Your etymology suggests that to love and to believe are similar acts. This may be the case. But at some point, for example when one has fallen in love, they are natural acts. The word "believe" implies self-conscious effort. However eventually belief becomes part of us and no longer requires effort. The so-called belief system then becomes a reality maintained by symbol and ritual. A Christian believes by simply looking at the cross. That is enough to open the door to the kingdom and love. No effort required. There are times when that world is threatened and special effort is required, such as prayer. Science too has its belief system, its theories and the reality of the physical world. However, Christians and people of other religious traditions believe also in a non-material world, a world of the spirit, or spirits, which have their effects. You cannot pry these spirits from the material world, no more than you can live completely in the dark. Humans have the ability to think outside the box, what is not there, even if it is nothing! There is always the antithesis which is the world of the spirit.
Peace,
Nort
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