Believing In Something
Recently, while professing the Nicene Creed at Mass, I reflected on how years of reading out loud Saint Peter's sermon (Acts 2) have changed my attitude about life.
A common word in the first sentence among the four predominant paragraphs of the Profession of Faith is "believe." This word articulates centuries of Christian core belief, but believing in something requires faith—a faith that can truly be transformative in life.
Let's delve into the historical context of the Nicene Creed. Early Christians had to stop bickering about different beliefs about Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. The foundation of their findings can be summed up with faith. "Faith is man's response to God who reveals himself and gives himself to man, simultaneously bringing man a superabundant light as he searches for the ultimate meaning of his life." CCC,26
Consider this: when I say, 'I believe in…' instead of 'I believe that...,' I'm expressing more than a belief. I am making a profound statement. The phrase, I believe in carries a tone of motivation, passion, and inspiration, revealing a clear understanding of faith. But why is this distinction so significant? How does it shape my attitudes and actions? I own it; they are not just words. By way of faith, it transforms me into a different person, behaving differently towards myself and others.
Be Aware!
Those who have known me for a while have witnessed a significant change from early adulthood to now. Friends, family, and colleagues have all been surprised. Is it complex? Not at all. Let me share a personal example. When asked to attend a luncheon with a few buddies, the destination was Hooters Sports Bar, which hints at a less modest dress code for the women who are servers. In responding to the invite, my choice was to decline. Why? Because I believe that objectifying women is to reduce their dignity. Let's face it, the reason for a restaurant is the food.
Believing in something means I trust. When I say "I believe in" while reciting the Nicene Creed, I am solemnly committed based on cherished convictions close to my heart and mind. This is not a simple task. Trust is also intertwined with believing in, as my decisions about living a life with Christ are influenced by The Creed. I trust in the history of the Church and its proclamation (325 A.D). Just like the early Christian Fathers during antiquity, a communal trust is made among the faithful and, therefore, requires belief and faith in the community.
In contrast, When I say, "I believe that..." it borders on a less meaningful certainty and hints toward a deficiency of confidence. The difference between "believing that" and "believing in" is noted by a decisive response to the latter. In other words, I might say, "I believe that I can swim across the lake," but the likelihood of me acting on that statement is low. The word "that" in the statement is a clue I might not be so sure.
Now, I will respond with a question and encouragement for readers who may claim this article is more about semantics than faith.
Q: What are some ways that saying "I believe in" can assist societal issues today?
Q: What are some ways that saying "I believe in" can shift martial understanding, for better or for worse?
Reflect on your beliefs and consider the transformative power of 'believing in" instead of believing that.
Let's explore this together.
