What is faith—really?

In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, we continue our series on the theological virtues by exploring faith: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it cannot be reduced to intellectual agreement or apologetics alone.

This conversation unpacks:

• Why biblical faith is relational and lived, not merely believed
• How faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, will, and action
• The proper role of reason in the life of faith
• Why dryness, doubt, and desolation do not mean faith is failing
• How God’s hiddenness can actually deepen trust
• The importance of community, testimony, and perseverance

Drawing from Scripture (especially Hebrews 11), the saints, and lived experience, we show that faith is not emotional hype or blind guessing—but a conviction that endures even when God feels absent.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Why doesn’t God feel close anymore?”
• “Is my faith weak if I don’t feel anything?”
• “How do I keep believing through suffering or silence?”

This episode offers clarity, realism, and hope.

Faith is a gift—and a response—that matures through trust, surrender, and perseverance.

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00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues

02:17 Understanding Faith: Beyond Intellectual Assent

06:25 Personal Faith Journeys

09:48 Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship

13:12 Experiencing God: Faith and Feelings

23:11 Faith in Action: Living Out Beliefs

30:07 Struggles with Faith and Desolation

31:44 Understanding God's Hiddenness

34:58 The Role of Suffering in Faith

50:35 The Importance of Community in Faith

53:24 Evangelization and Personal Testimonies

58:55 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer