I would describe nihilism as a philosophy rather than a faith. I will allow it may be a belief, I just don't think it's a faith.

However my confusion may be due to a shift in meaning- here in Australia no one refers much to faith outside of its religious meaning and, reading the presidential candidates' speeches and the commentators etc, I think the word faith really means something entirely different to Americans, and perhaps religious people. Maybe it's like the quote- "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter"- it all depends on your point of view.

cultural universality-- Also not sure of the meaning, but it sounds rather boring!!