Understanding Good Faith and Bad Faith
Great philosophers throughout history have often debated the concepts of good faith and bad faith. But what do these terms actually mean?
What is Good Faith?
Good faith is a type of belief that is rooted in substance and evidence. It’s not just a blind leap into the unknown; it is a faith supported by historical, genetic, and literary evidence. For example, the Jewish people, their heritage, the Hebrew culture, and the book they produced, known as the Tanakh or the Old Testament, serve as tangible evidence for the existence of the Jewish people. This representation is what I consider good faith. Good faith is something to be cherished, don’t you agree?
The Pitfalls of Bad Faith
On the other hand, bad faith involves placing your beliefs on something that lacks evidence and substance. God does not desire a relationship formed out of bad faith. It is essential to question and validate the ideas and beliefs being pitched to us, especially when there are no archaeological, linguistic, manuscript, or DNA evidence to support them. If we rely solely on the testimony of men, we may find ourselves in the territory of bad faith. It's all about doing the homework and not believing in a vacuum.
Evidence and Belief
The debate over what constitutes empirical evidence is ongoing. My atheist friends argue that the universe, the cosmos, the rotation of planets, animal life, and the birth of babies do not offer evidence of a God or a creator. It becomes a subjective matter. I happen to see an order, a creator, and a higher power behind these phenomena, supported by the evidence as I interpret it. To me, saying all of this exists without any creator represents more of bad faith than good faith. Observing the intricacies of DNA and the unique yet similar attitudes of my three daughters also suggests a designer to me.
Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Belief
When discussing belief, it is crucial to differentiate between good faith and bad faith. Let's take the story of Noah and the Ark as an example. If someone claims that Noah built an ark that held every animal on the face of the Earth, that's bad faith. Logistically, it’s impossible to sustain the animals due to issues like waste management and food supply. Moreover, animals from distant places like Australia couldn't have realistically traveled to the ark.
However, if we consider the idea that Noah constructed an ark for a geographical flood where the local animals were housed, it becomes more reasonable. The ark was large, with enough provisions for the animals present, and waste was managed accordingly.
When faced with different beliefs within the Christian faith, it's important to approach them with logic, reason, and evidence, distinguishing between what is good faith and what constitutes bad faith.
Understanding Faith and Reason: A Reflection
Belief in Creation
You must believe that God created the world in six literal 24-hour periods. It's essential to adhere to this belief and reject the idea of organic evolution entirely. You cannot entertain or listen to concepts that contradict this view.
Faith and Reason
God invites us to engage in reasonable faith. As He says, "Come, let us reason together." He encourages us to worship Him with both our hearts and minds. God doesn't ask us to believe in Him without reason or evidence; instead, He provides us with witnesses and evidence.
Making an Informed Decision
You must decide whether to place your faith in the evidence that God provides. When you encounter a belief system that doesn't align with any form of evidence, it's crucial to walk away. Trust in the path that aligns with both faith and reason.
