Belief vs. Faith
Click on above 2 words to find the source of this article.
What do I believe? As an American I believe in generosity, in liberty, in the rights of man. These are social and political faiths that are part of me, as they are, I suppose, part of all of us. Such beliefs are easy to express. But part of me too is my relation to all life, my religion. And this is not so easy to talk about. Religious experience is highly intimate and, for me, ready words are not at hand.
There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true. [paraphrased]
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.
Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active.
Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them.
This is what I believe:
That I am I.
That my soul is a dark forest.
That my known self will never be more than a little clearing in the forest.
That gods, strange gods, come forth from the forest into the clearing of my known self, and then go back.
That I must have the courage to let them come and go.
That I will never let mankind put anything over me, but that I will try always to recognize and submit to the gods in me and the gods in other men and women.
There is my creed.
The only force that can overcome an idea and a faith is another and better idea and faith, positively and fearlessly upheld.
We have not lost faith, but we have transferred it from God to the medical profession.
My faith has been the driving thing of my life. I think it is important that people who are perceived as liberals not be afraid of talking about moral and community values.
.................................................. .................................................. ...............
By Nicholas Schmidt
You cannot find the Light unless you enter the darkness.
Dark night of the soul, spiritual crisis, spiritual madness, spiritual emergency, divine madness, holy madness... these are various phrases that have been used to describe a unique experience - a profound test of faith and spiritual endurance - that seems to be a necessary part of walking the path home to God.
Today, many people on this planet are searching for a deeper meaning and purpose to life.
Comments please:-
More...
Click on above 2 words to find the source of this article.
What do I believe? As an American I believe in generosity, in liberty, in the rights of man. These are social and political faiths that are part of me, as they are, I suppose, part of all of us. Such beliefs are easy to express. But part of me too is my relation to all life, my religion. And this is not so easy to talk about. Religious experience is highly intimate and, for me, ready words are not at hand.
There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.
Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true. [paraphrased]
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.
Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active.
Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them.
This is what I believe:
That I am I.
That my soul is a dark forest.
That my known self will never be more than a little clearing in the forest.
That gods, strange gods, come forth from the forest into the clearing of my known self, and then go back.
That I must have the courage to let them come and go.
That I will never let mankind put anything over me, but that I will try always to recognize and submit to the gods in me and the gods in other men and women.
There is my creed.
The only force that can overcome an idea and a faith is another and better idea and faith, positively and fearlessly upheld.
We have not lost faith, but we have transferred it from God to the medical profession.
My faith has been the driving thing of my life. I think it is important that people who are perceived as liberals not be afraid of talking about moral and community values.
.................................................. .................................................. ...............
By Nicholas Schmidt
You cannot find the Light unless you enter the darkness.
Dark night of the soul, spiritual crisis, spiritual madness, spiritual emergency, divine madness, holy madness... these are various phrases that have been used to describe a unique experience - a profound test of faith and spiritual endurance - that seems to be a necessary part of walking the path home to God.
Today, many people on this planet are searching for a deeper meaning and purpose to life.
Comments please:-
More...