creationism, and even Atheism. Every one of these systems of belief or actions require faith, some to a greater degree than others. No doubt, faith is alive and present.
Whatever the reasons for faith, there is no doubt it can be a powerful motivator. History is full of people who were willing to die for their faith and belief. Across the board, faith is often of such a binding nature that the testimony is sealed with blood before betrayal or renunciation.
At the core of faith we find that it is a firm belief in something, almost anything, sometimes nothing. Some faith is based on common facts that we have seen demonstrated or has been proven scientifically. For example, if I jump off the roof I have faith the law of gravity will be in effect and I will fall to the ground. The law of gravity has been proven scientifically. Historically, we know that 11 of the 12 apostles gave their lives because they testified that a dead Man rose from the grave and was the Son of God. Who would die for a lie? Anyone will admit this is very strong evidence and reason to believe (have faith) that these men were proclaiming a message that was true. These men’s blood sealed their testimony and their witness down through the ages of time.
Part of the loyalty of the Muslims is attributed to their belief in the mission of Mohammad. They believe he was a prophet sent by Allah. Another loyalty is the tradition and unity brought about by the Islamic faith. It brought scattered Arab tribes together and united them into a fighting force to conquer the world. Today we see the Muslim faith demonstrated by the jihadist who are willing to kill themselves in commitment to their religion. It is clearly recognizable that they are dedicated and firm in their faith.
Atheism is faith in the non-existence of God contrary to clear evidence within creation and evidenced within the heart of man (if man will be honest with himself). Atheist Central is Ray Comfort’s blog where he debates atheists. What’s amazing is that the atheists keep coming back to argue with Ray over and over. They get so angry yet they can not make a case against the existence of God. They subscribe to a blind faith that can not be proven. It is based on… nothing.
In conclusion, faith is clearly a powerful force to be considered. Faith can move mountains and deliver the helpless. It can join people together in a cause, or make them blind to the truth. Faith is common to many, but what that faith is placed in is the key. Perhaps the best description of faith I have found is in Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Erik B.
I enjoy ure blog but just wanted to point out one thing, you say that “Today we see the Muslim faith demonstrated by the jihadist who are willing to kill themselves in commitment to their religion. It is clearly recognizable that they are dedicated and firm in their faith.” Its unfortunate that its what you attribute to Islam as what you mention in fact runs contrary to the teachings of Islam. The Jihadist that you mention is in fact not a jihadist at all in its actual meaning (which is different to what is widely thought of,a jihadist is in fact exactly what you are. A peaceful person who lives their life according to the word of God) and these kinds of people are not followers of the Muslim faith, but people who have been led astray and do not follow the teachings of Islam in the slightest. The religion does not call for such things and they run totally against what it teaches and signifies. I wish that you had instead pointed out examples of the elements of faith that are really part of Islam in its true light. It is tiresome to see Islam being portrayed over and over again in such a light because of the actions of a few that do not represent anyone or any faith but the senseless barbarianism that is only in their own minds. Im sure you can understand the frustration at this. You will find that we are in fact more similar in our beliefs to you than we are different. Just thought i might share my view and add a bit of positivity =)
God bless
Hello Laila,
The definition of the word “Jihadist” means someone who practices Jihad. According to dictionary.com Jihad is defined as “A Muslim holy war or spiritual struggle against infidels.” I would respectfully disagree that Jihadists are in fact Muslims who are engaged in warfare against the infidels. If the individuals engaged in this struggle are not followers of Islam then I would concede they are not Jihadists.
By no means am I representing the actions of a few individuals as representing the entire Muslim community. In my study of various religions I have concluded there are positive, even admirable qualities, regarding Islam. However, my post was really about Faith as a reality and I drew from a wide field of examples and religions.
Hi Erik
Thanks for your response. I wasn’t trying to insinuate anything or be aggressive, i hope that is not how it came across and apologise if it did.
I understand what you are trying to say and agree wholeheartedly. The fact that the Islamic example was that rather than maybe one that is clearer or of a more positive affinity was what struck a chord with me only because it seems that few are prepared to understand what is happening rather than passing out what is handed out by the media. Its not a big thing just something i felt that perhaps i should mention.
I agree with almost all that you write and pretty much share the same values. I think its because i felt exactly the same about your points on this post that when the example that dealt with my religion was one i didn’t agree with,it was just why i felt a little sad, in like a ‘not again’ kind of way, lol know what i mean?
Anyway just wanted you to know that it wasn’t an attack on you but a passing thought in general.
ps the dictionary meaning doesn’t really explain the concept clearly, but my point was not to get into nitty gritties lol Jihad is an Arabic word that deals with a big subject that is made up of different aspects not really a catchphrase word that it is summed up to a short inaccurate meaning in English
Hi Laila,
The accuracy of the English translation could in fact be called into question. If the subject word is in fact Arabic my definition is limited to the English translation. Often, a word in a foreign language does not have an exact contemporary in another language. Perhaps, the native understanding of the word reflects a concept foreign to English thought. hmm… something to consider.
No doubt the media hype over Islamic fascism is very intense. Similar to the concern over the Hitler and the Nazis, the nuclear threat during the Cold War, etc. The events in 2001 were life altering for millions of people. The changes were monumental on a world-wide scale. It is not unnatural for people to be concerned.