- What are the main consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for religious and faith communities? What role can religious leaders and their followers play in helping to overcome the challenges of the pandemic?
- How to find proper solutions to reduce social tension and conflicts stemming from religious factors? How to foster support and solidarity within and between different religious communities and to improve mental and physical wellbeing during the pandemic?
- Re-imagining religious life in a post-Covid-19 world, which practices could become the new normal? What could be the future role of religion in society?
In the town where I live in the UK, the local parish priest has continued to conduct services and the congregation can access them on Facebook or YouTube.
He has others involved, provides music and props himself and the finished result is inspiring.
The coronavirus may be the biggest religion story of our lifetime. It raises metaphysical questions: Why is this happening? How did it happen? What does it mean? Questions like that can lead to prayer. We’re confronted with life and death choices not just about our own well-being but also about our communities. And so, whether or not someone sees themselves as conventionally religious or not religious at all, it's hard not to be engaged with the spirituality and ethics of the pandemic and to pray.
A very meaningful response from Dr Ramamohana Reddy Reddy Appannagari
In my religion, the following are the impacts and are prescribed with regard to the corona pandemic: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/334353/what-is-prescribed-for-the-muslim-with-regard-to-the-corona-pandemic
Dear Director Mr. Filippov!
I am a Roman Catholic my parent are Jews. So I really hope there could be a new bridge between religious communities in fighting against COVID-19 to be able to find a novel solutions (a vaccine or a medicine &therapy):
1) Wesley J. Wildman et al. (2020). " Religion and the COVID-19 pandemic " Editorial, Religion, Brain&Behavior, Volume 10, Issue 2 Available at:
Article Religion and the COVID-19 pandemic
2) Brian Hollar (2020). "Will COVID-19 Cause a Religious Recession?" Blog April 8, 2020, Cambridge Institute on Religion and International Studies (CIRIS), Available at: https://religionanddiplomacy.org.uk/2020/04/08/will-covid-19-cause-a-religious-recession/
I think leaders of the Orthodox Church, the Pope in Rome and the Jews can set up framework for co-operation within which it will be easier to set aside differences of religious origin. Religion is intertwined with the social life of people in many countries and the Bible is the foundation of the legal system in place in Europe.
Yours sincerely, Bulcsu Szekely
The effect is not measureable.
Some people are conflicting it with faith while others believe in precaution.
Implementation of online services would be the new normal among those who were one averse to the role of tech in religion.
Minority of religious faith-driven individuals in Ghana have the mindset that God's anointing on a person protects him/her from being infected with the coronavirus. At the market squares in some towns in Ghana, market women who refuse to wear face masks when queried said God is protecting them. Continual public health education is being intensified among such women who are unlettered and have been deceived by 'fake' religious priests who only think of their offerings! Laws must be enacted to prospect such so-called men of God who defame religion!
In my country Nigeria, particularly Kano state people complied with stay at home order, mosques were closed, but later, authorities eased the lock down and allowed people to attend markets twice a week for shopping, this development generated debate among religious leaders as the number of people who stormed markets out numbered those attending mosques for prayer.
Here in Midwest, rural America, there is the prevailing attitude that the government has overstepped its authority in regards to the Church. This is no surprise in view of how Americans understand and interpret what exactly is meant by the separation of church and state. There has been inconsistency in public worship practices since COVID-19.
My religion is Humanity and I belong to Earth. Homo sapiens are facing COVID19.
In my opinion, during corona days, Peoples are understanding slowly slowly that-
Covid-19 was an unexpected event for all followers of different religions and affiliations. But it does not mean that they do not have the experience to deal with it. For instance, Muslims were faced similar pandemic calamities in classical times and they have some specific rules managing such situations.
Quarantine was the first act urged by religious leaders without any exception. Home worship is the sole way of performing different acts of worship.
The scholars of Islam have a debate over the legitimacy of congregational prayer via zoom or similar apps. I will post a scholarly article about this debate soon.
