Event Type
Papers Read
Start Date
13-10-2021 3:00 PM
End Date
13-10-2021 3:30 PM
Description
The COVID pandemic has caused a global increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression and also disrupted the delivery of mental health services in many countries. This study explores a Spirit-empowered response to the challenges caused by the pandemic. It does so by reimagining the pandemic’s impact in reflection with the disciples’ dismay at Jesus’ passion and then the joy at the new life they received due to Jesus’ resurrection. In this reimagining process, Jürgen Moltmann’s theology of hope is used to show that Christ stands in solidarity with those who suffer because he experienced what they experience. Beyond this, the resurrected Christ gifts new life to believers grounding them in his life where the Spirit sustains them even during the most profound suffering. The study reimagines the pandemic’s impact in light of the disciples’ experience of the resurrection. It shows how the church can stand in solidarity and help people whose mental health and experiences of depression are compounded by the pandemic. This requires the church to act as peace-bearers, displaying solidarity, transparency, and empowerment in a way that develops wholesome Christian friendships.
Pandemic, Depression, and the Church: A New Norm for the New Normal
The COVID pandemic has caused a global increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression and also disrupted the delivery of mental health services in many countries. This study explores a Spirit-empowered response to the challenges caused by the pandemic. It does so by reimagining the pandemic’s impact in reflection with the disciples’ dismay at Jesus’ passion and then the joy at the new life they received due to Jesus’ resurrection. In this reimagining process, Jürgen Moltmann’s theology of hope is used to show that Christ stands in solidarity with those who suffer because he experienced what they experience. Beyond this, the resurrected Christ gifts new life to believers grounding them in his life where the Spirit sustains them even during the most profound suffering. The study reimagines the pandemic’s impact in light of the disciples’ experience of the resurrection. It shows how the church can stand in solidarity and help people whose mental health and experiences of depression are compounded by the pandemic. This requires the church to act as peace-bearers, displaying solidarity, transparency, and empowerment in a way that develops wholesome Christian friendships.
