Perspective

Our Present Crisis of Faith

Not a day passes when we do not get news of cases of violence against doctors. We often feel we are the most common and vulnerable victims. We also wonder why this loss of faith in us. Old timers would recollect how the physicians of the past would dispense mixtures and powdered medicines without even mentioning the contents and the patients would simply accept them. Today, it is not possible. The patient would not accept any blind dispensing, nor the doctor would dare to dispense so due to fear of consequences of any adverse event. Doctors are under obligation not only to reveal the contents of the medicines, but also prescribe in legible writing. The fear has gone to the extent that it has prompted many people to opt out of medicine as a choice of profession for their children. But then, is there any profession which is free of this?

The whole society seems to be at odds with each other. Each profession is seen with suspicion and mistrust- be it the police, the doctors, the engineers, the judiciary, the lawyers, the businessmen, the social worker, the labour etc. The politicians, of course, are the favourite boxing bag. Every profession seems to be enjoying blaming the other. We are happy to criticize, but not sensitive to the feelings of others.

We are living in much better times. We are witnessing progress as never before. Our standard of living is higher. Our opportunities are much more. Our choices of education and profession are better. Our roads, cities, trains, infrastructures are getting better. We are able to travel more. We should have been celebrating this better lifestyle and ease of living. But we are busy complaining against something or the other. It is ironical that even those who have the best start saying that they feel insecure. Indeed, some celebrities are even suffering from "fear psychosis". We seem to have been gripped by a crisis of faith.

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
To one without faith, no explanation is possible."
…….Thomas Aquinas

What could be the possible reasons for this crisis?

One possibility is the availability of so many options. This makes us more circumspect and sceptical while making choices. We have become more pragmatic, and do not trust anything easily.

Another possible reason could be that the pace of change is too fast, making it difficult to adhere to a choice.

Yet another reason is that our interactions are too many, it is difficult to assess and believe all. Interpersonal relationships remain superficial, cool and fleeting. To trust or not to trust – that is the question.

"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation"
……..D. Elton Trueblood

Moreover, we are still a developing country. There will always be some shortage. Therefore, there is a competition for whatever is available. This can give rise to a feeling of discrimination and injustice. Added to this is the age old perception that the sarkar is the provider.

Also, this is an era of instant results and impatience ("instant coffee," "instant delivery", "instant delete"). We need everything instantly : Instant results, instant jobs, instant income, instant relief from illness, so on and so forth. Therefore, the frustrations are also instant.

"The principle part of faith is patience"………
George MacDonald

Any solutions?

Difficult to figure out. Perhaps, the readers may have some idea. Would be happy to learn from them.

Prosperity and education is no guarantee. Look at the turmoil in some of the most affluent societies. Some of the most corrupt and fanatic are incidentally the most well-educated. Some of the renowned universities are sick themselves, afflicted by indiscipline and aggressive unrest. Education without skill is of no use getting a productive job.

I can only suggest that we need to inculcate in our children a positive attitude and bring them out of the refrain that it is a competitive world and we need to measure up to it. Instead of remaining focused only on studies, let them interact with a cross section of people in the society. Let them do case studies of people ranging from those who have been achievers in different professions to those who have been the most unfortunate (patients with terminal illnesses, unmitigated diseases and the orphans); to those who are contributing to the welfare of the communities applying the latest technology in various fields. Engage them in at least some of these activities. Teach them the dignity of labour. Let skill development be a major part of curriculum in all disciplines. Keep them busy and make them contribute something to their family at least.

But then, do not preach them to do all this. Lead them by setting examples.

"Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth"……………….Gregory Peck

-Ajay Kalra, 58, Khandari Road, Agra-282 002