Rev. Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt is professor of sociology emeritus at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and a fellow of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. He is the author of numerous books, including the award-winning Fraternal Organizations (1980), How Christianity Changed the World (2004; now in eight different languages), and Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity (2017).

What is the meaning of the word faith? Current society believes that faith is to have endless trust or confidence in something. But Christians believe this trust and never-ending confidence isn't just in something. It's in God. The true interpretation of faith is shown by historical events in the New Testament such as Jesus' birth and crucifixion. God's followers put their trust in Him and believed He would one day send His son to die for the forgiveness of sins. The original definition in the New Testament is the Greek concept of faith called pistis. Pistis means that God's followers have complete confidence in Him and believe He is the creator of all things, loves all His people, and will one day return for them. Rev. Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt explores how society has slowly been shifting away from this definition over time and discusses how Christians can help restore the true meaning of faith.