Is Faith a Gift?

spectratg

spectratg

Senior Member
Location
Adamstown, MD
I know that there are dozens of threads on here that talk about religion in one way shape or another. I am not interested in quotes from the Bible, or the tenets of you own particular religion. Just a straightforward question. Is belief in God a gift? And if so, then what about a person who has never received that gift?
 

spectratg said:
I know that there are dozens of threads on here that talk about religion in one way shape or another. I am not interested in quotes from the Bible, or the tenets of you own particular religion. Just a straightforward question. Is belief in God a gift? And if so, then what about a person who has never received that gift?
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In my case, definitely a gift.

At age 33, I was a convinced atheist, but out of the blue I heard a voice calling me by name. I choice to respond in the positive and I received two wonderful gifts. One, inner peace, and two, a new purpose in life.

I wouldn't use the word "belief" in God. I have placed my "faith" in the Divine, even though I sometimes doubt the existence of God.
 
self-expectations are varied and often biased/selfish often not concerned with others. True faith based on your own particular religion is a belief that certain events etc will occur at some point in time. Self expectations are fueled by often a selfish body whereas true faith is not
 
spectratg said:
I know that there are dozens of threads on here that talk about religion in one way shape or another. I am not interested in quotes from the Bible, or the tenets of you own particular religion. Just a straightforward question. Is belief in God a gift? And if so, then what about a person who has never received that gift?
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I think the answer here is that either side of the question will claim their own decision is a gift.

Believers will believe their faith is a gift. Those who don't believe will think they have the gift.

Truth is, such a question can't help determine the ultimate truth.
 
I think that it’s easy to have faith, the hard part is knowing what/who to have faith in.

My beliefs are more of a patchwork of thoughts and values that I’ve put together over the years than an off the shelf set of beliefs from any one group or organization.

IMO we all need to take our time and find our own way when it comes to our beliefs.
 
VaughanJB said:
I think the answer here is that either side of the question will claim their own decision is a gift.

Believers will believe their faith is a gift. Those who don't believe will think they have the gift.

Truth is, such a question can't help determine the ultimate truth.
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I would argue that the absence of faith/belief is not a gift. I first found it a curse when my father died suddenly and later when my sister's first baby was still born. I was bereft without the ability to offer comfort. I had no words that I could use. Science was useless as a source of meaning for the inner pain that I experienced at that time.
 
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Warrigal said:
I would argue that the absence of faith/belief is not a gift. I found it a curse first when my father died suddenly and later when my sister's first baby was still born. I was bereft without the ability to offer comfort. I had no words that I could use. Science was useless as a source of meaning for the inner pain that I experienced at that time.
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agreed of course but then it might be useful to explore the why concerning the absence. And let's remember that our own priest if we have one are skilled and empowered to offer some degree of comfort in these difficult times? But I must admit that we do still need our own forms of "faith"' to carry us through difficult times?
 
smiley said:
agreed of course but then it might be useful to explore the why concerning the absence. And let's remember that our own priest if we have one are skilled and empowered to offer some degree of comfort in these difficult times? But I must admit that we do still need our own forms of "faith"' to carry us through difficult times?
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❓Did you mean to underline?
 
spectratg said:
I know that there are dozens of threads on here that talk about religion in one way shape or another. I am not interested in quotes from the Bible, or the tenets of you own particular religion. Just a straightforward question. Is belief in God a gift? And if so, then what about a person who has never received that gift?
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spectratg said:
THE "GIFT' IS THAT YOU HAVE A CHOICE, FOR BOTH BELIEF IN GOD AND FAITH.
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faith cannot be purchased in a supermarket or obtained via a bank withdrawal - it is probably a feature of many religions - but as I might have explained above I had a lot of faith in my good parents who took care of me in many different ways until I left home at 18yrs - I cannot remember them ever " letting me down" so to speak - faith in our various religions is similar but also different - I won't bore you with them now but suggest reading the tomes of the major world religions and looking for " faith" - best wishes
 
Warrigal said:
I would argue that the absence of faith/belief is not a gift. I found it a curse first when my father died suddenly and later when my sister's first baby was still born. I was bereft without the ability to offer comfort. I had no words that I could use. Science was useless as a source of meaning for the inner pain that I experienced at that time.
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Perhaps because there is no comfort, other than humanity? False promises offer no comfort, imo. Death is a finality, a finality we all must face. Our feelings about it are a consequence of our humanity, but there is no logical solution to the grief and loss of it.

Science is the best explanation giving available evidence. That is all. It isn't there to comfort us. If you look to science to explain death in anything other than academic terms, then you'll be forever disappointed.

Comfort, imo. is an emotional response, and a worthy one. But ultimately, we must face loss for what it is - an absence.
 
All very good responses, thank you. However, I am really looking for an answer to my second question, "what about a person who has never received that gift?"
 
VaughanJB said:
Perhaps because there is no comfort, other than humanity? False promises offer no comfort, imo. Death is a finality, a finality we all must face. Our feelings about it are a consequence of our humanity, but there is no logical solution to the grief and loss of it.

Science is the best explanation giving available evidence. That is all. It isn't there to comfort us. If you look to science to explain death in anything other than academic terms, then you'll be forever disappointed.

Comfort, imo. is an emotional response, and a worthy one. But ultimately, we must face loss for what it is - an absence.
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baldadash!! - the newly elected catholic pope would certainly not agree with you ; nor many many other ministers/clergy of the cloth throughout our globe. Faith is understanding that which may be unseen but is still there in times of need and indeed in all times. But it is also an experience that we have been invited to participate in. Have you V had the invitation yet ; perhaps still considering or put to one side for a while. When science tries to talk to any religion there is always misunderstanding ; a muffled sound - the communication doesn't work. And admonishing people because they have faith in their own religious promises is disrespectful but of no consequence for their future only yours?
 
spectratg said:
The gift of a belief in God.
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OK just be sure - and what extra info do you want now about this gift of faith?? - looking back at some of my own experiences I do think you need to be in a receptive state of mind - I can remember the steps towards my full immersion of baptism at the age of 39 ??
 

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