Sean Major-Campbell | Faith in faith or faith in God

AS I listen to many comments and questions about disasters, I am reminded that faith in faith is much more common than faith in God. Many religious leaders and their adherents believe that storms can be prayed away. And it is okay to pray. That is what believers do.

Suppose there is, however, such a thing as ‘improper faith’. Is there such a thing as ‘unsound theology’? Jesus’ disciples asked him to “teach us how to pray”. Interestingly, they were never taught that they needed to scream at God. They also never sought to advance the view that their faith was superior and that God moved storms based on our prayers and faith.

Twenty-one years ago, my pregnant wife and I sat on the dining table as the storm surge from Category-5 Hurricane Ivan rolled into the house on Grand Cayman. Furniture and other items floated around us. The howling wind taunted and the billows rolled. I noted at the time how interesting it was that in Scripture, we are never told that there would be no storms. Instead, what we see is that it matters who is in the boat with you.

PRONE TO MAGICAL THINKING

In that gospel story, Jesus’ disciples called on Jesus. And here, it is reasonable to note that people would have also called on Jesus, during Melissa’s onslaught. One of the truths about prayer is that its proponents are sometimes prone to magical thinking. While the gospel story presents a sign miracle, it is not advancing a teaching that prayers will change the direction of storms.

A sign miracle is one that inspires faith in God. It is a one-off event. The focus is on the power of God. In the case of the calming of the storm, the message was that God has power even over the forces of nature. This mght raise the question, “If God has power over the forces of nature, then why does a good God allow something like Melissa?”

My response is that it is God who created the earth to function with its storms and earthquakes and seasons et cetera. Let us consider some questions: If you prayed for a storm to change course, where exactly do you expect that it will go? Does it matter that another country may not be spared? Do we understand that storms do not return to their source of origin? It is like irreversible unleashed nuclear power!

I wish I were able to turn water into wine and to heal people with paralysis. However, that is not going to happen. The seven sign miracles in John were as the narrative suggest in John 20:30-31, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Then in Acts of the Apostles, Peter addressing the crowd on the Day of Pentecost, declared, “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

Do not be too quick to condemn the ‘signs and wonders’ religious leaders though. Many today, as in Jesus’ day, are just as drawn to the need for signs. Hence the account in John 4:48 has Jesus saying, “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “You will never believe.”

Instead of condemning them, let us invite those who believe that they can use prayer to change the direction of storms and raise the dead, to prepare a healing roster and hang out at Bustamante Hospital for Children. Heal suffering children awaiting life-saving surgery and save the desperate parents the agony associated with finding money for costly medical care and the long journey of healing.

MODERN SCIENCE

A theologically astute way of processing these matters, acknowledges that different people and different disciplines have different roles to play in this business of healing, supporting, and encouraging each other. Medical doctors, nurses, and health professionals are called to the ministry of healing. Modern science and the naturopathic all have their place in a healthy conversation about the therapeutic.

Very special thanks to all those who are supporting hurricane relief work in Jamaica. We live in an age when we appreciate the value of photographic and videographic evidence of devastation and the interventions, visits, and much-needed support. I am, however, appreciative of those who realise that this is going to take commitment to a long journey of healing and care. When life changes the focus and the headlines, struggling and lonely people will still need support. Psychosocial and pastoral care have various elements which cannot be dropped off or captured by a cell phone camera.

Churches still have a reach across Jamaica that is broader than any other institution. This is why it is so important that the leaders and agents of the church are responsible, accountable, and sensitive to the human rights and dignity of everyone.

Anyone else finding the Christmas décor on sale offensive currently? Somehow, I believe the times call for a more sober approach as we answer the call to return to the basics of food, clothing, shelter, and humanity.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com