Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of A Daybook of Comfort and Joy writes, "Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest." Voltaire compared sentiments such as faith to "the winds which fill the sails of the vessel... without them it would be impossible to make way." In Auguries of Innocence, the poet William Blake suggests that having faith is literally a matter of life and death.

He who mocks the Infant's faith
Shall be mocked in age and death
He who shall teach the child to doubt
The rotting grave shall never get out
He who respects the infant's faith
Triumphs over hell and death

Faith is the primary source of hope. This cornerstone can take a variety of forms. In this chapter we use case studies to illustrate eight different faith possibilities, including those involving a higher power, nature, science, oneself and other people. We challenge the assumption that faith is grounded in immaturity or in a narrow religious orientation. True faith is a form of enlightenment that has withstood the tests of time and life. It is based on conviction and may contain little or no religious content.

Related issues covered in our book

The human condition: We demonstrate why faith is absolutely essential for human beings

Faith and hope: We explain the relationship between faith and hope

Acts of faith: We use case studies to dramatize the broad array of faith options available to you

Faith, myth and reality: We debunk the (negative) myths about faith

Answer questions 1-3 with one of the following: Never, Rarely, Often, or Very Often.

1.) I have questioned or examined my faith:

2.) Over the years, I have seen my faith grow or change:

3.) I make time to practice what I believe:

4.) Pause to Reflect. Based on your answers to questions 1 through 3, where does your faith need work? Is it time for further examination? Perhaps you faith needs to grow? Are you practicing what you preach?