A Hopeful Perspective

 The covid-19 pandemic has changed so many aspects of our lives together: social, technological, medical, and spiritual. And it has brought an extra dose of death to our public consciousness. We must always lament death and allow it to drive us toward reflection on our purpose and practices in this world. But presently it seems we also suffer an extra dose of anxiety and panic.

We hear much rhetoric that the present pandemic is the "worst" in all ways. We like to use superlatives, perhaps to get each other's attention, but saying something is the "---est" introduces a logical problem: One must then compare that thing to all others that have come before. So if we are going to hear statements about the present pandemic being the "worst" or the "most lethal" or and other "---est," let's practice setting it up against another historical plague.

The bubonic plague (aka the Black Plague, the Black Death, etc) struck the world about 700 years ago. The germ theory of disease (the understanding that microscopic organisms caused disease) would not dawn on the world for another 400 years, so no one knew that a bacterium spread by fleas and rats caused the disease. Antibiotics would not be conceived or invented for another 500 years, so there was no medical (in our understanding of the term) treatment for it. A "scientific method" which would allow people to examine cases of the plague and figure out by experience the best ways to mitigate its effects, was also at least four centuries away.

The Black Death killed between 45 and 60% of the population of Europe. Read that again: between 45 and 60% of the population died of something it did not understand, didn't know how to prevent, and could not treat. The world lived and died at the mercy of the disease.

Today we face a life-threatening virus. But we have the tools of science, the understanding of viral pathology, the biochemistry of vaccine creation, and a vast array of medical technologies. Let's balance our respect for the dangers of covid-19 with reason, gratitude, and respect for the capabilities at our disposal.

We will never come to a time when we will be able to ignore death. Facing disease and death is a task not for science but for faith--if you'd like to know more about my journey in that direction, look me up. I'd love to talk. In the meantime, let's keep a hopeful perspective.

Knowing that masks slow down the transmission of microscopic viruses is a blessing. Having vaccines is a blessing. Having access to medical care that can treat respiratory infection is a blessing. Having digital communications to mitigate isolation is a blessing. These were not always so. Be thankful for them.

And continue to thank God for those who further the advancement of science and medicine: medical professionals, scientists, and the funding that makes their work possible. They are all great blessings.

Pray for those who suffer disproportionately from the pandemic: the poor, people of color in the United States, and countries with less money and less-developed scientific communities and infrastructure. Advocate for ensuring that they are given access to better treatment and vaccinations. As Christ has ensured that we have access to the fullness of God's reign after death, we are called to bring the fullness of God's power and love to this world. Part of that task is seeking to heal and reduce suffering wherever possible. The present pandemic provides an opportunity to do so again.

Let no opportunity pass by to bring hope, peace, joy and love in greater measure.

~ emrys tyler