I don't approach this topic lightly as I do not profess to be a scholar or historian. I do, however, have my own beliefs, values, and Spirituality that define me.
My background is that I was born into an Irish Presbyterian family; when I was married, I became a Roman Catholic and taught catechism to adults; I now identify as spiritual.
As I like to do, let's begin with some google definitions:
Faith... It's defined as "complete trust or confidence in something or someone."
Belief... an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.
Spirituality... a way that relates to or affects the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.
- All quotes courtesy of Wikipedia
You might be asking why I didn't mention Religion?
The definition of Religion is a controversial and complicated subject in religious studies, with scholars failing to agree on any one definition. Oxford Dictionaries defines Religion as the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods
- Wikipedia
So, when discussing the other three words, we do not need to discuss any specific religion as it is a result of these three words that Religion exists.
What if we compare the words then, how do they connect or do they at all?
Faith is trust and confidence. It's a belief, compounded by being integrated with everything we understand to be proven and true, so acquiring the status of a truth. To have Faith in something requires more than mere belief because Faith is something we might always have to rely on.
- Google search
Spirituality seems almost like a choice in this case, while Faith is more of a duty, or something already believed. This seemingly slight difference is quite significant– in that Spirituality is something you choose, whereas Faith is something you are, or an aftereffect of Spirituality, perhaps.
- Google search
Religion: This is a specific set of organized beliefs and practices, usually shared by a community or group. Spirituality: This is more of individual practice, and has to do with having a sense of peace and purpose.
- Google search
Tying it together
So far we have a cadence of Beliefs --> Faith --> lead to Religion if it's a group or Spirituality if it's individuality based.
That means that there must be a foundation of beliefs that can lead you into something more.
According to the New Zealand government, they share this connection between beliefs and values.
Values are stable, long-lasting beliefs about what is important to a person. They become standards by which people order their lives and make their choices. A belief will develop into a value when the person's commitment to it grows, and they see it as being important.
- New Zealand Government
So that means that after we have beliefs, regardless of their foundation, if we sustain our beliefs, they can become our values, which means that Faith is born of values, not beliefs.
The foundations of religions are based on these shared values, which are sustained beliefs. If I. believe it to be so, then it is if I believe it long enough.
Let me be clear here; this is true for each individual and because it's true for you does NOT mean it is true for everyone else. This is why I can accept you have a belief about me and my existence, but I do not have to subscribe to your value, nor does your value supersede my value. Our values while different are equal.
So that means our initial relationship string should look like Beliefs --> Values --> Faith --> lead to Religion if it's a group or Spirituality if its individuality based.
Where does Acceptance fit in
I could simply say that you must have Faith that Acceptance is true. When, in fact, a life full of Acceptance is so much more.
Suppose I asked you to believe that Acceptance is the answer to awaken your awareness. I am asking you to accept that Acceptance is true.
Sustaining that thought process means having a value of Acceptance as a way to lead a more fulfilling life.
You end up with Faith in Acceptance as an answer for you in your way to awaken your awareness to a fulfilling life.
Regardless of your current religious or spiritual beliefs Acceptance is way you seek to lead a human-centric life begins with Acceptance without understanding as a way to awaken your awareness to others and your authentic self. This creates the opportunity to seek your purpose in life and seek fulfillment of your personal and professional goals.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost
When it comes to your journey in life, what path will you take?
Not sure, now is the time to take advantage of the no-charge 30-minute consultation to discuss your path forward and how Acceptance can help you fulfill your personal and professional goals.