I agree with what you've posted about faith, but the useless faith we were taught yesteryear must not be confused with the power of belief which makes our glass at least half full and brings out the best in every human vigour and confidence we have without which life would probably not be worth living
I once heard a little girl speaking to her mother at a restaurant.
The mother had just spoken to the father about the glass being half full or half empty.
The little girl tugged at her mother's sleeve and said something I thought rather profound in its simplicity.
"Mommy, it depends on whether you just poured something into the glass or out of it."
I think our sense of life is like that. If we are pouring knowledge, experience and rational thought into our head our glass is at least half full.
But, if we are forever expending energy spinning our wheels on hope and faith and expectation which comes to nought, then, the glass is half empty.
What brings out the best in humanity is a clear understanding of what is and how to improve it.
I think of all the time I wasted in my past mumbling a prayer. I may as well have been twiddling my thumbs with good intentions.
Action comes from having a goal, a purpose and a skill.
At least that's my opinion.
Your mileage may vary.