Touched By An Angel Season 3 Episode 17 Crisis of Faith

In Touched by an Angel season 3 episode 17, titled "Crisis of Faith," the audience follows Monica, Tess, and Andrew as they are sent to a small town in Idaho. There, they encounter a family facing a crisis of faith as they struggle to come to terms with their son's debilitating illness.

The family consists of parents Martha and Mark, and their son Timmy, who has been stricken by a rare genetic disease that has gradually taken away his ability to walk, talk, and breathe on his own. Martha is a devout Christian and has always believed that God has a purpose for everything that happens, while Mark has lost his faith because he cannot comprehend why God would allow such suffering to occur.

As Monica, Tess, and Andrew begin to interact with the family, they learn that the parents are divided in their beliefs, which has created tension and strained their relationship. Martha's unwavering faith has put a great burden on Mark, who feels that his wife is refusing to accept the reality of their situation. Meanwhile, Timmy is aware of his illness and knows that his condition is deteriorating. Despite his struggles, however, he retains a strong spirit and a deep love for his family.

The angels are tasked with helping the family find a way to resolve their differences and work together to come to terms with Timmy's illness. As they explore the town, they meet several people who are also dealing with their own crises of faith. Some, like a woman whose son died of leukemia, have lost their faith in God because of the suffering they've experienced. Others, like a pastor who has lost his flock, struggle with their own doubts and fears.

Through their interactions with these individuals, the angels begin to piece together a way to help Martha and Mark. They help Mark understand that his anger towards his wife's faith is really a manifestation of his anger towards God for allowing Timmy's illness to happen. This realization helps him to begin to reconcile with his own faith.

Meanwhile, Tess helps Martha understand that her faith can bring comfort to the family during this difficult time, but that it is important to also accept the reality of their situation. Martha begins to see that she needs to let go of some of her expectations and learn to accept the love and support of those around her.

Together, the family begins to work towards a more nuanced understanding of faith. Mark is able to find a renewed sense of hope and comfort in his belief in God, and Martha learns to appreciate the love and support of her family and friends on earth. Timmy passes away before the end of the episode, but the family is able to find comfort in the time they had with him, and a sense of peace that he is now in a better place.

The Crisis of Faith theme is one that many people struggle with in their lives. The episode helps viewers to understand that faith is not always black and white, and that it is possible to hold on to one's beliefs while also accepting the realities of life. The show highlights the importance of compassion and empathy for those who are going through difficult times, and how empathy can lead to healing and reconciliation for those who are dealing with their own crises of faith.