The Rev. Jeff Barclay, lead pastor, Christ Community Church, 1100 Kasold:

My definition for faith comes from the Old and New Testaments. In their original languages the English words faith, belief and believe come from single root word (emunah in the Old Testament and pistis in the New Testament).

I use the words faith and belief interchangeably. Convictions guide a person’s attitudes, opinions and lifestyle. So I would find it very unusual if a person’s convictions were not based upon his or her faith (belief) system.

“Faith” is often treated as something ambiguous, subjective and non-verifiable. I suppose this is the origin of the phrase “blind-faith.” In contrast, Hebrews 11:1 states that the Christian faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In our post-modern world the notion of the Christian faith being substantive and evidential gets mixed reviews. However, I suggest that basing convictions on non-substantiated beliefs would be not only irrational, but also dangerous.

The Christian faith (and as result, all of my convictions) is anchored in science and historical facts. In the Bible we read of a worldwide flood and scientifically we find what we would expect — millions of dead things, buried in rock layers, laid down by water, all over the earth. Historically, we read of the “unbelievable,” Jesus’ resurrection. Later we learn the event was substantiated by over 500 different, independent witnesses, many of whom were initially hostile to the idea — that is, until they actually saw Jesus alive.

Faith or beliefs, with evidences like these, becomes the foundation of convictions worthy of giving one’s life to. This is why Jude 3-4 speaks of keeping Christianity’s core substance free from the contamination of falsities — be they whimsical fantasies or willful lies. For me, faith and convictions are not just “tied together,” they are part of every thought in my head, action of my hands, and beat of my heart.

— Send email to Jeff Barcly at jeff@1inchrist.org.

The Rev. Mitch Todd, associate pastor, First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt.:

Can you have faith without conviction? Sure thing. It’s kind of like having a master’s degree in being a couch potato. Who cares? Without conviction, faith becomes a bump on a log. An empty gesture. A vague sentiment that accomplishes nothing and, dare I say, bores God.

Faith requires direction and activity. That’s how it’s breathed into the world. Gone are the days when Christianity can run on a sentiment or a comfortable routine. Faith requires conviction. It’s one of the ways God works through us on behalf of the world.

Can you have conviction without faith? Yep, you sure can. It’s like having a master’s degree in shoveling. Sure, you can dig a hole, but do you know why? Without faith, conviction becomes exhausting. Perhaps pointless.

You could work yourself to death tackling the world’s problems and never understand why you were alive in the first place. Never experiencing the hope that comes from being part of something bigger than you.

There’s a place where faith and conviction go hand in hand. As a Christian, I call it the Kingdom of God. It’s a kingdom unlike any other. Not some harsh, conquering hierarchy, but a new way of love, justice, creativity and compassion.

In God’s kingdom, there is a perfect marriage of action and reflection, being and doing, and here’s the best part: All who possess faith in this kingdom are citizens in it. And all with conviction for this kingdom are called to share it.

— Send e-mail to Mitch Todd at mitch@fumclawrence.org.