<P> In the later stratum of Buddhist history, especially Mahāyāna Buddhism, faith was given a much more important role . The concept of the Buddha Nature was developed, as devotion to Buddhas and bodhisattvas residing in Pure Lands became commonplace . With the arising of the cult of the Lotus Sūtra, faith gained a central role in Buddhist practice, which was further amplified with the development of devotion to the Amitabha Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism . In the Japanese form of Pure Land Buddhism, under the teachers Hōnen and Shinran, only entrusting faith toward the Amitabha Buddha was believed to be a fruitful form of practice, as the practice of celibacy, morality and other Buddhist disciplines were dismissed as no longer effective in this day and age, or contradicting the virtue of faith . Faith was defined as a state similar to enlightenment, with a sense of self - negation and humility . </P> <P> Thus, the role of faith increased throughout Buddhist history . However, from the nineteenth century onward, Buddhist modernism in countries like Sri Lanka and Japan, and also in the West, has downplayed and criticized the role of faith in Buddhism . Faith in Buddhism still has a role in modern Asia or the West, but is understood and defined differently from traditional interpretations . Within the Dalit Buddhist Movement communities, taking refuge is defined not only as a religious, but also a political choice . </P> <P> The word translated as "faith" in the New Testament is the Greek word πίστις which can also be translated "belief", "faithfulness", and "trust". There are various views in Christianity regarding the nature of faith . Some see faith as being persuaded or convinced that something is true . In this view, a person believes something when they are presented with adequate evidence that it is true . Theologian Greg Boyd argues to the contrary, that faith includes doubt . </P> <P> Then there are numerous views regarding the results of faith . Some believe that true faith results in good works, while others believe that while faith in Jesus brings eternal life, it does not necessarily result in good works . </P>

Faith is an aspect of the following value