The Deepening of Faith-Josh Naqvi

     On page 222 of "The Plague" Father Peneloux gives a second sermon. I found this sermon to be intriguing. The narrator tells us that the priest changed how he addressed the congregation. He now spoke with "we instead of you" (page 222). The sermon in general is far more sympathetic than the first sermon. He acknowledges that the plague is dastardly and that many have been affected by it. He has an important statement on page 224 that "we must believe everything or deny everything". Even Dr. Rieux finds this statement shocking. This is a true statement in my opinion. In Christianity we have only two choices. We can either believe in Christ or deny Him. Crisis is the greatest tester of one's faith. It will either deepen it or cause it to wither away. It also will drive us closer to people we ordinarily never would have spoken to.

    In the context of the story the Father does not lose his faith, but it is deepened. He acknowledged that there was great pain in the world. He did not blame it on the people, but instead saw it as a mystery that they all could not understand. The crisis humbled him. He no longer was acting like he was untouchable but instead he too was at risk. He brings up the point on page 223 that Christian's in times past had trials too. The Christian was to seek the good despite the bad. This is a foundational view in the Christian faith. Philippians 4:4-7 says that we are to "in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving make your requests to God". I think that it is safe to say that Father Peneloux understood this. He quit trying to blame and instead was willing to face the trials. In life we all must do this at some point. Suffering is inevitable and in those times, casting blame and trying to find understanding can only go so far. Sometimes all we can do is reach out to others with comfort and push forward past the circumstances. In Father Peneloux's case this was how he died. He died from the plague but achieved a greater understanding of himself. When difficulties arise we all have a choice, either to give up all hope or to allow the hardships to strengthen our views and faith. 

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Comments

  1. Emily OttsFebruary 21, 2022 at 11:01 PM

    Father Peneloux truly had his faith strengthened through these trials of the plague. Even though the author was an atheist, he successfully shows how God, even if the author does not acknowledge him, will bring His followers closer to Him and give them strength to go through such trials. By giving his all to God, Father Peneloux was able to persevere through such a difficult time.

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  2. Emory CooperFebruary 22, 2022 at 1:17 AM

    I like your post, Josh. I agree with you, in that his faith in the God's supernatural protection deepened. However, it also seems that he lacked faith in the natural means (like doctors on call) that God uses to take care of priests and other people. I found this interesting, and I look forward to any discussion we have in class on this subject. Good post!

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