As Christianity does not attach spiritual significance to a church building, many churches have moved to skype, zoom, or google meet to worship online. Also, Christian organizations are doing their best to reach out to the most vulnerable in society and provide assistance. The Good Samaritan story of loving one's fellow-human as oneself as the true practice of religion is best exemplified in the work of many churches and charities.
1st...as a Social Scientist and Student of Comparative Religious Studies...we cannot continue the Seperation of Material and Spirit. Creation is One with multiple Aspects, Powers, Functions and Effects. Learn how to use Each in Harmony and in Rythm with the One....Ex: Hebrew Scripture says God is One....yet...Yehova Yireh...Yehova Nissi, Yehova Shalom.....etc. are all aspects of the One.
Similarly, Kemetic Scripture/Medu Neter says God is One...yet.... Osiris, Tuhuti, Set, MAAT, RA....etc. are all aspects of the One.
Church and State are part of Creation...the One! How could Seperation be a good thing? Look at the length of Global Rulership and the scientific, artistic and Spiritual achievements of Global Societies that view their/human existence as One with Creator-Spirit...and Spirit's manifestation of its own Self in the multiple Forms... visible and invisible.
Covid-19 is God!
Book of Isaiah 45 ... Monologue to The Royale King of Persia....Cyrus the Anointed.
"I God am One...there is no other...
I form the light
And create darkness
I bring prosperity
And create calamity...
Peace Love and Soul Train 🚂
Rev. J
Professor Marbaniang, I have to respectfully, disagree on your view...that the Christian Community "Christianity does not attach spiritual significance to a church building,!"
The most significant Spiritual "Attachment" to the Sacred Space/Church Building...is the "Altar of God!"
It is there...where our Sacrifices are laid out openly to people before God.
Hence...the lid on the Ark of the Covenant...
Yeshua taught... whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their (own) cross daily and follow (Tabernacle) me.
Peace Love and Soul Train 🚂
Rev. J
Covid-19 does not save anyone regardless of religion and faith. Many of religious communities around the world have been shattered by this disease. That are examples of transnationality and globality of this disease.
Professor Tien, using Scientific Methods alone cannot Qualify the "Saving" impact of God's power or quality in the Form of the Cornavirus.
However, $1200 to many people who are poor, in the US...is a saving grace. 38% reduction of Smog in China, Russia, India and the US (leaders in production of Greenhouse Gases and pollution). For the first time in my life, religious centers are given access to Federal Credit/money for their causes: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless and for many Religious Based Hospitals - St. Frances Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Jude's Children Hospital all can benefit beyond their normal budgetary spending.
These facts mentioned may be a good place for you to research Professor Tien.
Peace Love and Soul Train 🚂
Rev. J
In the wake of Covid-19, the religious faith is shaking. Now most of educated people here in India, are believing that health infrastructures are more important than temple and mosque.
Why is there... an either or understanding?
How can people believe in Science?
How can people believe in God?
But, most cannot believe in All at the same time!
Ex: Yeshua transforms on a mountain before his disciples. The account shows a scientific theory... correct!
Parallel Existences- Moses a man that died 1000 years prior. Elijah a man that never died but left earth 600 years prior. Yeshua and Peter...etc.....all in the Presence (Beginning, Sustaining, Ending....or Alpha and Omega).... All existing at the same moment...but on different levels....universes.... realms... manifestations.
https://phys.org/news/2015-06-strange-behavior-quantum-particles-parallel.html
Peace Love and Soul Train 🚂
Rev. J
That is truly a mystery 😂
I think religion plays very important role whatever we do professionally and personally too. In research faith is very important whatever the study we are working on. I remember one quote of Albert Einstein that science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind. Have faith nothing lasts long even COVID 19.
Professor Ahmad, it really makes sense. Researchers have to "Believe" in their quest for answers, solutions and have "Faith" to blindly follow the instructions/directions of the Mind which leads to discovery.
Please be safe and careful...
