Perhaps you've heard people say, "It doesn't really matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere"... And usually, this slogan relates to God, faith, religion etc.
Of course, we can be *sincerely* wrong, can't we?
For example, we may recall how a UFO cult committed mass suicide some years ago because they sincerely believed a space-ship will take them to a new planet or something like that.
It does matter what we believe...
But perhaps what the saying really meant is:
*How* you believe is as important as *What* you believe!
Ever met someone whose faith is dogmatic and SOLELY dependent on unquestioned authority i.e. pope, mullah, lamas? (This can happen to 'freethinkers' as well!)
Or, have you ever been 'burnt' before by people who hold right beliefs but the wrong attitude - coercive, arrogant, refusing to even listen to other views, even abusive?
Or, maybe you have been disappointed by a faith that does not inspire action? Failing to 'walk the talk'... so to speak.
These are some examples of "bad faith" I experienced.
If so, then what is "good faith"?
Perhaps you could think of some characteristics of what good faith looks like... I suppose, good faith oughta be...
1) Humble, teachable and inquisitive.
3.5 pounds of brain is just so limited to understand the vastness of our universe, much less the infinite mysteries of God... so there's always room to learn, ask questions and gratefulness (ie not pride). Even if we have only apprehended basic truths ie "God loves me and others, I should love what God loves too", isn't that something worth celebrating? (in a thankful way)
2) Communal...
Since we are so limited, isn't it wiser to explore faith in the context of a community where honesty, questions and friendships are welcome? (I always ENJOY and see new things from our chats like the one in Secret Recipe last Sunday) Every lone ranger has blind spots that trusted friends can gently point out. This community could also include people from the past, who left their wisdom behind to guide us.
3) Active...
Whatever truth that we may have apprehended now, isn't it crucial that we consistently follow through with practical 'living it out'? Even when the goings get tough, would we abandon our faith or would our faith guide us through bad patches in life? It could be personal prayer/meditation, helping others less fortunate, feeding elephants in the zoo and planting bonzai in the garden..? Good faith should inspire action.
4) Relational
If I believe that there is a personal God out there, shouldn't my search begin with an acknowledgement of my relationship with God? It could just be a small step of faith like saying, "Hello? Is anybody there?" It may sound foolish if nobody is there, so there's always a element of risk-taking faith involved no matter what choice we make.
(Crossing KL streets, I'm never 'absolutely certain' I'd safely make it to the other side)
But if God is there and we need God to reveal Himself to us, that seems like a good place to start.
The above is a summary of a lil' booklet called 'Finding Faith' by Brian McLaren
Of course, we can be *sincerely* wrong, can't we?
For example, we may recall how a UFO cult committed mass suicide some years ago because they sincerely believed a space-ship will take them to a new planet or something like that.
It does matter what we believe...
But perhaps what the saying really meant is:
*How* you believe is as important as *What* you believe!
Ever met someone whose faith is dogmatic and SOLELY dependent on unquestioned authority i.e. pope, mullah, lamas? (This can happen to 'freethinkers' as well!)
Or, have you ever been 'burnt' before by people who hold right beliefs but the wrong attitude - coercive, arrogant, refusing to even listen to other views, even abusive?
Or, maybe you have been disappointed by a faith that does not inspire action? Failing to 'walk the talk'... so to speak.
These are some examples of "bad faith" I experienced.
If so, then what is "good faith"?
Perhaps you could think of some characteristics of what good faith looks like... I suppose, good faith oughta be...
1) Humble, teachable and inquisitive.
3.5 pounds of brain is just so limited to understand the vastness of our universe, much less the infinite mysteries of God... so there's always room to learn, ask questions and gratefulness (ie not pride). Even if we have only apprehended basic truths ie "God loves me and others, I should love what God loves too", isn't that something worth celebrating? (in a thankful way)
2) Communal...
Since we are so limited, isn't it wiser to explore faith in the context of a community where honesty, questions and friendships are welcome? (I always ENJOY and see new things from our chats like the one in Secret Recipe last Sunday) Every lone ranger has blind spots that trusted friends can gently point out. This community could also include people from the past, who left their wisdom behind to guide us.
3) Active...
Whatever truth that we may have apprehended now, isn't it crucial that we consistently follow through with practical 'living it out'? Even when the goings get tough, would we abandon our faith or would our faith guide us through bad patches in life? It could be personal prayer/meditation, helping others less fortunate, feeding elephants in the zoo and planting bonzai in the garden..? Good faith should inspire action.
4) Relational
If I believe that there is a personal God out there, shouldn't my search begin with an acknowledgement of my relationship with God? It could just be a small step of faith like saying, "Hello? Is anybody there?" It may sound foolish if nobody is there, so there's always a element of risk-taking faith involved no matter what choice we make.
(Crossing KL streets, I'm never 'absolutely certain' I'd safely make it to the other side)
But if God is there and we need God to reveal Himself to us, that seems like a good place to start.
The above is a summary of a lil' booklet called 'Finding Faith' by Brian McLaren
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