patrick.net

IMHO organized religion is a way for people to feel better about themselves by surrounding themselves with people who think like they do.

Of course, this is spoken by a free thinking heathen.

Here you go, Faith as per the Word:

http://kingjbible.com/hebrews/11.htm

PS: There are no atheists in fox holes (combat)

St Thomas Aquinas describes faith as one of the three theological virtues, along with hope and love, which God instills into your being through His grace. This is in contrast to what he called the natural virtues, the most important ones being prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The natural virtues must be cultivated through personal decisions.

The problem is, while hope, love, and faith may be inherent, we all still must CHOOSE what to love, what to hope for, and what to have faith in.

I found this quote from a guy name David T. Koyzis,

"If so, then perhaps faith, hope and love are not virtues at all, but created human functions that are themselves subject to virtuous or vicious use. Just as we can love inordinately, so also can we put our faith in the wrong things. Everyone, even the professed atheist, puts her faith in something, whether it be reason, material or biological forces, economic growth, a messianic proletariat or the continual satisfaction of subjective desires. Similarly we have a tendency to misplace our hope in things that will ultimately disappoint, as we are so often encouraged to do in election campaigns and even ordinary advertising."

Discussing the merits of faith as a virtue is all well and good, i guess. What I am more concerned with is the common cultural refernence to faith as something to be proud of. For instance ,"Bobby is a man of faith." meaning ,"Bobby is a morally sound, humble individual."

I am still waiting for a bachelor series reality star to cut someone for having "faith" as opposed to always saying things like ,"I am really attracted to Stripper X because of her strong faith in Christ."

Even better would be a politician openly admitting that they are not religious at all, and don't care to have faith in any dogma. That would be refreshing.

I've known very religious people and atheists and (in general) the atheists were usually more ethical and had more of a conscience. The vehemently religious seem to think because they believe in God they don't actually have to consider how their actions affect other people, the environment etc...

elliemae says

IMHO organized religion is a way for people to feel better about themselves by surrounding themselves with people who think like they do.
Of course, this is spoken by a free thinking heathen.

I agree, faith is positive however if left to the weak they will only be taken advantage of.

1. Church goer who gives 10% in tithes yet cant afford food
2. Slaves who prayed for forgiveness while their slavemasters raped their wives, Jesus never came to stop the rape.
3. African Americans who swung on the tree branches while onlookers watched, Jesus was most likely in the audience amongst them doing nothing.

Nomograph says

CBOEtrader says

WHY IS FAITH CONSIDERED A VIRTUE IN OUR SOCIETY?

While faith is considered a virtue, blind faith is considered foolish. The plot thickens.

well, now you done voided my whole point above.

If Christians would walk their talk, liberals would have little to complain about, and vice versa.
Personally, if I was in a foxhole, I would prefer to share it with an atheist, God willing.

mikey says

If Christians would walk their talk, liberals would have little to complain about, and vice versa.

Personally, if I was in a foxhole, I would prefer to share it with an atheist, God willing.

There is only one problem with your post. Being a Christian has nothing to do with works. 99% of the legalistic churches today thinks otherwise, but they are "full of it" IMHO.