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The Historic Faith
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Question 9
Chrysostom argues faith is “greater” than merely abstaining from sins because it honors God by believing his power to do the impossible, and Origen adds that real faith cannot coexist with injustice; how does that definition of faith confront modern notions of faith as mere mental assent, and what concrete behaviors would expose whether our “faith” is actually alive?
Another way to ask: If real faith honors God and can’t live alongside injustice, how does that challenge the idea that faith is just believing facts in your head? What everyday actions would show whether someone’s faith is truly alive?

Direct Answer The transcript’s definition confronts “mental assent” by describing faith as a heart-level trust that glorifies God and cannot coexist with ongoing evil; it is tied to sincere love and a transformed life. Concrete behaviors that expose living faith include turning away from sin and showing the kind of works that flow from wonder, love, and obedience.

Support from Transcript:

  • Chrysostom: merely not stealing or murdering is “a trifling sort of requirement,” but believing God can do “things impossible” requires “a soul of no ordinary stature.”
  • He says such faith is “a sign of sincere love” and “honors God in a much greater degree,” leading to “wonder… demonstrated by works.”
  • Origen stresses God sees the “hidden things of the heart” and whether “the warmth of faith dwells in a person.”
  • Origen warns: don’t think counted faith can exist “alongside injustice or any evil.”
  • He argues from 1 John: one born of God “does not sin,” concluding “the person who sins does not believe.”
Discussion Follow-ups What sins do you excuse while still claiming “faith”? What practices—prayer, almsgiving, obedience—actually demonstrate the “wonder” Chrysostom describes?

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