The Curiosity of Belief
Do you have a Belief? What part does it play in your life?
Perhaps the definition below can help you to articulate your answer:
“Belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof.”
The definition explains the ‘jump’ to accept something. Patrick Melville has always been interested in Belief, not only in a religious sense, but as a way to see the mind’s focus in life. These can be from many areas: relationships with the self, others, or just a passenger on a bus and accepting that the driver will get you to your destination!
Belief shapes how we make our own sense of the world, and how we choose to act; or ‘jump’.
Throughout Patrick’s life, his beliefs have been tested and in many different ways. Adopted as a child from an orphanage in Colombia, to growing up in the UK and uni, working with lots of money,, to building his own business, to being married and then kids, and then having his life paused abruptly, with a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. He is now in remission and working to use his own understanding in life and his learning to help others.
Patrick often describes Belief as climbing a mountain. There are many paths to choose, and a few jumps to make…. It is important to stop, to look back and to take in the path taken. Patrick’s tracks were not always expected and had some jumps, yet the view brings hope and happiness, with some giggles and appreciation to his existence.
But he also sees the tracks of those who have walked with him and pulled him up when he has slipped: his wife, his family, his friends and many more; and his own Christain faith and relationship with God.
One strand of this work is delivered in schools through workshops titled “Why Faith Is a Good Mental Tool”, exploring how faith can support mental resilience, perspective, and coping under pressure. You can see the schools where he has done this below with some lovely words of appreciation.
Alongside this, Patrick is launching a podcast series: “Growing from a Test in Belief”. He speaks with people about their stories about their beliefs, and what they have learned when they were tested.
Patrick’s work in Belief here is not about promoting a specific belief or persuading others, but about the role belief plays in how we live. Feel free to join the journey though your own Curiosity of Belief.
“Thank you for sharing a thought on the idea of curiosity. You managed to give the pupils plenty to think about and linked your dress illustration with getting the pupils to consider different perspectives and be curious. In future, you may like to think about how to link your bible readings with your overall theme, and finish with something about Jesus. Thank you for making your way to Malvern!”
“Patrick’s engaging and interactive talk to all our Y11 girls provided some helpful ways in to managing mental health through combining faith, curiosity and practical everyday methods. His gentle and inclusive approach was appreciated by the pupils and staff and opened up some helpful conversations.”
“Patrick offered a very compelling address at our Sunday morning College Service. His passion for Mental Wellbeing was combined with a sound interpretation of the Gospel lesson for the day (Feast of the Holy Cross) and pupils were engaged and attentive throughout. His underlying message is that Faith is good for Mental Health and that a relationship with Christ is key to alleviating conditions like anxiety and even depression. I commend Patrick as a speaker who inspires conversation around these very important issues in our time.”
Reeds School with Rev Andrew Winter
Wellington College
Patrick’s commission in Winchester Cathedral for the Diocese of Winchester
Marlborough College
Stockbridge Church with the Stockbridge Primary School