As Buddhists we have faith in the teaching and trust in the path of practice, but this is not a blind faith nor of obedience based solely upon belief; rather it is faith that is to be developed through questioning and exploration of the teachings and their practical application.
The Buddha was questioned by the Kalamas as to how they should determine whether a teaching was authentic and worthy of following. With so many different teachers prevalent in ancient India at the time, each with their own version of truth, the Kalamas were understandably confused.
The Buddha responded that a teaching should not be followed based on "mere hearsay, mere tradition, mere rumors or just because it accords with your scriptures." Nor should it be followed based solely on "conjecture, logical inference or because it accords with one's own views". Nor should one “blindly accept a teaching based upon devotion to an individual teacher” no matter how lofty or convincing they may seem.
The discourse goes on to provide a detailed account of how to reflect upon our actions and decisions - are they skillful or unskillful and when followed do they lead not only to our own well-being but also the well-being of others? It is this wise reflection upon the whetstone of the teachings that helps develop our wisdom, refines our actions and increases our happiness.
Today, as in the Buddha’s times, there are a multitude of options for person who earnestly seek spiritual direction, but it is wise to adopt a sensible caution before committing to a particular teacher or tradition. In much Buddhist practice lineage is considered to be an important indicator of authenticity and following one of the main traditions of Buddhist teaching provides can be a good starting point for newcomers.
As understanding deepens a practitioner may develop a sustained relationship with a teacher which enhances their practice. But even here one should not be afraid to ask: do the teachings accord with the Buddha’s teaching, and are the teachers’ actions and behaviors in line with the precepts, are they living and expressing kindness and compassion to all sentient beings?
A link to the Kalama Sutta and also a commentary on it.
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.065.than.html
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/bps-essay_09.html