When a Man stops believing in God he doesn’t then believe in nothing, he believes anything (GK Chesterton)
I was reminded of this quotation when attending a ‘Holistic Fair’ in Woodbridge. It was quite fun seeing all the crystals, incense, strange remedies and astrological predictions abounding. However I was struck with a sense that many of the people were treating these diversions seriously and as a new form of religion or religions. The quasi science was laughable but in some ways a little frightening in the degree of fervency with which it was believed. Any questioning its veracity was met with a degree of hostility. Then I thought about it; I have little evidence that God exists – the only proof I can offer is that I believe it to be so…not a very convincing scientific argument! In one sense I am no better than the crystal owners but I believe the difference lies in that the Christian faith is, or should be, outward looking – that God asks us to have concern for others more than self. All of these other pseudo-faiths seem to be solely concerned with ‘self’ - astrological predictions for your birth, crystals for your mood, and little about what one can do for others. They are to a large extent solitary occupations with little interaction with community. These are ‘false Gods’ but I am more concerned as to why so many people have the need to believe in them. Are we in the Church failing these people and all of those others who have turned away from Christ? How do we reconnect? I do not have any answers but I think the only thing is to keep trying. As many will know in Ashfield we have a tiny congregation and sometimes it seems a pointless exercise to keep on organising services to which so few attend and events in which few participate but I think that we have to keep on and keep the door open to any that want to come in.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matt. 18:20
We must not despair but remember that Pentecost is a time of renewal, a flame and a wind. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions but I am resolved to try to do more. All suggestions as how better to spread the Word would be gratefully received!
Alison Garrett