Journal 4
Over the last couple of weeks I have learned how to have faith and what faith is. In this section I learned that there are two different definitions of faith. The secular definition of faith is complete trust. This involves believing in something that has a risk to it and can't really be proven. I also learned that as Catholics we define faith as an intellectual assent to a loving God and His revelation. To Catholics, faith means many things. Faith is a grace, or gift, it is a risk , in that we don't know if there really is a God, and it is a virtue, meaning that it can be acquired through practice. Faith is a reasonable thing or else no one would believe in God, faith requires us to make a response based on or free will, it is certain, and it needs understanding meaning it is a chance for us to try and understand God. On the other hand I learned the opposite viewpoint of faith which is nihilism, radicalism, fundamentalism, and fanaticism. Nihilism is the belief that the truth can't be known and radicalism is beleiving in something without any evidence to support it. Fundamentalism s when someone interprets their Holy Book literally and fanaticism is believing in something so seriously that their actions are hypocritical. I feel that the point of learning all of this information is to show that faith is the most rational theory of belief and that it makes the most sense to use beliefs supported by reason to validify our existence.
2a.) One thing that I want to remember from this section is the article, "Inside the Mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber." This article helped to show me that these people are no different from you and me. These "terrorists," as we call them, are nothing more than men with extreme faith that will die for their beliefs. Although as Catholics we aren't supposed to kill, these men should be role models as people of extreme faith. These men are willing to die for their religion and I feel that most of us aren't. Even though I disagree with their form of faith I will always look as these "terrorists" as men with strong faith.
2b.) I also want to remember the situation Father Gabriel was in at the climax of the movie The Mission. Father Gabriel, I felt made the best decision possible. He didn't fight the Portuguese and go against the delegate's order, but he also stayed with the Guarani and showed his faith in them and his work. I feel that his decision really exemplifies the definition of faith, beliefs supported by reason.
2c.) I want to remember what the book said about faith requiring a human response, because I feel that is true, and often times people, especially young adults, feel as if faith will come later in life and that it isn't really that important. They only feel it is important when they are about to die and want to protect themselves from judgement. I feel that I need to remember this in order to actively participate in my faith and develop a relationship with God.
3.) Why is it so hard to put faith into something?
I feel that it is hard to put complete faith in something because we aren't totally sure if it is right. No one wants to be wrong and it is tough to trust in something when you have doubts about it.