Faith: A Very Short Introduction

Abstract What is faith? It usually means religious belief, and sometimes diverse religions are grouped together as faiths, with reference to ‘faith leaders’ or ‘faith schools’. What we have faith in matters, and that involves our reason, and claims to truth to that affect everyone. Faith is not just a personal attribute, like taste, but should be open to public examination and debate. Science in the modern age appears to many to provide a more certain basis for life together, particularly in the face of the competing beliefs of different religions. Science needs as much rational justification is any religion. This book argues that all faith needs reason. It puts contemporary discussions into historical perspective, particularly in the context of Christianity. Faith also involves a commitment to action. It matters for all social life. Because religion is typically directed at what is seen as of crucial importance for human life, faith should not be marginalized or privatized. It will permeate every idea of how people should behave, and has a role in the public sphere, however respectful it should be to competing views within democracy. It could have relevance for law, and Islam in particular, tends to emphasize obedience to divine law, instead of faith. A belief that does not result in appropriate action is empty. Acting without belief is unguided. All faith needs both.