Belief vs Faith
Belief and Faith are two words that are often confused when it comes to their meaning, even though, there are differences between the two words. This is because they appear to have similar meanings. Strictly speaking they are not so. They are, in fact, different in terms of their inner meanings. The word belief can be defined as a firmly held opinion or a strong confidence. On the other hand, faith can be defined as a strong religious belief. This highlights the main difference between the two terms. This article attempts to highlight the differences between the two terms while explaining the terms.
What is Belief?
The word ‘belief’ is used in the sense of confidence about achieving goals. Belief is based on sound logic. It paves the way for the strengthening of faith. There is, of course, a Biblical thought that both the terms belief and faith are one and the same. This is because belief becomes faith when it is very strong and convincing. Another school of thought says that belief is based on probability or chance. It is difficult to understand the belief without making connections with the ides of faith. Belief is centered in faith. Thus, it can be said that belief is the subset of faith. On the other hand, faith can be equated to evidence, whereas belief cannot be equated with evidence. Belief can be considered as a substitute for knowledge. Also, Belief depends on proof. In other words, belief cannot dispense with proof. A belief is what you anticipate but cannot explain.
What is Faith?
Faith, on the other hand, indicates a stronger confidence to achieve greater goals. As mentioned above, there is a general understanding that belief builds faith. In other words, you develop faith based on the belief on a particular thing. Faith is based on something more than logic unlike in the case of belief. Faith has the tendency to remove the worry, and it paves the way for optimism. The Bible says that faith is to hope for things, which are not seen, but at the same time which are true. The Bible says that faith must be centered on Jesus Christ in order to result in salvation. To have faith is nothing but to have confidence in something or someone. Hence, it is true that faith can be equated to confidence. The sentence ‘I have faith in you’ should mean ‘I have confidence in you’. This is the inner meaning of the word ‘faith’. The Bible says that miracles often do not produce faith. On the other hand, miracles confirm one’s faith. This is an important observation when it comes to the suggested sense of the word ‘faith’. Faith is centered in trust. It is the strong belief in substances and concepts that are neither seen nor felt. Faith needs no proof for that matter. This can also be used when making a distinction between the ideas of faith and belief. As discussed above, belief needs to be proved. On the other hand, faith needs no question to be asked. This is a major difference between the two words. Thus, it can be said that faith is nothing but belief without evidence. The expression ‘faith in God’ would mean ‘total belief in God’s powers’. The expression ‘belief in God’ looks for evidences as well. These are the differences between faith and belief.
What is the Difference Between Belief and Faith?
- Belief is a firmly held opinion or a strong confidence whereas faith is a strong religious belief.
- Belief is based on probability or chance whereas faith is not based on probability at all.
- Belief depends on proof whereas Faith is not.
- Belief is centered in faith whereas Faith is centered in trust.
Image Courtesy:
1.”Conjurer Bosch” by Hieronymus Bosch (circa 1450–1516) and workshop – Web Gallery of Art [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2.Triumph of Faith over Idolatry Theodon by Jastrow (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
