This autumn a series of events linked to “Faith in Life” are planned. This is not some course that has dropped into the Rector’s letterbox from on high. It is something very locally-planned for anyone living in our three villages who might be interested.
There is a lot of conversation and media attention at the moment about a renewed interest in the Christian faith. I am not surprised – just look at the world. Despite so many major technological advances, we seem lost – indeed the complexities and possibilities of much modern technology seem to increase the anxiety, bewilderment and often loss of purpose that is now being evidenced.
The brave new world of secular atheism, whilst it should be said rightly challenged much of the complacency, sloppy thinking and sometimes hypocrisy then around in the church, has largely been found to be the emperor’s new clothes. It does not equip us either for modern living or dealing with the problems we face both personally and as societies.
Coincidently after I had drafted this editorial, an article appeared in the Saturday “Credo” section of The Times. Since it says what I am trying to say but better, I thought I would add it in! “So why are young people returning to Christian faith? I believe it is because of the ‘meaning crisis’ we have been living through. Psychologists coined the phrase to describe a culture that has replaced a communal religious story with an individual and increasingly materialistic approach to life. The resulting secular philosophy of ‘be whatever you want to be’ turbocharged by social media, has left many young people feeling adrift. A plethora of identities and ideologies are on offer, but as our escalating mental health crisis indicates, none of them seem to make us happier. Combined with political turmoil, economic uncertainty and global conflict, a lot of exhausted, distracted and disillusioned people are looking for a better story.”
Faith in Life is an attempt to take seriously the central story of Jesus in a way that gives us hope, healthy growth and a way of living, equipping us and our families for the complexity of modern life.
Faith in Life is not about having to believe a hundred and one weird things before breakfast; nor is it trying to give a one-size-fits-all set of solutions; and nor is it trying to give a series of answers that excludes all others. Rather, it takes science seriously; takes our different personalities and experiences as a strength not a weakness; and it is inclusive.
For families and children, it will have courses based around our Messy Church activities, especially for parents and for children the next group up from Messy Church, (last two years of Primary and first two years of Secondary school).
Then there will be an evening course for adults of four sessions initially at The Rectory to include supper for any who want to see what the Christian faith can offer in our modern world – as well as a morning course. Details of both are at the end of the Rambling Rector. The emphasis in both is on participation and sharing our experiences and views.
The title gives a clue to what this is about. The ambiguity is intentional. How can we have faith – something that gives us hope – in our time on earth? How can that faith be relevant, helpful and life-giving? The middle tiny word “in” gives a clue. Faith “in” is about trust and relationship. And that points to the centre of Christian faith, Jesus, who says I have come that they may have life, and have it in abundance. It is that claim that Faith in Life will explore. All are welcome.
Peter