Faith

Since the key word in this text or question is faith, it is therefore necessary to define, explain and examine the term faith in its original perspective.

Firstly, the Chambers English Dictionary defines faith as trust or confidence in the statement of another or belief in the truth revealed in religion or confidence and trust in God. Another dictionary defined faith as confident belief in the truth, value or trustworthiness of a person, an idea or a thing. It is a belief that does not rest on logical proof or evidence.

In theology, faith is the most important theological virtue. It is defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.

Secondly, the English Encyclopedia defines faith as an attitude of the entire self, including both will and intellect, directed toward a person, an idea, or a divine being. In further explanation and examination, the encyclopedia emphasized very significant points about faith as summarized below;

• That all modern theologian emphasizes this total existential character of faith, distinguishing it from the popular identification of faith with belief as opposed to knowledge. Thus, in the history of theology, a greater distinction was drawn between faith and works than between faith and knowledge. Hence the apostle Paul argued that human beings gain salvation only through faith in the free grace of God, not through good works. In his view good works are consequences of faith.