The Shaken Faith Syndrome: Why Some Believers Doubt

The curse of shaken faith refers to a state of doubt and uncertainty that plagues individuals who were once firm in their beliefs. It is a phenomenon that can happen to people of any faith or religion, and it is often triggered by life events or experiences that challenge one's convictions. When a person's faith is shaken, they may feel a sense of disillusionment and confusion. The beliefs and teachings they once held dear may no longer provide the same solace and guidance they once did. This can leave them feeling lost, disconnected, and even isolated from their community. There are numerous factors that can contribute to the curse of shaken faith.

As for those shots on the stripper pole? Spoiler alert: It’s not Rihanna. As a concession to her limited capacity to learn Bubble’s acrobatic dance moves (while releasing and promoting her eighth studio album, Anti, right around the same time), the production hired a body double to perform the most taxing physical aspects of the role: Emilie Livingston, a dancer-aerialist-contortionist and retired Olympian who also happens to be Jeff Goldblum’s real-life wife.

About two-thirds of the way through the visually spectacular movie which hits theaters July 21 , he finds himself within a den of sin known as Paradise Alley a candy-colored tableau of sleazy carnival barkers, space brothels, and extraterrestrial hookers. At the time, the Barbadian singer told Vogue that she turned down the opportunity to do the halftime show because she just couldn t be a sellout, adding that there are things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.

There are numerous factors that can contribute to the curse of shaken faith. It may be sparked by personal suffering or tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one or a traumatic event. It may also be brought on by intellectual and philosophical doubts, the exposure to conflicting views or information, or a crisis of conscience.

The Only Way Rihanna Can Redeem Her Super Bowl Halftime Show

The world is waiting with bated breath for Super Bowl Sunday, not simply for the chance to explode with hometown pride or to watch two brothers duke it out on the gridiron, but also—of course—for Rihanna’s halftime performance. Rihanna was one of the many musical artists who boycotted the 2019 Super Bowl in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback who was blackballed for kneeling in protest of police brutality and social injustice during the national anthem at his games in 2016.* At the time, the Barbadian singer told Vogue that she turned down the opportunity to do the halftime show because she “just couldn’t be a sellout,” adding that there are “things within that organization that I do not agree with at all, and I was not about to go and be of service to them in any way.”

Now Rihanna has changed her tune, even though not much has changed with the NFL over the past seven years: Kaepernick, who settled a collusion case against the league in 2019, is still a free agent, the organization had to be pressured to end “race-norming” in their dementia testing, and coach Brian Flores, joined by two other coaches, filed a suit alleging discriminatory hiring practices just last year.

The singer’s 180-degree switch leads to a lot of speculation: Will Rihanna try to critique the NFL (and the general state of race relations in America) by pulling a similar stunt to Beyoncé’s in 2016 and dressing her background dancers as maybe not Black Panther Party members, but Marcus Garvey–ites? Will she bring Kaepernick out at any point, or kneel, or do something? Or was 2019 Rihanna simply playing into the moment without caring about the Movement—and lying to Vogue at that?

Though that last possibility would be disappointing, it isn’t entirely unlikely. The singer’s upcoming set marks her first performance since becoming a mom, and the Super Bowl’s is the biggest stage she’ll perform on amid her longest-lasting musical dry spell. Her most recent album, Anti, was released seven years ago, much to her fans’ dismay. Her decision to perform at halftime has sparked rumors that she’ll capitalize on the wide visibility of the gig to bolster an announcement of the long-awaited arrival of her ninth studio album. There’s no way to sugarcoat Rihanna’s willingness to sing on the NFL stage though the organization’s behavior remains mostly unchanged, but there is one way to make the decision worth it. Rihanna needs to reprise her single best televised performance thus far: her dancehall medley from the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

Rihanna’s “Rude Boy”/“What’s My Name”/“Work” medley, the second of four medleys she performed that year as the recipient of the Video Vanguard Award, was by far the most outwardly Caribbean performance the singer has ever given. Dancehall, developed in late-1970s Jamaica, is a subgenre of reggae named for dance halls that offered local sound systems in which a DJ would preside over prerecorded instrumentals (affectionately called “riddims”). The genre has become popular across the greater Caribbean and is a forefather of hip-hop—it can still be heard in songs by popular musicians today, from non-Caribbean rappers like Drake to Jamaican artists like Sean Paul. Rihanna’s mashup consisted of intelligent remixes of her popular songs with familiar dancehall riddims underneath. To pay homage to this history in under four minutes, like she did in this medley, is masterful.

