- How might beliefs differ from faith (or is there a difference)?
Beliefs differ from faith. Usually beliefs are based on one’s knowledge of things, mostly based on one’s education or experiences. Beliefs are sometimes handed down to people through generations. Faith on the other hand, is believing in something which one does not even have a proof of. Having faith in something is believing with the heart more than believing with the mind. An example of this is when one expresses his faith in God even if he does not see Him or does not even have proof that God exists. Chris Cree puts it clearly when he defined belief as “an opinion or judgement in which a person is fully persuaded” and contrasts it with faith which he defined as “belief + action + confidence”. He goes on further to explain that faith is more powerful than belief because it moves one into action .
- What is the role of faith in religion?
One thinks that faith is the foundation of any religion. Without faith, one cannot be able to claim that he is dedicated to his religion. Faith is believing in the teachings of one’s religion. Faith is very important in religion because it is what drives one to practice his religious beliefs, ceremonies and traditions. It would be difficult to pray if one does not have faith in his God. “Our faith is the relationship with Jesus, but religion is the structure that helps us cultivate a stronger relationship”.
- How does free will impact religion?
Free will has a great effect on religion. Because of free will, every person has the right to choose between alternatives which he is faced with. It is one’s free will that will dictate whether one will follow the teachings of his religion or not. Deciding what religion to practice entails the use of one’s free will. It will dictate the choice of religious beliefs and how one intends to practice it.
Works Cited
Cree, Chris. The difference between faith and belief. 17 February 2011. Web. 26 February 2013
Peterchristensen. Faith vs. religion. 5 December 2010. Web. 26 February 2013
