Faith and Belief

FAITH VS. BELIEF

“Belief is always limiting and binding; faith is expanding and releasing. Belief fixates, faith
liberates. But living religious faith is more than the association of noble beliefs; it is more than
an exalted system of philosophy; it is a living experience concerned with spiritual meanings,
divine ideals, and supreme values; it is God-knowing and man-serving. Beliefs may become
group possessions, but faith must be personal. Theologic beliefs can be suggested to a group, but
faith can rise up only in the heart of the individual religionist.” 101:8.2

“Faith does not shackle the creative imagination, neither does it maintain an unreasoning
prejudice toward the discoveries of scientific investigation. Faith vitalizes religion and constrains
the religionist heroically to live the golden rule. The zeal of faith is according to knowledge, and
its strivings are the preludes to sublime peace.” 101:8.4