Sola Fide

I am current reading the book Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Scott Hahn is one of the gurus of conservative Catholicism. Rome Sweet Home describes the Hahns' conversion to Roman Catholicism. The book mentions the concept of Sola Fide. Sola Fide is one of the primary tenets of Protestantism. Loosely translated, it means "by faith alone" (ablative of means if I recall my Latin accurately). Protestants believe that sins are forgiven by faith alone, and not by works. Although I am a Roman Catholic, I cannot argue with the notion of sola fide.

Where I part with my Prostestant brothers is sisters is when it comes to the definition of faith. It seems that Protestants see faith as merely believing that Jesus is the Savior. However, I could argue that faith is much more than belief. I can believe in Jesus without having faith. I can believe that he is the Son of God that became man, was crucified and was risen. That is belief. Faith is much more comprehensive. It incorporates belief, but adds the dimension of a trusting relationship. We have faith that God will provide for our needs and will not present obstacles that we cannot overcome. We have faith that, when a loved one dies, it is part of God's plan. We have faith that God will give us the ability to serve others (aka: do works) using the model of Jesus' ministry.

Yes, we are saved by faith alone. However, faith is much more comprehensive than belief.