Contents
What is Faith?
This is a question that deserves careful thought and precision, so let’s try to define it concisely. Faith is a person’s conviction in the truth of what they believe in. It is an inherent characteristic of human nature. People turn to faith to experience a sense of security and clarity, which they need to achieve moral and intellectual balance.
You might ask, dear reader: What or whom can we believe in?
Before answering, let’s compare a person who has faith with someone who has none. We find that the believer’s life is often more stable than the non-believer’s. Therefore, the important thing is not what or whom we believe in, but rather the concept of faith itself, as it is like light that dispels darkness.
Faith is essential for human equilibrium and elevates a person from their animalistic nature to their full humanity. To reach this human state, people had to let faith fill their being. Through the experience of faith, humanity was able to transcend its primal instincts and become more advanced. Faith is what has pushed humanity forward and driven its progress. It provides a sense of security, reassures the individual, and gives life meaning. In all cases, faith is not just a trait—it is a foundation.
Faith is much like love, which allows us to connect with others, or like food, which we need for survival. Just as love is essential for living, faith too is a necessity for existence. That is why a person who has faith often experiences a more fulfilling life than someone without it.
Is One Faith Better Than Another?
One cannot claim that a particular faith is superior to another. The only valid measure for faith is the degree of sincerity and honesty in believing it. The real question is not “What do you believe in?” but rather “Is your faith genuine?”
Is our faith real, or is it just a performance? Faith, like love, must be genuine and sincere before anything else. We must not forget that hypocrisy is the enemy of faith—it is far easier to deceive others than to deceive oneself. But believing one’s own lies is the ultimate self-deception. In short, “true faith” is sincere faith, while “false faith” is deceiving oneself and others.
What Defines a True Believer?
Just as there are no set rules for love, there are no specific standards for faith. Faith is deeply personal and unique to each individual. One does not attain faith simply by following the beliefs of others or borrowing their ideas. Do you think that everyone experiences love in the same way? Of course not.
Each person must choose, understand, and finally believe. Faith is a culmination of personal experiences. It originates from within and manifests in our behaviors. Faith determines our conduct, both in daily life and in our relationships—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Faith may be based on tangible realities, or it may stem from hypotheses that we seek to test or confirm. It depends entirely on an individual’s way of thinking. What one person sees as reality, another may consider a myth, and what one sees as truth, another may view as an illusion.
This once again highlights that faith is a personal and internal spiritual journey. It depends on an individual’s level of knowledge and awareness. Faith is never static—there is always room to evolve toward a more advanced, logical, and realistic understanding. Various factors, such as time, place, education, and personal experiences, can influence and reshape one’s faith.
Do We Have the Right to Choose Our Own Faith?
Absolutely! No one is obligated to share the same faith as others. Diversity enriches humanity. Asking people to conform to a single belief is like demanding that they love the same things.
Furthermore, just as people have different preferences in love, they also have different standards for faith. Each individual is free to determine the nature of their belief system.
Can Faith Be Changed?
No, if the change is made on a whim, simply to oppose others, or for superficial reasons without deep conviction. In this case, one risks losing both their original faith and the new one, leading to an internal contradiction between what they truly believe and what they outwardly express. This can create a divided personality, causing significant inner conflict and suffering. It is better, therefore, to remain true to one’s inner faith, even if it differs from the beliefs of others.
Yes, if the change comes after deep reflection, self-examination, and critical analysis. If it is a well-considered decision, made gradually, and results in a stronger, more meaningful faith, then it is a natural and constructive transformation.
Although faith is deeply personal, this does not mean we cannot share our experiences with others. The goal is not to impose our beliefs or convince others but to exchange ideas and enrich discussions.
Faith is undoubtedly important to humanity, but what is even more important is that humans believe in themselves. Faith is not necessarily tied to God, especially the traditional image of God presented by organized religions.
Believe in one God, in multiple gods, or in none at all. Believe in yourself, in humanity, or in supernatural forces. What you believe in doesn’t matter—the key is that your faith is sincere and comes from within, not imposed by tradition or society.
You can also read: At the Speed of Light Towards Ignorance
