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Originally Posted by Neogillist  I would even argue that faith and fact are opposite to each other. Where there is fact, there cannot be faith. Faith does not rely on first-hand knowledge, but second-hand knowledge. While second-hand knowledge is required to exercise faith, it differs from first-hand knowledge in that it is not obtained at the horse's mouth. |
I've got to say I disagree with the above, but perhaps I merely misunderstand you. Why would one only be able to believe or trust that something is true if it hasn't been proved to them firsthand? For instance, Romans 10:9 says that in order for someone to be saved they must believe that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Wouldn't your argument prove then that none of those who saw Jesus alive after seeing him die could "believe" that he was alive after death? And wouldn't that prove Jesus was in error for saying one can believe based on both first hand facts or based on second hand information?:
"Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.'
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" (John 20:24-29)