What is Faith? Journal
Journal:
What is Faith?
Faith and Morality...
This section precedes two chapters that deal with the questions of faith. Before exploring those questions it is imprtant to know what faith is. First, the difference between faith and Faith. Faith (lowercase "f") is belief and trust in someone or something. Faith (capital "f") is belief and trust dealing with religous material. Jim Goodnight, the independent owner of SAS, demonstrates faith in his business and his employees shown by the incredible benefits given to the employees of SAS. Some of these benefits, like a free day care, free recreation space and a gym, may seem unnecessary and unprofitable, but Goodnight puts his employees first. Faith is shown by the Iraqi suicide bomber who totally believes that the sacrifice of his life and killing those around will bring glory to Islam and will bring him closer to his heavenly goal.
One thing that is important to remember is The Golden Way is Faith. This diagram compares and contrasts nihilism, radicalism, and having Faith. It illustrates that nihilists reason through life and come up with no beliefs, radicalists have beliefs backed with no reason or logical evidence, but faith is the proper balance between belief and reason. Faith uses reason and evidence to formulate beliefs. Another important message from this section is that faith requires a human response. It is impossible to say you have faith but not live out what you claim and truly have faith. A person must first recollect and think about what he/she decides to put faith in. If a parent has faith in their son or daughter, they would not always suppose that their child is doing something wrong and would give them the benefit of the doubt. This is not to say a parent with trust is not concerned or doesn't check on their child. Faith requires more thought and response than we probably realize. This is why it is very important to consciously decide what to put faith in.
Image of Faith:
Peter Walking on Water with Jesus
The story of Jesus and Peter walking on water is a major example of Peter's faith. Most people, though, see this as an example of lack of faith because Peter takes his eyes of Jesus and falls in the water. I see it as an example of faith because Peter even stepping on the water and walking in the first place demonstrates his true faith in the power of Jesus. Peter's faith is recovered because he grabs hold of Jesus who saves him from drowning (as shown in the picture).
This applies to all of our lives because we must choose whether or not we will have faith in those around us, in things around us, or in a religious group. I personally, when tempted, have to rely on my Faith in Christianity. My Faith often helps me make the right decisions and directs me toward Christian living.