What is faith?

I'm hoping, probably naively, that this won't turn into a bun fight.

So, I've not Googled the meaning of religious faith but I will just share some of my thoughts here.

There are a lot of religions in the world.  They can't all be right, can they?

Surely if what a person of faith believes is true, that particular faith must be true for everyone?

After death we can't all be shooting off to different places, can we?

I haven't read about this but a friend of mine (autistic) has a special interest in faith and reads reams of books.

He is particularly interested in Shamanism and I find that quite fascinating. 

I find ancient  and 'Tribal' religions of great interest.

I'm agnostic.

However, I'm not sure which fence I sit on as all the major religions have something to offer but some of them have caused a lot of death and suffering too over the centuries.

My husband believes that the world was created by aliens.  Is this a faith too, even if not a religious one?

People sometimes talk as though they know that their faith is true. 

However, how can it be as the word 'faith' is explicitely saying it's a belief.

It can't be proven as what happens after death can't be known. 

Also even if historical figures such as Jesus did live (and there is evidence that this is true) it's our interpretation of their signficance that is pertinent.

Hence the word 'faith'.

If you have a faith, please share why you believe if you care to.

Please also just share your thoughts on this.

Thanks.

Parents
  • There’s an old saying along the lines of faith being impossible to describe to the unfaithful and unnecessary to describe to the faithful. That’s quite true. It’s difficult to discuss.

    As a practising Christian I find it useful to keep my faith and spirituality separate from the organised religion to which I belong but with which I am becoming increasingly frustrated. The Church of England doesn’t sit well with me at the moment. Christianity does. Some people find that hard to understand but others may well nod in agreement.

    At their core I believe all faiths are broadly about becoming a better person, caring for and loving your fellow humans and the world in which we live, and developing a discipline by which to live.

Reply
  • There’s an old saying along the lines of faith being impossible to describe to the unfaithful and unnecessary to describe to the faithful. That’s quite true. It’s difficult to discuss.

    As a practising Christian I find it useful to keep my faith and spirituality separate from the organised religion to which I belong but with which I am becoming increasingly frustrated. The Church of England doesn’t sit well with me at the moment. Christianity does. Some people find that hard to understand but others may well nod in agreement.

    At their core I believe all faiths are broadly about becoming a better person, caring for and loving your fellow humans and the world in which we live, and developing a discipline by which to live.

Children
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