Faith and Unbelief

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Second Edition

Gospel of John 9:24–38 Faith and Unbelief

The man who had been blind was called to be heard. The Pharisees said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” The man answered, “Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; but I know that, although I was blind, now I see.” They asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” The man answered, “John told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” They mockingly answered him, “You are his disciple, and we are disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” “A remarkable thing,” the man replied, “is that you do not know where he comes from, and yet he has given me my sight. We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but to those who fear him and do his will he listens. Since ancient times it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not a man of God, he would not have been able to do this.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You were born a sinner, full of sin, and are you teaching us?” They threw the man out. When Jesus heard that the man had been thrown out, he asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Lord, who is he?” the man asked. “Tell me, so that I may believe.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him; he is here, and he is talking with you.” “Lord, I believe,” the man said, and he fell down at his feet. (John 9:24–38 Second Edition)

Concepts of Faith and Unbelief

The question of faith and unbelief has played a central role in Christian discourse and in the spiritual life of the individual. Faith is often understood as a lack of knowledge, which leads many to struggle between faith and unbelief. John 9:24–38 provides us with a profound perspective on this question. The account of the healing of the man born blind opens up a discussion of the meaning of faith and unbelief. Let us examine what truth means in light of this account.

What exactly is faith? According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is “the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of things not seen.” When examining the contrast between faith and unbelief, it is important to understand that unbelief does not necessarily mean a lack of faith. It can be related to ignorance or misinformation. For example, in many religions, there are people who do not know the doctrine deeply, and this can lead to doubt. Faith is not just a lack of knowledge; it can also be based on deep insights and personal experience.

Unbelief, on the other hand, stems from skepticism or doubt. Have you ever encountered people who question the content of a sermon or their own beliefs? In this case, we understand that faith and unbelief are connected to deeper questions about power, authority, and personal values.

God Beyond Knowledge

God is beyond our scientific understanding. His existence or personality cannot be proven by scientific methods. Science studies natural phenomena, such as plant growth or astronomical phenomena, while the study of God’s actions falls under the purview of theology. However, theological study can open doors for us to better understand what faith really means.

Faith is a personal and internal matter. It is not necessarily based solely on external knowledge, but on the state of the heart and relationship with God. For example, many have reported finding peace through spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation.

Healing and Miracle

In the Gospel of John, the story of a man born blind is told. This miracle arouses wonder and even opposition. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of his day, question Jesus’ actions, especially since the healing took place on the Sabbath. Have you ever wondered what the timing is? The Pharisees were looking for evidence against Jesus instead of rejoicing in the miracle that had occurred. This tells us that faith and unbelief are not just simple matters. They are connected to issues of power, authority, and value.

The wages of sin and health

The story involves the idea that illness was seen as the wages of sin. The man born blind was considered a sinner. This way of thinking can be dangerous. It can lead to unjustified judgments of people. It is important to remember that illness cannot be unequivocally associated with sin. God’s love is not based on human actions. This is a critical insight, for example, in the healthcare sector, where it is important to treat patients as people, not just diagnoses.

As Christians, we must avoid oversimplification. When we are faced with doubts, we should seek a deeper understanding. This can help us to understand that faith and unbelief can coexist in the complexity of life.

Confession of Faith

The Gospel story culminates in the moment when the healed man confesses that he believes that Jesus is Lord, the Son of God. This confession would signify the courage to stand up for the truth. It is a personal and powerful moment; it also has great symbolic meaning. The man’s courage to confess his faith shows that he has experienced a change in his life.

In one study, where 50 percent of participants said they were unsure of their faith, it was found that the courage to confess faith can be transformative. This raises the question: what does true faith mean?

The New Testament story opens us to an era in which faith is not based solely on following old practices. It is a personal and active choice. The questions of the New Testament challenge us to deepen the foundation of our faith. Faith is therefore not just a passive state, but an active and living relationship with God.

We are called to share our faith with others. The healed man urges us to act and not just keep our faith to ourselves. This shows that the power of sharing faith can change people and the direction of life.

The Challenges Between Faith and Unbelief

What about those who find their faith challenging? They may feel uncertain, and life’s challenges may cause them to question their beliefs. It is important to remember that doubt is a natural part of the journey of faith. It is not something to be feared, but something that everyone experiences at some point.

Many have experienced painful moments in their lives when their faith has been tested. For example, if someone loses a loved one, they may experience great uncertainty in their faith. However, these experiences can be profound teachers. When we are honest about our doubts, we can find deeper faith and understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Science and Faith

Finally, we should consider the relationship between science and faith. Many see these concepts as opposites, but they can actually complement each other. Science studies natural phenomena, while faith addresses questions that transcend the material world. For example, many believe that science can strengthen faith by revealing the wonders of the universe.

Both perspectives are valuable. Scientific knowledge can bring us profound understanding, and through faith we can find meaning and purpose.

By contrasting faith and unbelief, we can develop a constructive dialogue. We cannot close our eyes to doubts, but we can learn how to deal with them. This dialogue can open up through different perspectives. When we acknowledge that doubt and questions are a part of our lives, we can find new ways to strengthen our faith.

Deep Understanding of the Questions of Faith and Unbelief

John 9:24-38 provides a deep and rich material for dealing with faith and unbelief. The story of the blind man opens our eyes to the fact that faith is not simply a lack of knowledge, but a dynamic and evolving process. We must tolerate our doubts and questions. The courage to stand behind our faith can open up new dimensions for us on our spiritual journey.

Let us be courageous, like the blind man who confessed Jesus as Lord. This is not just a simple confession; it is a call to live out what we believe. God is always present in our lives, and he will never abandon us, even when doubts and challenges try to shake our faith. Let us live in faith and let our lives be enriched by this process, in which faith and unbelief engage in a constant dialogue with each other, bringing profound insight and strength.

A summary of the questions of faith and unbelief

The questions of faith and unbelief have many dimensions. It is important to remember that these concepts are part of being human. The story of the Gospel of John provides tools with which we can examine our faith and deal constructively with our doubts.

Let us ask ourselves what faith means to us and how we can grow in our faith. It is important in life to maintain an open mind, ready to receive the gifts of both faith and knowledge. Deconstructing the myth of faith and unbelief is a long journey, but it is a journey that is certainly worth it. We learn more about ourselves, God, and the people around us in this process. This leads us towards a deeper understanding and closer relationship with the truth of faith.