Gabriel-Viorel GÂRDAN - Religious Defence Mechanisms during the First Pandemic in Human History

Gabriel-Viorel GÂRDAN

Fr. Prof. Dr. Habil. “Babeș-Bolyai” University of Cluj, Faculty of Orthodox Theology

Abstract:

In the present day pandemic context, we are revisiting the topic of “Justinian's Plague” with the conviction that the recourse to history in the endeavour to identify similar situations and, in particular, the effects that the pandemic manifestations of some disease that affected the society, is a necessary, useful step, providing a more insightful approach to the current situation. We set out to reiterate that religion provides defence mechanisms during a pandemic, therefore it is important to know, access and assume these mechanisms. The religious coping mechanisms are triggered by the search for the religious meaning of the events, while the associated actions are meant to prevent illness during the pandemic, to provide support to those who get sick and especially to those who have lost their loved ones, then to create the context suitable for repentance and return to devotion to God. Religious defence mechanisms facilitate the change of perspective on the event, on one’s self and even on religiosity itself. We also underlined that the proof of the spiritual maturity and religious commitment of a society is also given by the ability to discover the religious meaning of a pandemic.

Keywords:

pandemic, Justinian's Plague, coping mechanisms, narratives, religion

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