Daily Question: 1/28

Faith is unavoidable in life in both a religious and secular context. In the scripture passages faith is an important component of a truly religious person. For example, Abraham demonstrated his faith when he followed God’s command to sacrifice his son. Moreover, Isaiah displays his faith when he states, “If you believe you will understand” (Isaiah 7:9). The disciples also exhibit unwavering faith in Christ later in the scriptures. The apostles both witnessed and believed in Christ. Despite knowing Christ personally, they still needed faith to known Christ. Additionally, religion is built upon faith in another way. Christianity has been passed down through a multitude of generations. We must have faith in the ones who came before us that they are teaching us the right way to practice the faith. For example, Wilken states, “they teach us how to use such words as God, Spirit, hope, grace, sin, (and) forgiveness”(174). We become comfortable with these words in our own lives and the teachings of those who came before us. In a non religious context, faith is essential with regards to historical knowledge. Historical events only happen once and are unique; therefore, one cannot verify that what is reported by the witness at the time of the event is actually true. We must rely on faith to trust that what the witness has recorded is actually true. Faith is beneficial because we acquire knowledge through faith both in a religious and secular context. In regards to religion, we learn of practices, attitudes and dispositions throughout history. The knowledge of God enters the mind and heart throughout time. In a secular context, we are prompted to questions things because of faith. We also learn things in a historical sense and believe the accuracy of facts about the past when we have faith.