During the seven weeks of Lent, 2007, we revisit the four 'cardinal' and three 'theological' virtues. Are they what we mean by 'our values'? We invite reader comment.

5. FAITH.

The first 'theological' virtue is faith.

Like life and reason it is an unearned gift. It is not belief in a credal statement or obedience to religious disciplines. It is a relationship of trust.

We 'relate' to persons, not to legal codes or to books. Since human persons are both fallible and mortal, the ultimate personal relationship must be with "God as I understand God", a phrase that does not limit the divine by human definitions. For Christians it is confidence in

the continuing presence and power of God whose nature and purpose are seen in the person of Jesus Christ.

The opposite of

faith is not reasonable

doubt; it is the certainty that one's doubts are the only truth.