Biblical Answer

The traditional Christian answer to the question of faith versus denial is that faith is not simply a matter of believing something without evidence, but rather it is believing in God's promises despite the circumstances. It is taking God at His word, even when everything seen seems to be against fulfillment. This understanding of faith is rooted in the Bible, where faith is described as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith is not a leap into the dark, but rather a confident trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Faith, in this sense, is not inversely related to evidence and logic, but rather it is a sure and certain knowledge that comes from trusting in God's promises. This is different from a simple belief or commitment, which may be based on emotions or personal preference. True faith involves a personal decision to trust in God, and it produces works that demonstrate that trust. As James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." This verse highlights the difference between faith and denial, where faith is not just a mental assent, but a living, breathing trust in God that affects one's actions and decisions.

In contrast, denial is not simply the absence of faith, but rather it is a rejection of God's sovereignty and goodness. It is a failure to trust in God's promises, despite the evidence and logic that supports them. This can take many forms, including skepticism, doubt, and unbelief. However, even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty, faith can still be present, as it is a personal decision to trust in God, regardless of the circumstances. As the Bible says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). This understanding of faith emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when everything seems to be against it.