The External Act of Faith

The external declaration, in words or deeds, of what webelieve, is a true act of faith. Though faith itself is in thesoul, and its act is primarily internal, it can be outwardlyexpressed without losing its essential character. Hence, ifinternal thought and assent make an act of faith, the externalexpression of that thought and assent makes an act of faith.

A man is obliged to declare his faith outwardly (thatis, he isobliged to make an external act of faith) wheneverthe honor of God or his neighbor’s good requires that he shoulddo so.