Final answer:
Faith is both personal and ecclesial as it encompasses individual beliefs and communal religious practices within an institution. Personal faith is unique and individualized, while ecclesial faith represents collective beliefs and organized worship within a religious community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Faith can be considered both personal and ecclesial because it involves individual convictions and experiences as well as communal beliefs and practices within a religious institution. Personal faith stems from an individual's internal belief system and relationship with the divine, which is influenced by personal experiences, interpretations, and spiritual practices. This type of faith is highly individualistic and can vary greatly from one person to another, allowing for a unique, personal connection with one's religion. On the other hand, ecclesial faith refers to the shared doctrines, traditions, and communal worship of a religious institution, such as a church, synagogue, or mosque. This aspect of faith is collective and often organized, with established hierarchies and social structures that guide the community's beliefs and behaviors. It is through ecclesial faith that individuals come together to celebrate, worship, and uphold the teachings of their faith, fostering a sense of unity and identity as a group. Martin Luther's critique about everyone having the right to interpret Scriptures and his emphasis on faith alone underscore the personal aspect of faith, while the organization of religious institutions and the importance of communal worship highlight the ecclesial dimension. Together, personal and ecclesial faiths contribute to a holistic religious life where personal convictions are lived out within the context of a supportive faith community.