Faith Matters Column: What forms our faith?

There  are usually three elements that form our faith. The sacred scriptures, or holy books or other literature we trust; the faith tradition we belong to, and our own personal experience.

For most Christians the Bible is the ultimate authority and guide to faith. It is either God’s Word or contains the  Word of God. Its teaching guides and inspires. In other faiths holy writings have a similar authority: the Qur’an in Islam, the Vedas in Hinduism, the Pali Canon in Buddhism, the Tanakh in Judaism and Guru Grandth Sahib for Sikhs.

The various strands within these religions interpret the writings differently. This is where the tradition affects faith. Over the years, Christian faith has been shaped by the Church. For example, attitudes towards other faiths, sexuality, and science have all changed over the course of time. Similarly in other faiths there have been developments in the interpretation of beliefs and practices of faith.

The third element in shaping faith is our own personal spiritual experience. Many people have experiences in their lives which inspire or empower them. Their view of the world  and understanding of  themselves is transformed. Such experiences  are not confined to religious people. Sometimes these experiences confirm the faith found in scripture and tradition. But sometimes they change it.

It can be difficult to decide which element of faith is more important - the scriptures, the teaching we have received, or our own spiritual convictions.

Being faithful, being true to yourself, is vital for spiritual health. This means taking seriously our treasured writings, our traditions and culture and our own spiritual experiences. In everyday life and at crisis points it matters what we believe and where we find authority for our actions. Does the teaching of Jesus, Buddha, the Torah or other scriptures affect your life? Does the community you belong to command your loyalty? Do you live your own way because of your personal spiritual experience? What forms your faith?