Let us continue our exploration of hidden meanings of words widely used in religious circles. After mentioning grace, let us talk about faith - these terms are frequently joined together.

So often faith is understood as thoughtless adherence to some religious doctrines, "statements of faith". This "faith" grants to a person acceptance of God and of a closed community. From such a viewpoint, doubts are strongly condemned. However, if we doubt certain dogmas and the authority of certain religious leaders to interpret God's will, we don't make a mistake. There are so many conflicting teachings and philosophies in the world, that it is simply unreasonable to believe in all that we are told. We've got to search for the Truth and to develop discernment.

My point is that doubts are useful and constructive to a certain degree. I agree with Brad Jensen who says that every new discovery begins with doubts in things which we already know. This is true about science and technology, and this is true about spiritual life as well. Doubts help us to grow mentally, to expand our thinking.

One of the worst mistakes a person can make is to say, touching any subject, "I know it all, I understand it all". Such attitude leaves to him/her no room for development. It makes him/her reject new thoughts which come as challenges to old ones.

I like different attitude, expressed by Paul: "Test everything; hold fast what is good". It agrees with well-known words of Jesus: "Seek and you shall find... For each one who seeks finds". How shall we ever start seeking unless we know that our understanding is not the final one?

Further in the Sermon on the Mound, we find the following statement: "You shall know them by their fruits". If fruits of our spiritual understanding are not satisfactory, it is a sure sign that we need to search for fresh insights.

Unfortunately, some religious people live in a state of self-imposed blindness. They don't look around for new facts and ideas. Even more, they are afraid of them, because they may shake their "faith". Those persons are suspicious of science, because scientific discoveries seemingly don't fit into their picture of the world. Those persons are suspicious of spiritual experiences of individuals who don't belong to their group. Little do they know how much they lose.

It is quite comforting to realize that only partial truths, only half-truths can and should be challenged. The great and the ultimate Reality, the Ground of Being, is always unshaken. And that Reality is but another name for God. So, we may boldly affirm:

"I welcome Truth. I welcome Reality. I don't want to live mentally in a small box, even if gives me some emotional comfort. I willingly let go of false security of circumscribed convictions to find true security in God".

It takes courage and great humility to admit that we were wrong, especially if we hold a position of authority and shared our views with others. Yet it is in our best interests to change for the better. Let us never allow our pride to stand on the way of our progress.

I would define faith as ever-increasing awareness of laws which work in our universe, and their constructive use.

But what is the difference between faith and day-to-day living? Faith implies using those laws in new ways. Faith has to do with new applications of existing laws.

Let me give you an example. There were no airplanes before Wright brothers. Some people thought that a machine which is heavier than air will never take off the ground. There is no absolute assurance even with science and technology, for there are always unknown and unpredictable factors. But Wright brothers dared to build the first airplane. They proved that it could fly. This was undoubtedly the work of faith.

People who live by faith are the ones who explore, who dare, who break forth into newness. This is what life of faith is all about.

(to be continued)