faith = hope + trust

"Hope" and "Trust", by definition, depend on the real likelihood of being let down, of there being no basis for either.

The meaning of these words imply the possibility that the hoped-for or trusted-in may not be the case.

These are compromised words, compromised states.

As a society we elevate them to the highest echelon of honour - to hope or to trust is to exhibit the noblest behaviour.

We venerate fallibility. We celebrate the attempt that could fail.

What does that say about us?