Open AccessTheology in lockdown
Author(s) -
David Fergusson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
theology in scotland
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1465-2862
DOI - 10.15664/tis.v28i1.2180
Subject(s) - humility , assertion , nothing , meaning (existential) , theme (computing) , pandemic , theology , christian theology , christianity , jesus christ , sociology , covid-19 , philosophy , epistemology , faith , medicine , disease , pathology , computer science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , programming language , operating system
The starting point for this paper is to reflect on Karl Barth’s assertion that that, when faced with a major crisis, the most appropriate response for Christian theology is to carry on as if nothing has happened. David Fergusson emphasises the need for humility and very careful thought in a situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic, however this does not mean that we must remain silent. Three points for reflection are offered: (1) an examination of how ideas about God’s providence, and our ability to give meaning to calamitous events, have changed over time; (2) consideration of what lessons might be learned from the experience of living through a pandemic in terms of what it means to be human; and (3) thoughts on the theme of hope in the teaching and life of Jesus, and implications and opportunities for the church.