My father found religion when my parents divorced.

In the tangled depths of human experience, where the soul searches for meaning amidst the turbulence of life, Simon Amstell offers a poignant reflection on the relationship between adversity and faith: "My father found religion when my parents divorced." This simple yet profound statement speaks to the way in which religion often emerges in the lives of those who are confronted with the harsh realities of suffering and loss. Amstell’s words are a commentary on the human condition, where many seek solace and meaning in a higher power, especially when personal turmoil leaves them feeling lost or abandoned. It is as if, in the face of deep emotional pain, people turn to religion as a refuge, a source of comfort and a way to make sense of life’s most difficult challenges.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers also recognized that in times of crisis, humans often sought connection with a higher realm of meaning and purpose. The Greek philosophers, particularly Socrates, spoke of the soul and its quest for truth, a truth that transcends the physical world and points toward an ultimate, higher understanding. Socrates, when faced with the death penalty for his beliefs, found solace not in the riches or comforts of the world, but in his faith in wisdom and the pursuit of truth. Similarly, Plato discussed the concept of the soul’s journey and its ultimate yearning to understand the divine, often through philosophy and reflection in the midst of suffering. These thinkers understood that it is often in times of great trial that humans are most open to spiritual exploration, as they search for meaning beyond the immediate struggles of life.

Simon Amstell’s reflection on his father’s turn to religion after his parents' divorce echoes a pattern found throughout history: that faith can be a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing deep personal distress. The divorce, an event that shakes the foundation of family life, can leave a person feeling disoriented, unsure of their place in the world. Religion, in this context, offers not only comfort but also a framework to rebuild one’s sense of self and identity in the wake of life’s brokenness. This process is not unique to the modern era; throughout history, many individuals have turned to spirituality when faced with the collapse of personal relationships, the death of loved ones, or the loss of security in their lives.

Consider the ancient Stoics, such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who taught that the only thing within our control is our response to life’s circumstances. Epictetus, born a slave, experienced profound personal hardship, yet he found peace not through external circumstances but through cultivating an inner life grounded in virtue and spiritual clarity. Similarly, Marcus Aurelius, despite his role as emperor, faced personal tragedy and political turmoil, yet he turned to Stoic philosophy—a form of spiritual practice—to find strength in adversity. These figures remind us that, while external circumstances may be beyond our control, our inner peace and sense of purpose can be anchored in something larger than ourselves, be it philosophy, faith, or a personal sense of integrity.

Amstell’s father’s turn to religion after the emotional turmoil of a divorce illustrates how many people, throughout history, have turned to faith to rebuild their emotional and spiritual lives. Saint Augustine, in his famous work Confessions, recounts his own journey from disillusionment and sin to a profound relationship with God. Like Amstell’s father, Augustine found his spiritual path in a moment of deep personal crisis—feeling lost, confused, and without purpose—but ultimately discovering in faith a guiding light for his soul’s healing. Augustine’s transformation mirrors that of many who, when faced with profound personal loss or suffering, turn to faith not as a superficial or transactional act but as a deep, personal quest for meaning.

The lesson we can glean from both Amstell’s words and these ancient teachings is that, while religion may sometimes emerge as a reaction to life’s hardest trials, it is often in suffering that we are most open to spiritual growth. Faith, in its deepest form, is not simply a refuge in times of pain, but a transformative process that helps individuals find meaning, peace, and purpose even in the aftermath of great personal loss. This spiritual awakening can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, allowing individuals to reclaim their sense of self and rebuild their lives upon the foundation of deeper truths.

In our own lives, let us take heed of the lesson found in Amstell's reflection: faith can provide a profound source of healing, comfort, and guidance when we face trials and tribulations. However, it is not merely in times of crisis that we should seek to cultivate our spiritual lives, but in the everyday, ensuring that spirituality is a steady foundation that we build throughout our lives. When we face moments of adversity, we should turn to faith not just for relief, but for strength and transformation, allowing it to guide us through the deepest storms of life. Let us also remember that faith is not confined to one form or tradition but is a deeply personal journey, one that must be embraced and nourished by each of us in our own way.