Touch must rank amongst the most complicated and potentially misconstrued of human senses. On a daily basis the question of when to touch or whether to touch is usually answered for us by referring unwittingly to a built-in regulator. Counsellors find themselves working frequently with issues of non-sexual versus sexual touching. Each has a place in healthy human relationships but both have the potential to create misunderstanding or offence.
Touch is reciprocal. I once read a quote which said: As one touches, one is touched. (That still applies to those who wear protective gloves in their various roles; albeit with some reduction in sensitivity).
In the world of religion, the link between the tactile and the spiritual is a multi-faith phenomenon. Over the centuries so-called ‘people of faith’ worldwide have relied on touch as a means of conveying blessings, healing and forgiveness. In the Christian Church physical touching is widely associated with sacramental acts; an outward and visible sign of something which is inward and spiritual. The laying on of hands, for example, may signify the giving of the Holy Spirit for a specific role, as in the rite of Ordination.
In formal religious rites consent is expressed or implied, but in pastoral (or medical) situations the consent of the recipient is frequently not possible; as when a person is very ill or close to death for example.
Touch-based symbolism is to be found also in civil ceremonies, such as joining hands at the time of making wedding vows. In daily life shaking hands has carried the connotation of a sacred bond for centuries.
In many ways touch is a metaphor for what we wish to happen. For example, placing an arm around a grief-stricken person may well prove comforting but it is also a sign of what we want for them.
Not all touching involves the hands of course. St Paul exhorted Christians to ‘greet each other with a holy kiss’. Until COVID-19 struck, this was still expressed as a kiss in many churches throughout the world.
But in other churches ‘the kiss’ changed long ago to become a more formal act; a handshake or acknowledgement of each other known as The Peace.
Modifying our physical expressions of love, joy, grief and trust during COVID has quite clearly changed our views as regards physical contact; regardless of our beliefs or background. It has certainly involved people of faith in conscious modifications to age-old practices, whether during formal rites or in more casual settings.
Recently an overseas friend ended an email to me by saying ‘Let’s not lose touch.’ I know what he meant but there’s a profound ambiguity there. There is more in a loving touch than words can express and that gift needs to be nurtured at all costs.
In Michelangelo’s fresco painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel the book of Genesis’ narrative of the giving of life to Adam is depicted by the hand of God as he reaches out towards Adam’s fingertips; the spirituality of touch captured in one powerful image.
Jim Pilmer PSM OAM OStJ is an Anglican priest.