To the editor:

Matters of religious faith should never be questioned in a person claiming it, as only the holder knows of its presence. Heb. 11:1 (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Some have tried to discredit a believer’s faith through word twisting, inserting thoughts or mind reading or even slurs on their emotional or mental status. First I will debate this issue using man’s thoughts and knowledge. In Fideism thinking, epistemological theory maintains that faith is independent of reason, or that reason and faith are hostile to each other and that faith is superior at arriving at particular theological truths. Also, the fiedist seeks truth yet affirms that logical reason cannot achieve certain kinds of truth, which must instead be accepted only by faith. Philosophers, Plantinga, Hamann, and Kierkegaard made those conclusions. William James felt that some religious questions can only be answered by believing in the first place. Echoed in Rom. 10:17 (KJV) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In Ludwig Wittgenstein’s fideism thoughts in his third point, he stated, “religion cannot be criticized from an external (i.e., non-religious) point of view.” To help one that may have no religious faith and therefore doubts it, please look up: Ineffable and Noetic. Their meanings may be helpful. Now lets talk a little about the scriptural side of this issue. There are 100’s of faith systems in the world; I can’t comment on them. I strive to follow Christianity. I believe in the Holy Trinity. Admittedly, I am weak in my walk; however, I know I have a refuge. The Holy Word gives knowledge, and Jesus Christ will save all repentant believers that have faith in Him. Luke 11:9-10 (KJV) “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek,, and ye shall find; knock , and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” The Savior is calling, unwax your hearts. Remember 100’s have suffered martyr’s deaths for their faith. Would they have if faith was something unreal or hollow?

Keith Wanhaaho

ELO