Faith and Practical Christianity
As we continue our conversation about faith, let’s explore it through the lens of practical Christianity, the most prominent religion in the Western world. While faith as a power or spiritual attribute is universal and can be found in all religions, Christianity offers a perspective that many in the West are familiar with. Whether or not you identify with this religion, its influence on culture, media, and even political discussions cannot be ignored.
Understanding faith from a practical Christian perspective can also be helpful when engaging in spiritual conversations with others. Christianity often serves as the spiritual vernacular through which people describe their experiences, making it valuable to have some literacy in its teachings when discussing faith in broader contexts.
Faith and Belief in Stories, Myths, and Legends
The stories, myths, and legends we grow up with have a profound impact on our subconscious minds and thinking patterns. These narratives, passed down through families and communities, shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. For example, cultural stories often reflect values and norms, providing frameworks for understanding morality, relationships, and even our potential.
The stories, myths, and legends we grow up with have a profound impact on our subconscious minds and thinking patterns. These narratives, passed down through families and communities, shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. For example, cultural stories often reflect values and norms, providing frameworks for understanding morality, relationships, and even our potential.
Mythotherapy
Myths and folklore have long served as powerful tools for self-discovery and healing. Dr. Aura Goldman, an expert in mythotherapy, explains that these narratives act as mirrors of the human psyche, reflecting our deepest fears, desires, and struggles. They tap into what Carl Jung described as the “collective unconscious”—a shared reservoir of universal human experiences and archetypes. By engaging with these stories, individuals can explore their own psychological landscapes, gaining insights that foster self-discovery and personal growth.
Dr. Goldman emphasizes that myths and folklore are particularly valuable in the context of mental health. Through mythotherapy, individuals relate to the characters and narratives within these stories, exploring their own experiences in a symbolic and transformative way. This approach can help build resilience, enhance self-awareness, and offer a roadmap for overcoming challenges. To learn more about Dr. Goldman’s work, visit her page here.
Myth and Spirituality
This influence of common legends and myths can extend to our spiritual lives. Stories from childhood, especially those tied to religious traditions, often embed subconscious beliefs about divinity, morality, and the nature of faith. Recognizing how these narratives shape us allows us to use them intentionally to strengthen our spiritual practices and align our faith with higher principles.
Universal Faith Found in a Christian Story
One of the most profound stories about faith in the Christian tradition is the account of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. This narrative illustrates that faith is not about adhering to a specific religious doctrine but about trust and alignment with universal principles.
Roman Centurion
The Roman centurion, likely a follower of Roman polytheistic traditions, approached Jesus to ask for healing for his paralyzed servant. In Roman society, hierarchical authority was a foundational concept, deeply embedded in its political and social structures. The centurion’s faith was rooted in his understanding of authority as a universal principle, not in adherence to a deity or religious system. He recognized Jesus as someone who operated within this divine authority.
Faith in Authority
The centurion’s words reflect this: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found such faith in anyone in Israel.” He then told the centurion, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith,” and the servant was healed.
This story highlights that the centurion’s faith was rooted in his understanding of authority as a principle, drawn from his own life experiences. He recognized that authority operates consistently and trusted in its power, applying this belief to his request for healing. Jesus frequently told people, “It is done unto you according to your faith,” illustrating that the patterns we hold in consciousness shape the experiences we create.
The Centurion and LGBTQIA+ Interest
Scholars have also noted the possibility that the servant referenced in this story was the centurion’s male lover, a relationship not uncommon in Roman society. This interpretation adds an inclusive dimension to the narrative, particularly for LGBTQIA+ readers, suggesting that faith transcends cultural norms and highlights the centurion’s deep personal connection and care. For further exploration of this perspective, see QSpirit’s analysis of the centurion story here.
Practical Faith in Practice
Faith is fundamentally the quality of thoughts we choose to hold in our minds. While often tied to religious systems, faith is less about adherence to dogma and more about what we believe about life, divinity, and ourselves. To quote Albert Einstein again, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or a hostile universe.”
