Faith, Emotion, And The Human Experience

Faith is often viewed as a blind emotional impulse, but C.S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, describes it as a rational virtue. Lewis argues that faith is not opposed to reason but to imagination and emotion. He gives examples to illustrate that faith is based on reason and evidence, while emotions are fickle and can change from day to day. Similarly, author Tim Barnett states that faith is active trust based on evidence and that feelings are related to faith but are not the same. Barnett emphasizes that basing faith on feelings is dangerous as they can be unreliable guides to the truth. Thus, while emotions play a role in faith, it is essential to recognize that faith is grounded in reason and evidence rather than purely emotional impulses.

Faith is not a feeling, but active trust based on evidence

Many people view faith as a blind emotional impulse. However, in his book "Mere Christianity", C.S. Lewis describes faith as a rational virtue, not opposed to reason but to imagination and emotion.

In other words, faith is not a feeling, but rather an active trust based on evidence. For instance, you may trust your partner because they tell you daily that they love you and show it through their actions. These are the facts that form the basis of your faith in them, and out of that faith comes feelings of joy, love, and safety. Similarly, there are facts about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that form the basis of a Christian's faith. And out of that faith comes feelings of gratitude, humility, joy, and hope.

While faith can affect how we feel, it is distinct from feelings. It is dangerous to base one's faith on feelings because feelings are fickle and can change from day to day. Instead, faith should be based on evidence and reason, which are more reliable guides to truth than emotions. Biblical faith, for example, is informed by evidence. Jesus said, "Even though you do not believe me, believe the works" (John 10:38), referring to the miracles he performed, such as healing the blind and raising the dead.

In summary, faith is not merely a feeling or emotion, but an active trust based on evidence and reason. It is important to recognize the distinction between faith and feelings, as feelings can be unreliable and changeable, while faith should be grounded in something more solid and enduring.

Faith and feelings are related but distinct

Lewis emphasizes that faith is the art of holding on to what reason has accepted, despite changing moods and emotions. He suggests that we must recognize the influence of our moods and actively nurture our faith through daily practices like meditation and prayer. This is because faith can be fragile, and without constant nourishment, it can wither away.

Tim Barnett shares a similar view, stating that faith is active trust based on evidence. He agrees that faith and feelings are related but distinct, and cautions against basing faith on feelings alone, as they are fickle and unreliable guides. Barnett uses the example of King David, who, despite feeling envious of the prosperity of the wicked, did not let his emotions steer his faith. Instead, his faith in God governed his feelings, as evidenced by his writings.

Emotions, while influential, should not be allowed to instruct faith. Barnett and Lewis both assert that faith is based on facts and evidence, which then lead to feelings of joy, love, safety, gratitude, humility, and hope. For example, faith in a spouse is based on their actions and words of love, which evoke positive emotions. Similarly, faith in Christ is based on the facts of his life, death, and resurrection, leading to feelings of gratitude and joy.

In conclusion, while faith and feelings are interconnected, they are distinct. Faith is not merely an emotion but an active trust in something or someone based on evidence and reason. Emotions can influence faith, but they are subject to change and should not be the sole basis for it.

Faith is a rational virtue, not opposed to reason

While many in contemporary culture see faith as a blind emotional impulse, in his theological classic "Mere Christianity", C.S. Lewis describes it as a rational virtue. He does not see faith as opposed to reason but to imagination and emotion. Lewis gives the example of a patient undergoing surgery. The patient's reason is convinced by good evidence that anaesthetics will not smother them and that surgeons will not start operating until they are unconscious. However, their imagination and emotions push back against what reason tells them. Lewis argues that faith is the art of holding on to things that reason has accepted, despite changing moods.

Lewis is not alone in this view. Alvin Plantinga, one of the most eminent Christian philosophers of our time, argues that fideism, or the exclusive reliance on faith alone, is self-refuting. He says that if a fideist offers a justification for their belief, they are no longer a fideist. Biblical scripture also supports this view. Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind".

