Faith is a huge subject. If you are serious about your study of it, and since you are an analytical person, it's probably worth acquiring a copy of
Lectures on Faith. The lectures were delivered by Joseph Smith. You can buy a used copy on Amazon for less than four bucks. Or, if you prefer, you can read them on a website with a distracting background that makes the text difficult to make out:
Lectures On Faith
One teaching within these lectures which I appreciate is the following from the third Lecture:
Quote:
Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
First, The idea that he actually exists.Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.
Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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I cannot define or advise on faith better than these lectures. In the early Doctrine and Covenants, the Lectures on Faith were the Doctrine and the revelations which make up our current D&C were the Covenants. Later, they were removed from canonized Scripture because they were doctrinal expositions rather than direct revelations.