Comments on: Faith Is Not Just About Evidence

By: Heath

Heath — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:39:48 +0000

BTW, define and describe are synonomous.

By: Heath

Heath — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:37:50 +0000

Words have multiple definitions depending on the context in which they are used. But thank you for accusing me of sketchy hermeneutics.

By: Chad

Chad — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:06:56 +0000

It is an extremely sketchy hermeneutic to define a term so rife with theological significance by its use in a single passage. At best the author of Hebrews was offering a description of faith, not a definition. Besides, all you have to do to show that Heb 11.1 does not meet Webster’s criteria for a definition is observe the number of different ways the word ‘faith’ can be inflected in the Greek, each of which has carrying with it its own unique slant, not to mention what additional connotations may be contextually infused.

This is to say nothing of the number of different ways Heb 11.1 itself can be translated.

Besides besides, the phrase “essential nature” needs a lot of clarification before it can pass as a criteria for definition.

By: Heath

Heath — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:23:05 +0000

ya, I agree that Heb. was probably not Paul’s work, but since we lack an actual author’s name I tend to accept tradition.

As far as it being a definition, I refer you to Webster’s:

Definition: \de-fə-ˈni-shən\ n. a statement expressing the essential nature of something

I believe it meets that criteria. Whether or not is was “intended to” can’t really be known, only speculated upon. ;-) right back at cha! :)

By: Chad

Chad — Sun, 11 May 2008 05:48:45 +0000

Assuming Paul wrote Hebrews and that Heb 11.1 is intended to be a definition… ;-)

By: Heath

Heath — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:45:10 +0000

To quote myself from earlier this year:

“I have a book on my shelf entitled, “Faith and Reason.” I hate the picture on the front of this book, because it implies that reason is “standing on certainty” and faith is “taking a leap.” I have always felt that the picture suggests that when reason is not enough, just jump off the cliff and trust that all will be ok. My point is, the problem with “cliff diving faith” is that the coefficient of gravity is a universal constant and actions (even ones with the best intentions) have consequences. God does not call us to be mindless drones in the cogs of the Kingdom. He gave us the ability to reason so we might use it to “test and approve what God’s will” for our life is and make sound decisions that honor Him.”

Perhaps NT Wright forgot Paul’s definition of faith, that it is “being sure of things hoped for and certain of things unseen.” (Heb. 11:1)