Definition of Faith

Before delving deeper, it’s important to clarify what I mean by “faith” to prevent any misunderstanding. If you identify as a Christian, I encourage you to read this section carefully before assuming I misinterpret what Christianity conveys about faith.

In one context, “faith” can denote trust, reliance, or confidence. For instance, if I believe my children will behave appropriately in my absence, I might say, “I have faith in my kids to treat others with respect.”

Similarly, Christians might express their faith by stating, “I have faith that God will welcome me to Him after I pass away.” This indicates their confidence in God’s promises and their anticipated future.

However, the type of faith I wish to discuss is not merely about trust; it pertains to accepting something as true without adequate evidence. In this regard, “faith” aligns more closely with “belief” than with “trust.” For example, when someone asserts, “I have faith that extraterrestrial beings exist,” they are not expressing trust in aliens but believing in their existence despite a lack of tangible proof.

Thus, when evidence for a particular claim is absent, individuals may still accept it as true through faith. Conversely, we do not use “have faith” to describe beliefs supported by strong evidence; instead, we assert, “I know.” For instance, we don’t say, “I have faith that gravity exists;” we say, “I know gravity exists” because the evidence is compelling.

What the Bible Says About Faith

Christianity often highlights the importance of trusting God while simultaneously advocating belief in God's existence without substantial evidence. In fact, faith is sometimes portrayed as a form of evidence itself, filling the void where objective proof is lacking. The Bible states in Hebrews 11:1,

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

How do individuals come to accept something as true without solid evidence? They utilize faith. This allows them to embrace claims that might not withstand scrutiny.

This type of faith is even endorsed by Jesus. In the Gospel of John, He notes that Thomas believed in His resurrection only after witnessing Him. However, He commends those who believe without seeing: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29b).

Likewise, the author of Hebrews stresses that faith is crucial for pleasing God. This belief in God's existence is emphasized through the close relationship between the Greek terms for “faith” (??????) and “believe” (???????), which share the same root.

Hebrews 11:6 states,

‘And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’

Why Doesn’t God Reveal Himself?

A common question skeptics pose to Christians is, “If God truly desires people to believe in Him, why doesn’t He provide undeniable evidence of His existence?”

Many Christians respond by suggesting that clear proof of God's existence would negate the necessity of faith. They argue that God values faith and prefers believers to trust in Him rather than rely on compelling evidence. In Christianity, faith is not merely viewed as positive; it is considered essential.

As I noted in the title of this article, while faith is highly regarded in Christianity, significant issues arise from this concept.

Faith Allows Acceptance of Any Belief

One of the most significant drawbacks of faith is its capacity to lead individuals to accept almost anything as true. When faith does not demand evidence, the possibilities for belief are limitless.

Consider Jim Jones, who led the Peoples Temple from 1954 to 1978. He persuaded about 900 of his followers to commit suicide with him. This extreme level of faith is not something to be admired; should we conclude there is truth in his teachings simply because so many were willing to die for them?

Clearly, intense faith can drive individuals to make extreme choices, such as taking their own lives. Yet, should we celebrate such faith? Is it reasonable to assume that because many chose to die for Peoples Temple, there must be some validity to it?

Absolutely not.

Ironically, this reasoning is prevalent in Christianity. Many Christians cite the martyrs of both the early church and contemporary times as strong proof of Christianity’s validity, arguing, “If Christianity were false, why would so many endure suffering and death for it?”

However, the flaw in this reasoning is that it is typically applied solely to their own faith. Christians often dismiss or criticize others who hold faith in different religions. Yet, the faith promoted in Christianity is not fundamentally different from that in other religions and cults. In every instance, faith involves adhering to beliefs as true, even when rational justification may suggest otherwise.

With this in mind, let’s revisit the question: Why doesn't the Christian God or any deity from other religions choose to reveal themselves clearly to distinguish their faith from others? Why is faith required, the same mechanism that allows belief in irrational ideas?

People in Major Religions Are Just Lucky

Recognizing that faith can lead to acceptance of any belief helps us understand that those raised in mainstream religions are merely fortunate. Had cult members approached them during vulnerable periods, they might have embraced those cults with the same faith.

