Defining Faith

The word "faith" is variously defined and is used poplularly in many different ways. In addition, in theological or religious studies, the word "faith" is narrowly or broadly defined, depending on how it is distinguished from "belief" or other synonyms. One helpful synonym that I often use is "trust." However, these definitions, while helpful, tend toward the abstract. In other words, they don't give an experiential picture of what it means to have faith.

Let me suggest, then, the following working definition:

Faith is living against the fears and doubts that arise from the flaws, imperfections, disappointments and afflictions brought on us by others or ourselves.

The devil plays on these turmoils to increase fear and doubt in our mind and soul. To live against these is to live as if they will not control either our life in God or our love for another. For to let them control us is to fall into pride and selfishness--which is the mother of fear since fear is fundamentally the child of the the lie that we matter most.