FAITH

Faith allows us to embrace what evidence cannot provide.  Faith (religion) can give us a belief; evidence (science) gives us facts.  No judgment is implied in this statement.

Faith that is rigid and strictly defined by sacred texts, by its own definition, cannot be open to new knowledge and is obligated to reject anything that contradicts the texts upon which it is based.  The faithful are convinced that they have the only real truth about our world and will not accept any other views.

Science questions what it knows and looks for contradictions that it must prove or disprove, and is willing to adjust its conclusions according to the evidence.  “Authority” is constantly tested.

There is another “type” of faith, one where sacred texts are used to find meaning and inspiration about life, and not as a source of absolute truths, often reinforced by personal spiritual or transcendent experiences.  The faithful seek a relationship with a God they know, (or hope) is there, with complete love and commitment.  They are willing to acknowledge that others may find this God in other ways.

Regardless of how one approaches this notion of faith, it remains a personal belief system and not one to be imposed on anyone else.  If there is a caring, loving Supreme Being, then there must be room in His tent for everyone.  To deny that it to limit Him with our human frailties’ and fears.