Peace Love and Soul Train 🚂
Rev. J
For those who are interested, an online webinar will be held on May 27
The impact of COVID-19 on religious and faith communities
We will be joined by the following speakers:
- Katherine Marshall, Senior Fellow, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University, Executive Director, World Faiths Development Dialogue
- Victor Kazanjian, Executive Director, United Religions Initiative
- Patrice Brodeur, Professor, Institute of Religious Studies, University of Montreal & Senior Adviser, KAICIID
and moderator
Scherto Gill, Senior Research Fellow and Executive Secretary at the Guerrand-Hermès Foundation for Peace.
More information
https://doc-research.org/our-events/webinar-impact-covid-19-religious-faith-communities/
Registration:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1ZAlylBTSeyFSNkjqvnuDg
Have a read of this article to fathom the importance of religion during COVID-19 pandemic
Corona and clergy – The missing link for effective social distancing in Pakistan: Time for some unpopular decisions
https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(20)30283-6/fulltext
Covid-19 had a serious effect on all religious bodies across the world and were put in a situation never faced before but this saw a rise on social media platforms which were now being used as a platform to continue to spread their individual messages to their communities, the main question still stands what happens when it all ends as no one has ever been in this situation before and history cat teach us anything on it either.
Thanks for your question. There is no doubt that faith and religious beliefs affect different aspects of human life; But let me look at your question differently. Why do you think that Quaid 19 has a special particular that is influenced by faith and religious beliefs? What is the significant difference between God believers and non-believers in the effect of COVID-19? This disease, like other diseases, endangers human health and its treatment depends on the capacity of medical knowledge and technology. God's relation to COVID-19 is the same as God's relation to other diseases. As the Creator of the universe, God created the universe according to certain rules; What matters is how we deal with these rules. The prevalence of COVID-19 disease is not a sign of the failure of religion, although it can be a sign of the invalidation of superstitious beliefs. So, if we differentiate between true religious beliefs and superstitions, we can no longer take a special place in the faith and religious beliefs for COVID-19 disease.
"What is the significant difference between God believers and non-believers in the effect of COVID-19?"
covid-19 a virus/germ that causes INFLAMATION of lungs, heart....other organs so far.
1) Purity Rituals: Wudu...washing eyes, nostrils, mouth, hands, inside ear...etc
2) Purity Rituals: Fasting... remove toxins reduce Inflammation
3) Purity Rituals: Isolate everyone diseased from everyone pure
4) Purity Rituals: Ask God for Forgiveness and Cell Renewal after purification
Everyday...3x a day if not more.
PEACE LOVE & SOUL TRAIN
Rev. J
It's kinda ironic here in the US. 3 years ago people were complaining and protesting against "strict social laws (Sharia Law) and face covering (Burka)."
Now, American Governors with Congress have instituted "strict social laws that require face covering. And, states are restricting people from travelling from "hot spots" like Washington, California, New York and Louisiana. WOW
PEACE LOVE AND SOUL TRAIN
Rev. J
Dear all,
No-doubt, Its good debate. Every one and every religion is in revolt against this pandemic situation.
Dear Dr.Andrey Filippov,
After this, COVID-19 what about the education sector?
So here with I request you for debate on-
IMPACT OF COVID-19 on EDUCATION.
Dr. Umakant Chanshetti. (India).
Covid-19 threatens our common existence, and the response to this threat is a great unifying factor for all communities of faith. Religious leaders occupy positions of leadership in local communities. They could play a key role in mobilizing their respective communities in the response to the pandemic. Religious beliefs and observances provide important resources for coping with the adverse effects of the pandemic.
The spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in religious and ideological societies closed the places of worship in which religious rituals were practised, which had a profound impact on them, making them eager to reopen them again, and also led to the practice of some of these rituals at home and with their families, which led to the widespread practice of those rituals, making these societies are attached to religion and resort to their religion to seek protection from God. I believe that after this epidemic ends, these societies will become more attached to religion and more interested in practising their religion
El asunto religioso está asociado a la pregunta del Salmista ¿Quién es el hombre, para que te acuerdes de él?. Los seres humanos veníamos creyendo que las infotecnologías y las biotecnologías, como los algoritmos, las inteligencias artificiales y otros desarrollos de las ciencias dominarían el mundo, Y hoy, los parámetros de la ciencia incapaz de producir un antídoto de urgencia, el detenerse el ritmo de la economía mundial y de los grandes controles del capital nos conducen a preguntas profundas por lo que somos realmente como seres humanos: desnudos cubiertos de prepotencia y altanería...hasta llegar a querer suplantarse a sí mismos hablando de pos humanidad y ni se diga a Dios. Y Dios ¿donde esta? Allí, en el silencio sin ruidos de este desarme de la humanidad.
من أكثر البيئات التي تأثرت من هذا المرض هي البيئة الدينية، حيث أغلقت جميع دور العبادة للتقليل من انتشار هذا المرض، كون دور العبادة يكون فيها تقارب مما يسهل انتشار المرض.
Please check out my radio documentary on Black Pentecostals and the Pandemic -- see https://vimeo.com/414095431
it is a time to rethink about the religious process. a time to "clean" ourselves spiritually. It is time for religious bodies to unite, on a common ground as the pandemic has taught humanity that there is no difference among us; everyone is at risk.
Great questions.
Here's a very positive take.
https://www.sophiastreet.com/2020/05/15/hope-solidarity/
Working with another group to study COVID-19 and religious conflict.
Covid 19 has also impacted on families negatively. We have witnessed marital violence and separation during this period and unfortunately movement for the religious leaders for pastoral visitation was limited. So it became difficult to counsel couples and families on phone. we have also heard and witnessed cases of incest, male relatives in the homes have turned their nieces, fathers to their daughters and even between siblings. this is a sign of how we are on the red in terms of morals. Thirdly, the religious leaders provided paybills and other means for christians to continue paying their offerings, be it ten percent or gift offerings or any other. However, you will agree with me that very few christians have done that. but majority give excuse of the break of the Covid 19 pandemic. What does it tell us as religious leaders about our christians in terms of their giving towards God?
Dinlerin ayrıştırıcı söylemlerinden ziyade birleştirici unsurlarını ortaya çıkarmak gerekmektedir. Çatışma dilini bırakıp insan odaklı bir söyleme yönelmeli. Dünya herkese yetecek kadar zengin. yeter ki adaletli dağılım sağlayabilelim.
Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit for guidance of what to do, when to do, and how to do it. Then do the following:
Listen, and implement CDC guidelines for COVID 19.
Get the Mega Church program out of your way of worship until their is a cure, testing, tracking, and treatment.
Stop misinterpreting the bible and using the word of God to have large crowds come to the church just to get money. Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.
Use the social distancing that Christ used to quarantine himself to go to the mountain and wilderness away for the crowds to pray and recharge in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Have worship, prayer service, and bible study at home, and send communication of civic and church COVID services using the witty inventions of Proverbs Chapter 8 to interact with church membership in their home worship, prayer and bible study.
Use the Church building to distribute food, health mask, gloves, etc. through social distancing drive up programs to stay engaged with membership.
Religion is man's outward appearance to man that he has a relationship with God. However, faith is man's inward appearance to God that he has a relationship with God. Therefore, religion needs external structure to be viewed external. But, spirituality and faith are internal and individual between God and Man. The new normal has always been a normal relationship between God and Man. This is the answer to your 3rd question.
Wisdom is the answer to all your questions and God does not hold wisdom back from us to do his will. Therefore stay focus on the will of God, that all men be saved, and God will give you the wisdom for his purpose and will.
Pro 8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Pro 8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
Pro 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Pro 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
Pro 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
So, what are humans supposed to Bind Again?
The vertical and the horizontal....
Divinity with Humanity....the Divine Person.
The Ankh
The Cross
Religion is an internal process....a process of expansion and elevation.