Positive faith involves focusing on uplifting and empowering aspects of divinity. Within the New Thought tradition, Emmet Fox identified seven primary aspects of God to help guide this focus. Each aspect provides a lens through which we can align our consciousness with divine principles:
Principles of Divinity
- Divinity is Life
Divinity is not merely alive or a giver of life; it is life itself. To mentally engage with this aspect, practice noticing the vitality around you—in nature, in your breath, and in your body. Focus on moments of joy and gratitude as expressions of divine life. When feelings of lethargy, sickness, or despair arise, remind yourself: “I am connected to the source of all life, and vitality flows through me now.” - Divinity is Truth
Divinity is truth itself, an unchanging foundation of clarity and freedom. To align with this aspect, ask yourself: What is the deeper truth in this situation? Meditate on honesty and integrity and affirm: “Truth reveals itself to me clearly and effortlessly.” When faced with confusion or deception, reflect on the idea that divine truth is always present and accessible. - Divinity is Love
Divinity is the essence of unconditional love. Engage with this aspect by practicing self-compassion and extending kindness to others. Imagine divine love surrounding you and flowing through you to others. Affirm: “I am an expression of divine love, and I choose to see the world through the lens of love.” Let this practice dispel fear and foster connection. - Divinity is Intelligence
Divinity is the infinite source of wisdom and understanding. Tap into this aspect by trusting in the inherent order and intelligence of the universe. When faced with uncertainty, pause and affirm: “Divine intelligence guides my thoughts and actions.” Journaling about times when clarity emerged unexpectedly can help deepen this connection. - Divinity is Soul
Divinity is the essence of individuality within each of us. Reflect on your uniqueness and affirm your worth by saying: “I am a unique expression of divine soul, whole and complete.” Engage with this aspect by exploring creative pursuits or activities that help you feel aligned with your true self. - Divinity is Spirit
Divinity is the eternal, unchanging essence that transcends physical limitations. To connect with this aspect, practice moments of stillness and recognize the presence of spirit within and around you. Affirm: “I am eternal spirit, whole and unbroken.” When life feels chaotic, remember that the essence of spirit is peace and resilience. - Divinity is Principle
Divinity is the unchanging, universal law that governs all creation. Mentally align with this aspect by affirming your trust in divine order. Reflect on principles like balance, justice, and harmony, and declare: “I live in alignment with divine principle, and all things work together for good.” This practice can help cultivate patience and trust in life’s unfolding.
By intentionally engaging with these aspects of divinity, we can shift our consciousness toward positive faith. These practices serve as pathways to deepen our spiritual awareness and align our thoughts with the greater good.
The Faith Jesus Taught
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these” (John 14:12). His message was not to venerate himself as a divine figure set apart but to encourage us to follow his example as a way-shower of divine potential.
As theologian Richard Rohr has noted, “It is easier to worship someone than to follow them.” Too often, the focus of religion is making Jesus separate from us. Yet Jesus modeled a life of care for the marginalized, resistance to harmful systems, and healing wherever he went. He called himself the “light of the world” but also told us that, “we (you) are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). By cultivating positive faith, we can let our own lights shine and follow his example in meaningful ways.
Join the Conversation
Folx with Faith invites you to explore faith as a transformative spiritual power. Join our upcoming virtual meeting to discuss how faith can empower us to align with divine principles, create positive change, and live as expressions of divine love. You’re also welcome to join or start a local Folx with Faith group to deepen your spiritual journey within an affirming community.
How You Can Support Our Mission?
You can help us fulfill our mission by donating to Folx with Faith or starting a local group. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world. If you would like to contribute to this mission or would like to start a local chapter, please let us know. You can contact us or use the links below.
Join us for upcoming virtual events. We host live events the forth Thursday of each month.
Have a question? Feel free to contact us. You can also sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest from Folx with Faith!
Find or start a local group.
References & Additional Resources for Faith and Practical Christianity
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
James Masters (he/him) is based out of Unity of Springfield, where he supports the community through community service and technology. He is a contributing author for the bestselling anthologies, The Courageous Heart, Enduring Wisdom, & The Grateful Soul.
He is a personal coach focusing on spiritual and relational development. He is also deeply passionate about providing shelter, food, and clothing to the vulnerable population within our local community.
His knowledge of technology and compassion for others is a significant contribution to our community.
