John 5:1-18 page 1

During my time training for the ministry in Manchester I researched a controversial idea that had become popular at the time, and still is popular in some circles. It rejoiced under the catchphrase of 'territorial spirits'. The belief was that certain demonic forces held sway over certain geographical areas, and they induced particular sinful traits in those areas. Although I believe in the reality of demons - because Jesus did - I came not to believe in this idea.

As part of my research I visited a large Christian bookshop in the middle of town and bought a book on the subject. The shop assistant was interested to know why I was buying this title, and I explained. To which he said, not realising I wasn't convinced by the theory: 'So what do you think the spirits over Manchester are?'

Well, I may not think the theory is as biblical as its proponents claim, but I think there is something in the idea that certain traits are prevalent in certain areas. I could have told the shop assistant what I thought the dominant sin in Manchester was: pride and rivalry.

I know, because there were several pointers in that direction. Manchester seemed to hate people from other large cities, and saw itself as in competition with them. I certainly faced prejudice because I was a Londoner. They didn't like Leeds, either, because it was the rival city as a financial centre in the north of England.  And if you really wanted to earn the ire of Mancunians, you said nice things about Liverpool. I was once at a meeting of some rather smug church leaders, and the visiting speaker knew exactly how to wind them up: he told them how much better things were spiritually in Liverpool.

I believe there are certain traits in an area like Medway, too. You can't escape them after eight years here. What I find disturbing is this: just as those Manchester church leaders had got infected by the unhealthy attitudes of their city, so I believe the church in Medway has become infected by some of the less healthy aspects of what I might call the Medway character.

To us, like the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, I believe Jesus says, 'Do you want to get well?'  Tonight as I say farewell to Medway I want to address the sickness and the cure. I see two sicknesses and the Gospel cures that heal them.

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Copyright © David D Faulkner, 2006 except where other sources are attributed or noted as inspiration.