The beginning of the spiritual journey is often shrouded in naive forms of trust, similar to the faith of a child, where emotions overshadow awareness.

From Naïve Trust to Absolute Faith: A Journey of Spiritual Maturation

The beginning of the spiritual journey is often shrouded in naive forms of trust, similar to the faith of a child, where emotions overshadow awareness. However, as one ages and gains experience, the depth of true trust is revealed when a person makes the conscious decision to follow a higher authority. In making such a choice, one moves beyond superficial acceptance, reaching a stage where trust becomes absolute and complete, as exemplified by Abraham’s action, which illustrates profound, calm, and unlimited respect for God. This is not merely an emotional reaction, but the result of a fusion of inner confidence and choice, contributing to the formation of mature faith. Ultimately, the path from initial, partial forms of trust to a conscious and absolute belief demonstrates that true faith requires time, reflection, and a willingness to take responsibility for one’s convictions.

Is it possible for trust to manifest in a partial form, or must it always be absolute?

Based on the cited sources, it can be noted that in matters of faith and deep commitment, trust—as it is realized as an act of faith—is inherently considered absolute. For example, one of the sources states:

"In theoretical terms, trust in the faith in God manifests as an agreement with His authority, which in no way implies unconditional acceptance of everything associated with faith. As an embodied act of faith, trust in God is by nature absolute, but it must include an element of personal choice." (source: link txt)

Similarly, the depiction of Abraham, who acted on the principle of complete trust, emphasizes that true faith is expressed precisely through "unlimited, complete, calm trust" (source: link txt). These examples illustrate that when it comes to a deep, conscious relationship with God or a higher power, trust appears in its absolute form.

However, it should also be taken into account that other discussions note the presence of early, more naive forms of trust—such as childlike trust or credulity—when the relationship has not yet reached maturity. Such forms can be partial in nature since they do not yet carry the full responsibility for developing complete faith or deep trust.

Thus, the answer can be summed up as follows: when trust becomes a conscious choice and is embodied in an act of faith, it tends to be absolute—as seen in the examples of Abraham's trust and trust in God. Yet, in the process of human development, initial manifestations of trust can be partial, evolving over time into a complete, mature relationship.

Supporting citation(s):
"In theoretical terms, trust in the faith in God manifests as an agreement with His authority, which in no way implies unconditional acceptance of everything associated with faith. As an embodied act of faith, trust in God is by nature absolute, but it must include an element of personal choice." (source: link txt)

"Abraham acts as follows: I trusted in this God, I still trust... And he takes his boy and leads him to sacrifice, and we know how it ends; the Lord replaced Isaac with an animal; this is God's work; but Abraham's act was that of complete faith, understood precisely as trust—unlimited, complete, calm trust." (source: link txt)