The External Act of Faith

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

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