Pandemic, Ecology and Theology: Perspectives on COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed human creativity, nature, resilience, and social inequities. It is an opportunity to address deep structural, ecological, and social challenges, and requires collective engagement with ecology and theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has presented a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has unfolded over time. Initially perceived as a health emergency, it has revealed itself to be a multifaceted issue encompassing human creativity, the significance of nature, and the resilience of communities. It has also exposed deep social inequalities, conceptual inadequacies, and structural deficiencies in our civilization and knowledge organization.

As the crisis progresses, it remains to be seen whether it will be embraced as an opportunity to address the profound structural, ecological, and social challenges that we have brought into the second decade of the new millennium. This volume seeks to explore the collective belief that the pandemic is not merely a problem to be managed but rather a moment to consider our fractured relationship with the natural world and our alienation from a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

The contributors to this volume, while offering diverse diagnoses and recommendations, share a common belief that this moment of transformation should not be wasted. They also concur that any reorientation towards a more sustainable and meaningful future must involve a collective engagement with ecology and theology.

In the first section, the contributors examine the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to our current ecological crisis. They explore how our modern lifestyles, consumerist culture, and exploitative practices have led to the degradation of the natural world and the loss of biodiversity. They also highlight the role of religious and spiritual beliefs in shaping our relationship with the environment and the need for a more holistic and interconnected perspective.

The second section focuses on the ecological implications of the pandemic. The contributors discuss the impact of human activities on the environment, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. They explore how the pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices to protect and restore them. They also emphasize the role of individual actions and collective efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.

The third section explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of the pandemic. The contributors discuss the role of faith and religion in responding to crises and the need for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. They explore how religious traditions and practices can provide guidance and solace during times of uncertainty and stress. They also emphasize the importance of promoting a sense of spiritual resilience and interconnectedness in our communities.

In the final section, the contributors offer recommendations for promoting a sustainable and meaningful future. They suggest that we need to shift our focus from short-term economic gains to long-term ecological sustainability. They advocate for policies that promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural resources. They also emphasize the importance of education, awareness, and social mobilization in driving change and building a more sustainable and just society.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with a unique opportunity to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world and our place in the world. This volume seeks to explore the multifaceted aspects of the pandemic and offer recommendations for promoting a sustainable and meaningful future. By engaging with ecology and theology, we can build a more resilient and sustainable world that is equitable and just for all.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367615840