Truth and Faith

[Aerex]

Hello all, I apologize for dropping off the face of the earth. I am coming back from a lengthy hiatus. There is something that has been bothering me for a while. The dichotomy between truth and faith. We know that faith does not imply truth. As thesit, we believe that our faith is truth but I am strugjng with this idea because non theist share the same things.

Let me provide a concert example, a child can believe in Santa Claus. We know there is no empirical evidence of such a person, well of the things we teach our children. It is designed as a mechanism to motivate our children to behave. I am not suggesting our belief in God is equivalent to believing in Santa Claus but the premise is similar.

Another example, we our faith with what we see, hear, sense, and touch. We don't know if what we measure is really real if that makes sense. For all we know we could be living in a matrix.

My point is that we all believe in something but it does not mean it is true. Likewise you do not need faith to have truth. Do you all agree or disagree. Why or why not.

We can believe in something

[GodIsLove]

Hi! I've missed you!

I agree. I actually am able to fully believe in what I believe and there is another part of me that says "well, that may or may not be true."

BUT to me that doesn't mean I have doubts or have weak faith. For me, it is humility. That I as a mere human, a drop in the bucket of existence, have it all correct, is laughable.

I have hope and faith that there is a God and that this God is Truth and Love and He has all of the answers, not us.

That is why lately in my spiritual evolution I am straying away from arguing any position as "I'm right you are wrong." This includes all sorts of arguments like political, scientific, and theological.

In the end it sounds paradoxical that I believe with all my heart that we will all be united with God, but then allow for the fact that I don't have all the answers.

But think of all the people now and throughout history that were convinced they were right and how ummm I'm pretty sure none of them were 100%.

Just my opinion, and I'm glad you are back!

[marie glen]

hi! :hiya:

I agree with GodIsLove :thumbsup: ..And I believe the bible - His word - is truth.. but of course there are different interpretations of that Word :laughing7: But even so.. His "word is truth"..  I think it is better to read and study it in a teachable spirit, rather than simply looking for our own preconceived ideas.. or being taught and simply accepting all that has been handed down and is strongly held by many.. But I think it takes a reaL seeking.. I mean we can read "gehenna" and what others believe and have interpreted what that all means.. and leave it at that.. unless there's something nagging in us.. and it doesn't quite "ring true" to us... prayer for truth and washing by the word.. I also think God iS truth... "you will find Me when you seek for Me with your whole heart"... but even then, we very surely will not have it all right (until perfection arrives at His arrival).. or I highly doubt it, but hopefully, we can have the major things 'right' and if, or when we do know all truth and nothing but, a part of that would be humility and gentleness and recognition of the ongoing process which is ultimately a process all are experiencing and, or will experience.. "each in order" (1 Cor 15:23)
    :Peace2: :smile: God bless...

[GodIsLove]

Yes, Marie, I agree!

[Ross]

My point is that we all believe in something but it does not mean it is true.
Likewise you do not need faith to have truth.

* Believing alone does not make something true. There are many lies out there that have caused many deaths. The truth was lacking from the start, yet many are lead to believe because they are searching for answers. The lie appeals because it can give "purpose" for the individual.
Interesting that the lie does get exposed eventually. Some have taken hundreds of years. some are still in effect.
2 Thess makes a point;
2 Thess 9-12 " The coming of the lawless one will be according to the activity of Satan, with all kinds of false miracles, signs and
                      wonders, and with every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they did not accept the love
                      of the truth so as to be saved.
                      For this reason God will send them an active delusion leading them to believe the lie, that they all may be condemned
                     who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousnesss."

* Truth is there; whether you accept that or not does not change the truth.  Does however, affect your outlook on life.
The truth of what Chris actually achieved does not change. How we live our life demonstrates our real belief/understanding of what He
accomplished. I.M.O  If we think He paid the price for us and covered a multitude of sins, there is no fear of rejection.
If we think we have to earn our salvation there will be serious doubts as to achieving enough to be saved.

* True faith is Christ's faith and works which really paid for us in full. To appreciate that faith seems to be part of the learning we all have to go through.
To give a child 1 year old a computer would be pointless. They have to learn  all about  life and the application of the computer. That takes time. If there are many teachers then there can be varied opinions which will cause slow learning and doubt as to which is correct.
Teach them the basics first then for the real use of the gadjet  they will have clearer understanding.
Many churches talk about Christ. This has highlighted His existence, yet held back on His accomplishments.
Christ says many will do miracles in His name, yet He never knew them.
Paul says many talk about Christ, yet are not correct, but either way Christ getting talked about is a good thing. That seems to be recognition of the work being Christ's not his; still talk about Christ, just not his conversion skills but Christ's awakening time schedule.

[darryl]

My point is that we all believe in something but it does not mean it is true.
Likewise you do not need faith to have truth.

                      For this reason God will send them an active delusion leading them to believe the lie, that they all may be condemned
                     who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousnesss."

the lie is that God burns people alive forever without end...or even that God 'loses' people forever.