Faith confirmed
By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
During National Science Week our Secondary School students explored the connection between faith and religion in chapel. One of the provocations used was this clip from the popular TV show Young Sheldon.
In the clip Sheldon’s mum Mary is upset because of a tragedy that has occurred in the community. Mary is a person of faith and yet when a sadness comes into her life, she doesn’t sugar coat it. She allows herself to feel sad and to express her dismay. Mary allows herself to question where God is in this circumstance.
The conversation between Mary and Sheldon is both sweet and profound. Sheldon points to the vastness of the universe that is designed in such a way as to point to a Creator. Mary’s understanding of God is a personal one. After her conversation with Sheldon, she discerns that God’s care for her is still present amid her sadness and circumstances. Amid the immensity of the universe, Christian faith affirms that we matter to God, and that God loves us and cares for us.
The biblical writer of Hebrews describes faith as 'confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see' (Hebrews 11:1). The writer then urges readers to hold onto the faith they have, drawing on Jesus Christ as the model of faith in adversity:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart – Hebrews 12:1–3.
A life of faith requires perseverance, hope, joy and community in times of celebration and in times of suffering. The Christian tradition also includes rituals that mark key moments in the life of faith:
Baptism is the initiation ritual symbolising dying and rising to new life in Christ and becoming part of the Christian community. This ritual can take place at any age in a person’s life.
Confirmation is a ritual for a person who has been baptised to confirm their faith by stating publicly their belief in God. At the same time God’s grace is confirmed in their life through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Anglican Church confirmation can happen at any age although from ages 13 to 17 is common.
Baptisms in the Radford College chapel can be arranged at any time. We are also planning a Confirmation Service for November 2025. If you would like to be confirmed or have any questions, please email Rev. Katherine Rainger.