03/29/2004: "What is faith?"

I've been thinking a lot about the "faith alone" issues lately because of the reading I've been doing in regards to the ecumenical discussions between Catholics and Evangelicals. It seems to me that there are three types of reasons why Christians disagree with each other.

-Wording or perspective
-Being stubburn
-Truly seeing God differently

Most would think that the "sola filde" (faith alone) issue would be of the third type, but I think it is really of the first type. What's the point of "sola filde"? That we are saved by our belief in God, our faith. What's the Catholic belief on whether you are saved? Whether you are in "a state of grace" at the time of death. How are you in "a state of grace"? You believe in God (have faith) and as such, are sorry for your past sins (and are hence forgiven).

That sounds an awful like the same thing to me. You're saved by your faith. Now you get the whole once-saved, always-saved issues, but from my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) only the fringe stick to that absolutely. When someone brings up the idea that Hitler (or anyone) in his early life made a profession of faith before unleasing the greatest terror the world has ever seen, I usually hear a response like "If his profession had been real, he wouldn't have done that." Or from the more Catholic thinking something like "He must have fallen from grace." In other words, if someone's actions (works) don't demonstrate their faith, there is reason to question whether the they really believe.

That all seems pretty compatible with the Catholic position. In fact, I think I might be able to argue that it's type #2, both sides being stubburn that has us separated on this matter. The end result is the same: believe in God (have faith) and because you believe in Him, you should serve Him (do works).

Anyone disagree? If so, I must crush you.