If there is a happiness, or a goodness, or something greater than us, what is it? One of the errors of modern philosophy is that we cannot understand anything that is not in the physical world. The reality is that there is much beyond the physical that exists in this world. As was discussed in the Why Hope section, our longing for hope, happiness, and even eternity tells us there is more. There is a spiritual realm. Even though many believe the spiritual realm is not something that can be understood, we are able to understand it.
Faith is not meant to be the lack of reason. Instead, faith uses reason to understand something we cannot fully grasp. When the sciences are starting to be understood there is still so much more that cannot be understood. We see a reasoned order to all of creation. There are rules and laws of nature that have been put into place that we cannot understand how. If the world was random, what we find in the sciences should reflect the randomness, instead we find structure and order to everything we study. Think of it this way, if someone threw a bunch of letters of the alphabet on a table, what is the likelihood that a novel would appear. Yet, that is what many who don't want to believe in a creator think must have happened with the world.
When the world is explored there is so much that is discovered, amazing discoveries, each one points to something greater than itself. While humanity seems to be at the top of the chain, humanity is still the product of this world. What caused the leap from the animal mind to a mind that questions, that seeks, that looks beyond the material?
Faith is the opportunity to acknowledge there is something beyond the physical world and explore what that means for the world. Often faith is dismissed because it is seen as trying to explain mysteries in a mythological way. Or maybe the story of faith heard by someone does not match their reality. However, while faith sometimes requires a "leap of faith" it is based on truths found in the world, and also on the revelation of God. This creator does want to be known. He does want a relationship with you. Since He wants this, He has revealed himself to all, both in how He created the world, but also, in revealing Himself. If what you have been told about the faith does not seem to match your reality, or does not make sense to you, take some time to discuss that with someone of faith. Explore some of the questions below. Be open and listen, for the God you have been taught about may not be the God of reality.
If you are ready, click here for answers from the Catholic perspective.
Coming soon, questions on faith!