(October 28, 2008 at 3:59 pm)bozo Wrote: Turning yet again to TGD and Dawkins' spectrum of probability on god's existence, it seems to me that believers simply have to put themselves in cat.1 strong theist. Unlike us, who assess the probability and I suspect overwhelmingly claim cat.6 de facto atheist, their faith demands no question as to it being 100% certain that god exists. Poor deluded fools! And because they are so afflicted, rational argument/debate is impossible, so I either ridicule or bait them!I prefer gummi bears for bait, but that will work.
I would say I'm a 2 on dawkin's scale. I have never yet met a theist that is a one. While their vehemency may differ greatly than mine. Most Christians I've met if they had 100% belief in God would have "faith to move mountains" and then try and move them. I would disagree with your supposition and your allusion to unthinking Christians. Knowledgeable Ignorance is one of the foundations of Western skepticism. While I have a peace about a solution to the problem of God, I've arrived there from my own philosophical and scientic if skepticism, not by merely ignoring truthes and rationality!
(October 28, 2008 at 6:40 am)Bungy Wrote: What is the true definition of the word "FAITH" in your opinion, according to the bible?
Is faith 100% commitment or can it be less than that and still be faith?
If someone says they don't know for sure 100% isn't that an agnostic theist?
Does the bible say to believe without doubt and if so what chapter, verse etc.. or does it tell it's readers it's O.K to say "I'm not 100% sure"?
Anyone care to comment?
Here I'll list a few with the most common faith quote for Christians first.
(Bible)
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move.
Matthew 17:20
The ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
Job 34:3
In the Lord, put your trust.
Psalms 11:1
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth.
Mark 9:23
(Quran)
2.39. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein.
2.257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever).
3:118. O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.
3.141. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing Those that resist Faith.
Some have defined faith here as belief. Since you asked for my definition of faith from the perspective of my Christianinty, here goes: Faith is belief in God, as simple as that. No picking words carefully just that you believe in what God is and he worls in your life.
My personal definition of faith is a little different though. It is the convition of the truth that, while God can not be proven/unproven absolutely, he exists and is testifiable to; from an individual perspective.
