By faith we ascribe meaning to knowledge. There is a meaning which is deeper than that of utilitarian purpose. We have what we call the ‘meaning’ of something, that is, what it is ‘meant’ for, but then there’s the meaning of existence, life, the world, which covers everything we know. There is a significance attached to all knowledge that varies from one culture to the next in the minds of individuals. This significance or meaning cannot be observed, measured, or proven through scientific method. It can only be experienced. The experience of holding to a particular understanding of the absolute meaning of life and of all knowledge is called faith.

This means that faith in the general sense of the word is relative. That is, faith of one person is like the faith of the next person; it’s what they believe to be the meaning of life. The faith of one person can only be said to be stronger than the faith of another, if the meaning that this faith produces is actively attributed to a wider spectrum of knowledge.

For example, if someone believes in reincarnation, then they will always relate to every living thing as if it is an old spirit. And the more they treat all things in this manner, and the more tenacious they are in doing so, the stronger their faith is said to be. Or if someone believes in a creator who demands moral perfection to please him, then the more that person applies those moral standards to every aspect of life, and the more persistent they are in doing what they perceive to be moral, the stronger their faith is said to be.

Therefore, one can be scientific, empirical, and diligent to inquire into natural causes and the mechanics of nature, but when answering the question “what does it mean?” the individual steps into the realm of faith. Some say that they will only believe what they can prove and observe. They trust in a chair because they know from experience, and can even calculate mathematically, that the chair will hold their weight. But believe in a God whom they cannot see? Never. However, to believe that there is not a God, they must find some other explanation for their own existence and their own humanity, i.e., their intelligence, emotion, spirituality, etc. And this, my friend, is their faith. It is the meaning they give to their knowledge.

The question is not whether someone should have faith, the question is whether someone is brave enough to allow their faith to ascribe meaning to every area of life. If they do so, then the worth of their particular faith will become apparent.

As for the Christian faith, it is such that no sinful person wants to believe it. Because it destroys human pride and selfishness to be shown how they were created to glorify God, but have become sinners instead. No one wants to submit to God as he truly is. Though many talk of submission to God, it is often a God of their own creation. For example, it is a God who makes them gain his favor by doing good works. This is on the one hand appealing, because it strokes our ego to think of meriting God’s favor, but if that faith is strong in ourselves, then we will apply that idea to every area of life