Morals and beliefs aren’t the same. I’m sure there are many atheists that do volunteer work, are respected by their peers, maybe even seen as heroes in their communities. In contrast, there are many bible-beating, verse-spitting Christians wandering about the planet that don’t practice what they preach.

I think faith is different than simply believing. According to my computer’s dictionary, belief is an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists, while faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

John 3:16 is commonly seen as the most important verse in the New Testament (the verse my grandmother made me memorize once upon a time), and it says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (80). This verse tells us no matter what we do, no matter how many sins we commit, we will have “everlasting life” in heaven if we simply BELIEVE in Jesus. But if you continue reading John 3:17, you will find “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved,” (80). I think this verse is incredibly important. We must filter the message of John 3:16 though this simple statement; though a “blind” belief is maybe “enough” for some people, we must remember Jesus was not stomping about the earth showily, preaching damnation to those who rejected his teachings, who failed to accept his existence. Jesus served as an example of how me might live. He was indeed a hero, serving the poor and neglected, having compassion for his society’s rejects (the Samaritan woman on 82), dying and being reborn.

Garrison pointed out Jesus was different from Gawain (and perhaps a better example of a hero) in that he did not try to escape his death. Yes, he feared it, even asking God to “take this cup away from me”’ (Luke 22:42). However, the fact that Jesus knew his fate and followed his path makes him more of a hero; he did not cheat death. Though our society is more familiar with the story of Jesus rather than the story of Gawain and the Green Knight, I still think Jesus is a better example of a hero; why else would so many people have such strong faith about his life and purpose?

I don’t think simple belief is enough to find truth in this world. As a child, I was able to believe, but also to put my faith, my complete trust, behind my religion. Today, I struggle to find that same faith. Like Brad said, questioning is seen as a bad thing in the Christian Church. But I believe we must question to find ultimate truths. It is the only way to find faith.