To start, Rihanna performed her song “Rude Boy,” but with the famous bass line from Chaka Demus and Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote” (which itself repurposed Toots and the Maytals’ “Bam Bam”). Then, she transitioned to her song “What’s My Name?” with an interlude of Beenie Man’s signature “Oh na na na” intro, over a quick snippet of the Diwali Riddim that famously features in Lumidee’s song “Never Leave You.” When Rihanna finally reaches “What’s My Name?” she switches out the instrumental of her hit song in favor of dancehall’s Playground Riddim—which can famously be heard in Beenie Man’s hit “Who Am I?”—with an overlay of the popular vocal sample (the “heys”) of the Showtime Riddim. Then, to slide into her final song of the medley, “Work,” she includes a brief interlude that chops up Mr. Vegas’ “Heads High,” which showcases the Filthy Riddim, before going into her original version of her own dancehall hit.

But the astonishment of this barely four-minute performance isn’t simply in the musical arrangement; it’s also in the look of it: Rihanna brought a whole heap of people pon de stage and turned the VMAs into a Caribbean club. It’s nearly visceral how real it feels: smoky, crowded with bodies holding Solo cups, sweaty, and lit only by colorful club lighting. There’s not enough space to move, but the movement finds a way as dancers show off all kinds of dancehall steps around Rihanna, while she herself takes the occasional moment to bruk it down.

This performance has circulated in my Jamaican family group chat countless times, as a casual reminder of the effervescent quality that our culture has. It’s a superpower that can brighten any mood, liven any situation, and get you hype if you were bored, or standing if you were sitting. It is music that is made to speak to your hips as much as to your soul, and it is, undoubtedly, a damn good time.

In some cases, the curse of shaken faith can be a transformative experience. It may compel individuals to question their beliefs and seek a deeper understanding of their faith. They may engage in an exploration of different spiritual paths, engage in intellectual debates, or embark on a personal journey of self-discovery. However, for others, the curse of shaken faith can be a deeply distressing and debilitating experience. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and a sense of betrayal. The loss of faith can impact various aspects of one's life, including relationships, community involvement, and personal well-being. Overcoming the curse of shaken faith is a deeply personal process that looks different for each individual. It requires introspection, openness, and a willingness to confront difficult questions and doubts. Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or spiritual advisors can be instrumental in navigating this challenging period. Ultimately, the curse of shaken faith can become an opportunity for growth and spiritual development. It can open doors to new perspectives, a deeper understanding of one's beliefs, and a stronger faith that has been tested and shaped through adversity. It is a reminder that faith is not static but rather a lifelong journey of discovery and transformation..

Reviews for "Walking Through the Valley: Navigating a Season of Shaken Faith"

1. Sarah Johnson - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Curse of Shaken Faith." The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. I struggled to connect with any of them, and found their actions and motivations to be unrealistic. Additionally, the writing style was also lacking, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and well-written mystery.

2. Mark Thompson - 1/5 - "Curse of Shaken Faith" was a huge letdown for me. The story had so much potential, but it fell flat on its face. The pacing was slow and plodding, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The twists and turns in the plot were predictable and didn't offer any surprises. The author also failed to create a sense of atmosphere and tension, leaving the whole book feeling bland and unengaging. Save your time and money and skip this one.

3. Emily Roberts - 2/5 - I really wanted to like "Curse of Shaken Faith," but it just didn't deliver. The concept was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The writing was overly descriptive and verbose, making the story drag on. The characters felt flat and underdeveloped, and their actions often didn't make sense. The ending was also unsatisfying and left too many loose ends. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.

4. John Davis - 2.5/5 - "Curse of Shaken Faith" was an average read for me. While the premise was promising, the execution fell short. The characters were not compelling, and I didn't feel invested in their journeys. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue was also stilted and unrealistic at times. While there were a few moments of intrigue, they were overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the book. It's an okay read if you have nothing else to pick up, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.

Holding Fast in Times of Shaken Faith: Encouragement and Guidance