This may clarify why nations with high religious observance often witness the rise of cults and conspiracy theories. In societies where religious faith is widespread, the environment becomes conducive to more extreme beliefs. Numerous cults have emerged in the U.S., including not only Peoples Temple but also Scientology, the Hare Krishna movement, Heaven’s Gate, the Branch Davidians, the Manson Family, and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, among others.

South Korea, another highly religious nation, has seen the rise of numerous cults as well. The Netflix documentary “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” offers a striking perspective on the severity of the cult issue in South Korea, making for an enlightening watch.

Persistence in Faith Exacerbates the Problem

I have shared various articles detailing my journey of deconstructing my Christian faith. Occasionally, Christians respond by encouraging me to maintain my faith while grappling with difficult questions. They suggest that doubt is normal and even beneficial, advocating for using those doubts to gain a deeper understanding of Christianity rather than abandoning it altogether.

But if Christianity no longer resonates with me, why should I cling to it? What is the point of maintaining faith when it seems futile? When I inquire, “When is it acceptable to leave Christianity? How significant must my doubts be before you believe I should move on?” I seldom receive a clear response. It appears they cannot accept that there might be valid reasons to abandon my faith.

This is a significant issue.

This perspective presumes that individuals choose the correct religion from the outset. However, it is widely acknowledged that people can err. Christians often assert that adherents of non-Christian faiths have made incorrect choices. If it is permissible for others to reconsider their religious beliefs, is it not unreasonable for Christians to think they are exempt from potentially being mistaken, especially when confronted with serious dilemmas within their own faith?

It is vital to grant ourselves the flexibility to alter our viewpoints, particularly on subjects lacking solid evidence. It is entirely acceptable to tentatively believe in things we are unsure about, but we must be prepared to revise our beliefs as new evidence emerges. This is simply common sense, and it is perplexing why anyone would contest this approach.

Nevertheless, a significant challenge with many religions is that, despite acknowledging that their doctrines are not entirely backed by scientific or concrete evidence, they still demand unwavering commitment from their followers, leaving little room for them to reconsider their beliefs.

This is one reason leaving a cult can be so difficult, even when members recognize they are being harmed. They are conditioned to believe that departing is not an option, despite the ongoing trauma they might face if they remain.

While abuse is not commonplace in major religions like Christianity, many adherents are still urged to uphold their faith regardless of how irrational they find certain tenets of their religion. They are taught to behave as though they possess knowledge they do not.

If the objective of any religion is to pursue truth, it should be prepared to follow where evidence leads, rather than clinging unthinkingly to a set of doctrines. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in most religions.

Allure and Fear Tactics

To further complicate matters, numerous religions employ both enticement and intimidation to maintain control over believers. It is not only cults that use threats against those contemplating departure. For example, Christianity promises eternal life to those who believe in Jesus, yet it also warns of hell for non-believers. Islam intensifies this by threatening death for apostates.

Ironically, if faith necessitates allure and intimidation, it underscores a deficiency in solid evidence. When a theory is robustly supported by facts, there is no need for fear tactics to persuade individuals of its truth. The reliance on such psychological manipulation indicates that religious leaders struggle to present a compelling rational argument for their beliefs.

The Appropriate Approach to Uncertainty

Many individuals naturally seek certainty and feel uncomfortable with uncertainty. For some, it is reassuring to fill that void with the belief, “I don’t know; therefore, God.”

However, if we can move beyond that discomfort, we will discover that it is entirely acceptable to admit when we lack knowledge. In fact, this acknowledgment signifies humility.

The foundation of science rests on this principle: “I don’t know; therefore, let’s investigate.” If individuals are satisfied with beliefs such as the existence of Thor, they may lack the motivation to explore the science behind phenomena like lightning. Similarly, if people find comfort in the idea of a supernatural creation of the universe, they might not feel compelled to study the cosmos' origins scientifically.

Conclusion

Faith is not a virtue; it can cloud our judgment and make us vulnerable to deception. Instead, we should prioritize critical thinking and honesty.

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