DBT

A lot of it is just a problem with semantics,in many cases replacing the word faith with trust or confidence would probably be closer to the actual meaning.

Gurdur

Nevertheless, the way people use the term "faith" in the outside world is the relevant, decisive factor.
I think I've made it clear just why IMHO "faith" and "trust" are not synonymous, and why "faith" is often more precise than "trust" in such situations.

Godless Wonder

It already is confusing. I'm trying to unconfuse it.
Tell that to "gay" people.

Gurdur

If you really want to try changing just how people use the word in real life, in case I don't misunderstand you, then I would say that you have an almost impossible job in front of you.
I don't get why you ignored my suggestion of concentrating on the abuse of faith, and the false defences; I would have thought that was a far easier job.

DBT

Thats right,but it also causes a lot of confusion when trying to define terms.
trust becomes faith, faith becomes confidence, it becomes quite messy in debates.

Godless Wonder

Yeah, you're right, the destruction of faith is an impossible dream. I should just give up.

Gurdur

Tell me about it.
Yesterday I went through a debate here where the word "exist" suddenly got redefined by a couple, only they forgot to inform people beforehand.
Took a few posts to sort that one out.

I aim for as much precision and explanation as possible; and in keeping with ordinary English reading interpretations.
It's just my way.

Godless Wonder

The way to change the definition of a word is to use it in the new definition. How do you suppose faith became a near synonym of trust? Equivocating Christians would be my guess. You want a precise definition in accordance with popular usage. You can't have both.

DBT

For me the word faith has become impossible to use in the everyday sense, ie trust.
Sort of like trying to use the word "gay" to mean happy and cheerfull.

Godless Wonder

Me too. Even "believe" is nearly gone from my vocabulary, replaced by "think."