Rational? Of course not. One definition of ‘faith’ is ‘a deep trust or confidence in something that cannot be fully proven or seen’. It’s a definition that hedges all bets, isn’t it? ‘Deep’ and ‘Fully’ cover a multitude of credos from ‘possible’ to ‘pretty well guaranteed’. We admit as much when we refer to someone having ‘a touching faith’. The inference is often that they may be a bit touched themselves. And when US troops are allegedly told that war with Iran is part of God’s Plan we are right to wonder if the touching hasn’t gone too far.
The question posed in this Daily Paradox is however a serious one. On the answer to it depends whether we classify unbelievers as ‘unconscionably arrogant’ or believers as ‘deluded optimists’. Either classification leaves us out in the cold when we ask ‘what does that mean after I’m dead?’ And faith is much about death. It usually involves post mortem punishment for bad behaviour and reward for good here on earth.
Most incentives to decency are, of course, to be applauded. We struggle through one hundred years, or whatever part of it we are granted, wondering “what for?”. We want goals to aim at by the end of it. We are control addicts. Not just for ourselves, but we’d like to know that someone with a rational intention is in charge so that our libertarian failings are put comfortably to rest at some point.
The incentive to believe is strong.
A ‘rational faith’ would be a contradiction in terms. We cannot believe what we know because knowing provides enough evidence to make belief impossible. Since faith is then essentially a matter of doubt, why do so many people profess it?
Some undoubtedly do so more as a matter of hope than of real faith.
Nothing wrong with that. Like many people, I think hope is a greatly undervalued virtue. Humanity was not given certainty; it is something we strive for. Hope doesn’t involve certainty but it encourages imagination. If you read my Daily Paradox on ‘What makes us human?’ you will have seen how vitally I think that plays into our survival.
If you are certain about (that means ‘believe’) something that can’t be proved you are among the most fortunate of humans. Even if you can’t, you are probably a bona fide seeker, also fortunate and still on the journey of exploration.
In that case, you have a special faith of your own. You believe there is a truth out there somewhere that is worth devoting your lifetime to seek.
There is no nobler search.
May you enjoy the hunt.
Good morning
John Bittleston
Please tell us your views, calmly, with seeker’s humility, at [email protected].
We, too, are forever seeking. Such a privilege.
18 April 2026