Adding an example of a COVID 19 religious response: Since the mandated quarantines (March) and continuing year to date, we have use the YouTube link below to provide brief overview of the weekly International Sunday School lesson available to all denominations participating in this weekly study discipline. Please review all the lessons and subscribe to this link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_I32uenbWsEi__eOo5whNQ/
Also a weekly Bible 101 class using another denomination/church bible study program is shared on the same YouTube link.
Both Bible 101, and the International Sunday School lesson brief overviews are also shared live on Facebook on Sunday Mornings.
En líneas generales, puede decirse que los líderes e instituciones de las grandes religiones tradicionales (cristianismo, islam, budismo..) han respondido con responsabilidad ante la pandemia de COVID-19. Y lo han hecho a tres niveles: a) Cumpliendo las normativas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y de las autoridades sanitarias nacionales y cerrando los lugares de culto y oración, y los centros educativos religiosos. b) Mostrando solidaridad con los más desfavorecidos por la pandemia (a través de ayudas económicas, espirituales y psicológicas). c) En algunos casos, denunciando ante las autoridades la especial situación de vulnerabilidad e indefensión de determinados grupos (poblaciones indígenas, inmigrantes).
No obstante, algunos movimientos religiosos de corte fundamentalista han mostrado cierta irresponsabilidad, desoyendo las recomendaciones sanitarias de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y confiando ciegamente en sus líderes religiosos, lo que ha provocado muchos contagios.
Finalmente, sería interesante un estudio de cómo las creencias religiosas han ayudado (o no) a las personas a afrontar la difícil situación de confinamiento exigida por la pandemia.
In April this year, I wrote a piece on the changing business landscape of church and its institutions from a post-Covid India perspective. Hope this helps.
https://indiancatholicmatters.org/post-covid-19-the-changing-business-landscape-for-church-and-its-institutions/
Leaders and followers of the faith communities must now more than ever be opened to the will of God. They have to toss away the old agendas and be available for the souls sent to them from the Lord of the harvest. They have to present in their communities to go an compel them to come to Jesus!
Agreed sister Meech!
Also, washing at worship centers should be a policy. Read about purity laws in Hebrewism (Leviticus)... Islamic Law/Hadith...etc. Wuhdu rituals... will help slow the spread of Covid-19.
I have added washing my eyeballs and entrance into my ears as part of cleansing.. twice a day.
I think keeping social distances, regardless of the religious faith followed, makes the sense of "community" feel less. I think soon everything will return as before ..
Rev. Anthony T. Johnese
I was not sure which answer you were meaning; I could not find a response from Professor Khanghah and was unaware about Aloe Vera and Covid-19, but found some interesting reading, including this on ResearchGate:
Article Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F. as a Potential Anti-COVID-19 Plant: ...
There were no misunderstandings with the authorities who declared quarantine and a ban on visiting mosques and churches. Muslims and Chrestians performed their blessing prayers at home. Now that the ban has been lifted, everyone is happy that they have passed this stage and returned to their normal life. Regards,Sergey Viktorovich Pushkin
My sister, Mary Wilson...I was lead by GOD...to use Aloe Vera Plant as an inflammatory agent against Covid-19. I had no clue there were researchers testing its efficacy. That is an interesting article you have shared thank you!
The post was meant to suggest/advise to all on ResearchGate, to protect their immune system with Aloe Vera Plant as an elixir.
It followed this post on May 22, 2020
Rev. Anthony T. Johnese added a reply
May 22
"What is the significant difference between God believers and non-believers in the effect of COVID-19?"
covid-19 a virus/germ that causes INFLAMATION of lungs, heart....other organs so far.
1) Purity Rituals: Wudu...washing eyes, nostrils, mouth, hands, inside ear...etc
2) Purity Rituals: Fasting... remove toxins reduce Inflammation
3) Purity Rituals: Isolate everyone diseased from everyone pure
4) Purity Rituals: Ask God for Forgiveness and Cell Renewal after purification
Everyday...3x a day if not more.
