Which of the three is the greatest enemy of faith? And which is faith’s greatest ally?
Of course to answer that question, faith must be defined. And herein lies the problem. Faith means different things to different people. Hence, all three domains are relative to the lens of the answerer. One can even argue that religious faith is not subject to rational discussion being based on subjective belief. But both belief and experience are subjective, and psychology informs us that both are interlinked. Belief colors experience. Experience shapes belief. Not only can both be rationally discussed, but perhaps more importantly, both should be.
How else can one effectively measure congruency? Incongruous belief and experience opens the door for the search for truth, reason’s grand quest. Dogma shuts the door. We may want that door shut for children, but adults have only the excuse of fear to prefer dogma’s security. Whatever is true can stand up to reason’s probing.
When it comes to religious faith, institutions more geared to show than tell are much more useful in and to society. Someone once said, “Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words.”
This generation says. “Show me God.” Talk is cheap.
YeKengalé 