The Curiosity of Belief

Do you have a Belief? What role does it play in your life?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary:

“Belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof.”

Belief plays a core role in our lives.

Beliefs are often understood as the mental frameworks we create to make sense of ourselves and the world around us.

Beliefs can range from those of a Christian, religious, philosophical, political and moral nature to personal, community, scientific, cultural and superstitious beliefs…there are a lot.

Patrick Melville does not promote specific beliefs in his work, but is curious to discover the role belief plays in our daily lives.

Patrick has found that belief is not only about religion or spirituality. Through his own challenging journey, Patrick has come to realise that our beliefs can be tested and shaped by our relationships and the decisions we make.

How Patrick is applying his Curiosity

“The Belief Test” Podcast Series. In his latest podcast series, Patrick conducts a series of interviews, during which he is curious to find out:
- What interviewees believed in
- How their belief was tested
- How did they learn from their experience
- What advice they would share with listeners
The conversations are honest and humble. They are designed to encourage listeners to reflect on their own belief tests, learn practical insights from others, and perhaps become more curious about the beliefs that shape their own lives.

Click here to listen to the Farleigh Community Podcast Series

School Workshops. Patrick delivers workshops in schools exploring the theme:
“Why Belief Is a Good Mental Tool”.
These sessions encourage participants to reflect on how belief and faith can help build mental resilience in everyday life. Patrick combines professional mental health knowledge with honest storytelling, offering practical tools which can be used to manage day to day pressures and challenges.

Click HERE to drop Patrick a message

Testimonials

“I would just like to say a big thank you to you for giving up your time to talk to my GCSE students. It was such a valuable experience for them to understand how their learning about the role of the church in the community is implemented on a daily basis. Your knowledge and enthusiasm toward the church and your faith really shone through. Your session made them leave chatting to each other about the concept of perception which was great. As a school we really value your time and in creating a link to the local church community. ”

— Heidi Ellis, Religious Studies, Danebury School

“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!”

— Adam Wharton, Chaplain & Teacher of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Malvern College

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought that each point that was made was relevant to today’s world. What I would say is maybe go into a bit more detail on what prayer is and maybe have a bit more of a discussion around the different ways that people can talk to and hear God.”
”Patrick’s talk was truly inspiring, it offered a thoughtful perspective on faith and wellbeing throughout the sessions.”
”I found the sessions very valuable and appreciated the calm and welcoming atmosphere he created. Patrick engaged with us on a personal level. The discussions around Faith and Wellbeing were thoughtful and gave us a chance to reflect in a relaxed environment. Overall, I found the four sessions to be. Positive experience and I appreciated the time that Patrick took to speak with us and encourage open discussion.”

— x3 quotes from 6th Form Marlborough College students who attended Patrick's programme

“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.”

— Katie Windle, Chaplain, Sherborne Girls

“Patrick came to Bishop’s Stortford College during Mental Health Awareness Week and shared with us how the power of prayer is a force for good in developing good mental health by incorporating it into one’s own circle of strength. Sharing from his own experience of being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and even going into bat for his local village cricket team (!), he showed how truths of scripture align with modern scientific research on brain activity and wellbeing.”

— Ian Morris, Head Chaplain, BSC