PEACE LOVE & SOUL TRAIN
Rev. J
Please be safe and careful outside 🙏 everyone! Wear your mask 😷😷😷😷😷
During religious celebrations, it is important to respect all the rules of prevention of contagion! Otherwise, it can happen as in the Spanish flu: a variable number of deaths were religious..
Yes, there may be this type of impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus pandemic on faith, reflection on the role of man in the world, man's relationship with nature, etc. Such correlations have already been noticed during the pandemic development in many countries in April 2020. However, it is not easy to precisely examine the scope and level of impact of this type of correlation.
Best regards,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
Spirituality is a part of holistic living. But religious congregations are strongly dis recommended amidst the pandemic.
Thank you Andrey for sharing your thoughts on life after COVID-19 for religious and faith communities. I'm sharing a link to my write-up on Catholic institutions in India, it could also apply to others as well.
Post COVID-19: The Changing Business Landscape for Church and Its Institutions
https://indiancatholicmatters.org/post-covid-19-the-changing-business-landscape-for-church-and-its-institutions/
English link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MZW6J3H
Arabic link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZT3NXY
Portuguese link: https://pt.surveymonkey.com/r/XZCNFZC
French link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X6PT5DV
Spanish link: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/XZVW28K
Please click your preferred language link above
I humbly request your participation in an online survey that aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 PANDEMIC on the mental health and wellbeing of Adults. The research is based at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and led by Professor Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan. Your responses will help us make recommendations that may improve considerations for people’s wellness and well-being in this and future pandemics.
It will take about 8-10 minutes to complete the survey and data collected will be kept anonymously and confidentially in a secure setting.
Your participation would be highly appreciated.
Tonia.
I do not think the influence of religion on life would be lessened in the post-COVID world, rather there are possibilities of increased control of religion on life.
If you go through the Kerala Covid 19 cases, I think even if there are more than 1 lakh temples in Kerala, the priests who became covid positive is very rare. More over astrologers, ayurvedic physicians etc. have very little affected.
The rituals they followed is very true to eradicate the disease. Most of these person wake before sunrise, do all bathings before sunrise, food after bath only. When goes outside don't touch others and any places. When reach home all dress will be cleaned and took bath once again and then after take food.
Before more explanations, see astrological impacts on temples,
Astrologers predicts diseases related to head based on surya, Lord Siva is also based on surya. So In Siva temples you can see medicinal plants and flowers related to diseases of head and brain. Even dhaara is there.
Astrologers predict diseases related to poisson, worms etc with rahu, Sarpa (Snake) is also with rahu. So i Sarpakkavu (Temples worshippinf snakes) various medicines for curing poisson are used.
Similarly in any temples and grahas ( planets) there is a one to e relationship.
More over the treatment of ayurveda is based on astrological facts. The basis is panchabhuthas (five elements) , The bhutha ether is related to jupiter (Guru) and is affecting ear as it is related to sound. The bhutha air - gaseuous state - is related to saturn (Mandha) and is related to our skin as touching is the only mean to know presence of air. The bhutha fire (Agni) is related to Mars (Kuja) and is related to eye and vision as we can see it. Coming to the bhutha Water (Jala- liquid) and is related to Taste (Rasa) which is knowing by tongue. The planet corresponding to liquid state substances is venus. If we consider the solid state -earth- bhumi bhutha- it has smell also. This is experiencing by nose. The planet corresponding to this bhutha is Mercury.
Since covid -19 has a tendency to decrease taste and smell initially. this is the major cause of illness. It can be treated with medicines related to venus and mercury. More over the effect of virus increases when venus and mercury near to rahu in angular measurements.
Kerala Astrology uses venus to explain Ganapathy. So the foods related to ganapathi prayers can be used. Bermuda grass, Vizhalari, Ghee, Aval, Malar, Sur, Coconut Copra, Sasamum, dried ginger, gingelly, dried drapes, ela, milk, curd with ginger etc. may have medicinal effect to control teh disease.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_on_religion