Faith and reason are not opposed but are of mutual aid to one another. This is demonstrated by the fact that faith is based on evidence and warrant. For example, the resurrection of Jesus validated his teaching and his identity as divine.

However, some philosophers have argued that faith and reason are in contention. Kierkegaard, for instance, prioritises faith to the point that it becomes irrational, while Locke emphasises the reasonableness of faith. Other thinkers have theorised that faith and reason govern their own separate domains, so cases of apparent conflict are resolved on the side of faith when the claim is religious or theological, and on the side of reason when the claim is empirical or logical.

Faith is based on facts, which are objective evidence

Many people view faith as a blind emotional impulse. However, C. S. Lewis, in his theological classic "Mere Christianity", describes faith as a rational virtue, not opposed to reason but to imagination and emotion. He argues that faith is based on reason and evidence, and that it is essential to distinguish between faith and emotion to understand the true nature of faith.

In "Mere Christianity", Lewis provides examples to illustrate his perspective. He compares faith to having trust in surgeons and anesthetics before surgery. While one's reason may be convinced by evidence that anesthetics are safe and surgeons are qualified, imagination and emotions can still evoke fear and panic. Similarly, when it comes to faith, emotions and imagination can challenge one's beliefs. For instance, a person's emotions may lead them to desire something that goes against their faith, such as wanting something that is not rightfully theirs or wishing to lie. In such moments, it would be convenient for their faith to not be true. Lewis emphasizes that faith is about holding on to what one's reason has accepted, despite changing moods and emotions.

Lewis also addresses the common misconception that faith is blind. He argues that faith is not blind but based on past experiences and revelations. Our trust in someone or something is based on rationality and the reasonableness of what has already been revealed to us. We assess the trustworthiness of an object of faith through our experiences and the fulfillment of promises or understandings. This is a logical approach to faith, and it highlights that faith is not merely emotional but also rooted in reason and evidence.

Furthermore, while emotions play a significant role in faith, they can be unreliable guides to the truth. Emotions are fickle and can change from day to day. Faith, on the other hand, is active trust based on evidence. Biblical faith, for example, is informed by evidence of Jesus's works, such as healing the blind, making the lame walk, and raising the dead. These are objective facts that form the basis of faith in Christ, and emotions follow from this faith. Thus, faith follows facts and is not merely an emotional response.

Emotions can be unreliable guides to the truth

While many people view faith as a blind emotional impulse, C.S. Lewis, in his theological classic "Mere Christianity", describes it as a rational virtue. Lewis argues that faith is not opposed to reason, but to imagination and emotion. He provides examples to illustrate his point, such as the experience of a patient undergoing surgery. While the patient's reason may be convinced by evidence that anaesthetics are safe and surgeons competent, their imagination and emotions can still evoke feelings of panic and fear.

Similarly, emotions can impact one's faith in people. For instance, a man may know that a woman is a well-known liar, yet when he is with her, his emotions may lead him to believe that she will be different this time. Thus, his senses and emotions can destroy his faith in what he knows to be true.

Lewis further explains that emotions can challenge one's faith in Christianity. For example, when facing difficulties or living among non-believers, one's emotions may rise up and carry out a "blitz" on their belief. In these moments, it would be convenient for Christianity not to be true, and one's desires may lead them astray.

Therefore, Lewis defines faith as "the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that moods can change and consistently reminding oneself of the central truths of one's faith.

While emotions play a significant role in faith, they can be unreliable guides to the truth. As author Tim Barnett states, emotions are fickle and can change from day to day. Barnett cites the example of the psalmist David, who allowed his feelings of envy towards the prosperous wicked to lead him to question his faith. However, David ultimately allowed his faith in God to govern his feelings.

Emotions, while important, should not be the basis of faith. Faith should be grounded in evidence and reason, which provides a more stable foundation. As Barnett notes, "emotions can be unreliable guides to the truth. But evidence doesn't lie." Thus, while emotions are a part of the human experience, they should not be the sole guide in matters of faith.

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