The concept of faith has many interpretations and nuances depending on one’s worldview.
Recently I heard Don Bowie speak. He is an elite mountain climber. Not only has he summited K2 (which has a 25% death rate of climbers versus Everest’s 2%), but he did it without oxygen.
He spoke of the unexpected and uncontrollable that can be disastrous if not fatal. All the preparation and training in the world don’t assure a safe ascent or descent.
His summary of the situation was eloquent. He said, “I realized I’m not in control but things aren’t out of control.” That has become my new and currently favorite definition of faith.
We live in a world where recent experience has proven that the brightest minds and best laid plans can still go amok. I think much of the anger people face today is the realization that despite their best efforts, they aren’t in control.
And that may well be. But as I was reminded by Don, that doesn’t mean things are out of control–if you have faith.
Mark,
I like your definition.
I think one of the hard parts of growing up and being an adult is learning that 1) we’re not in control, and 2) we’re still responsible for our lives, our actions, and our engagement with other people.
Chris