Wow, I am on my last entry (for this book anyways). I really thought I would never be able to complete all of them. Initially, I wasn't really planning to answer this question. Eight rather heavy-duty questions were more than enough for me. In fact, I had one of the creative writing type prompts in mind to finish off this blog before deciding to answer this question on a whim.
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The Bible is probably one of the most captivating books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I mean, it is not everyday you see a book that encompasses essentially everything the human mind can idly ponder upon such as philosophy, history, humanity, genealogy, and parables. Of all the morals and knowledge I obtained from this book, which was based upon the principle of absolute faith in a higher being, I probably learned the most about, well...faith.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the Bible.
"It is done unto to you as you believe." Matthew 9:29.
And that pretty much wraps up why I believe makes faith so significant.
It is habit for us, and a cliche when expressed as words.
"If you set your mind to it, you can do it!"
"Think positively for positive outcomes!"
"It's 90% psychological."
etc.
Yet, such banalities never cease to be true.
We, designed as we are, can never take a step (regardless of however ambitious the step may be) forward without faith. Airplanes would never have been created without faith in its blueprint. Religion would never have become such a major component of society without faith in its values. Friendships and alliances would be impossible without faith in the other party. Nations would never have been built without faith in its success. People would have never learned to walk without some innate faith that they could without falling. Even something as trivial as falling backwards in the 'Trust Game' cannot be accomplished without faith in the people behind you. It seems that faith, in its diverse (all very pervasive) forms, is inescapable.
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Faith is the absolute belief in something or someone that drives us to accomplish tasks, instigate miracles, and live from day to day. Faith is our interminable fuel, and although where we receive it may differ, none of can run without it.
4 comments:
Jihyun, you have completely changed my viewpoint on the word "faith," which I'm glad it did, and this post simply has so many things I have to agree with.
"Faith" to me, had always something to do with religion. Moreover, it isn't real; it's abstract. I have always been inclined to think that "you believe in something that you can't see because you're weak." At times this statement would even motivate me to work harder because I have been such a bigot; "I need no help from anybody, and I can do anything on my own. I'm not weak, I don't have to rely on anything or anybdody." Therefore, faith didn't really have anything to do with my life and my world because I have never been religious, and I find difficulty trusting something that has not yet been proven.
However, after reading your post, I have realized that just like everyone else, faith drives my actions literally EVERYDAY. The examples you gave were more than enough, very true, and very accurate. I was completely taken aback when I found out that EVERYDAY, I have always been doing what I had thought was silly, weak, abstract, unreal, impossible, and illogical.
But now, I don't think so. I now think and agree with you that faith is the very essential factor that enables the life cycle to keep going around. I have even realized that we fail when we have no faith. I can make a hundred free-throws when I have faith that I can do it. I can't when I'm scared and nervous and starting to doubt about my abilities. I can do a hard math or physics question (hopefully) when I have faith in my brian. I can't when I think it's just too hard for me and is beyond my capabilities and give up.
Then, I questioned myself, if God is the one who governs the world and most importantly, ME and MY LIFE, aren't I supposed to deduce, based on what I've learned about faith, that if I have no faith in God, I will fail in life? It strikes me odd, because there are numerous people who are financially successful, (well I know money isn't all in life, but some of these people are satisfies with this, and I value satisfaction most in life.) and who are satisfied with that. And I know somewhere in the world there must exist some people who are completely content with their lives because they believe in some other religion.
Although Faith now gives me a headache, it's definitely something I should ponder about every once in a while, I think. :)
(Reply -5)
Great Post. When one truly considers "questions of faith", one develops a deeper understanding of our world and of cause the world beyond this one. You have embarked upon a journey of no return... knowledge must be acquired - truth must be sought after. You have answered one of our essential questions - in your own unique way - of cause there are still hundreds of more answers and questions just waiting to be asked. DON'T STOP! Mrs.Mc.
Great post. I found your blog just now searching for "peace child quotes" and want to tell you that I really enjoyed your thoughts about faith.
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