The Theology of Pandemic #4 - Apocalypse

The Theology of Pandemic #4

Apocalypse

I watched a lot of Scooby-Doo after school when I was a kid. There was always a moment toward the end of each episode where the mystery was solved and the villain revealed. More often than not in those reveal scenes a mask was pulled off the head of the bad guy. As we experience this moment in time a revealing is also taking place.

The word apocalypse could be used to describe the time we are living in. Most often when the word apocalypse is used images of the end of the world or some other catastrophic event comes to mind. So in that sense the word is fitting in our present global crisis. However, I think there is an older definition that proves helpful at this time as well. Apocalypse can also mean a revealing or revelation. Just like in those old Scooby-Doo episodes, an apocalypse can unmask and show us what is going on.

In this apocalyptic moment it is important to think about what is being revealed on a number of levels - Global, national, local, personal.

On the global level some things are being revealed. We can see societal differences in how counties respond to the crisis. The interconnection of all living things sharing the planet is being uncovered. The disparity between those who have secure housing and those that don't is being seen on a huge scale. The disparity between developed and developing countries is coming into sharp focus.

On the national level, leadership (or the lack there of) has a light shined on it. The priorities of different sectors surface. The rather unsexy trio of vigilance, preparedness, and planning move to center stage.

The large scale revelations are something to be considered, but it is the local and the personal that interest me most. Maybe it is my affinity for Practical Theology, which is "always local, concrete and specific" (Müller 2004:296). It is the local and personal where each of us experience this pandemic.

In the local we see the vulnerability of our neighbors revealed. In the local we see what matters to us as our groups cease to meet, our work moves to home, and our favorite businesses shutter. In the local we see exposed who has a home to go to and who does not. In the local we think about the supply chain. The local is where this all hits home.
One more layer down the apocalypse arrives in our personal space. It shows up in what is being revealed in our bodies, our minds, and our souls. In our bodies we carry tension locked in our tightened jaws and stiff shoulders. In our minds a thousand wonderings and worries keep us up at night or distract us all day long. In our souls, there are questions some so deep they are without words.

"In your heart
That's the place
Where you must answer the phone" *

That song lyric from Vigilante of Love tells us the personal truth of this apocalypse. What is being revealed in our hearts? What thing is the pandemic revealing in you?

If we are to create a Theology of Pandemic it must include the prayer offered by the writer of the Psalms:

"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts."

This searching must encompass the global, national, local and personal, but especially the personal. This must be taken seriously so that whatever is hidden can be disclosed, and whatever is concealed can be brought into the open (Mark 4:22).

In this apocalypse may we be open to all that is revealed in our world, our nation, our local communities and in us.

Joel K

D.V.

For more thoughts on apocalypse check out Joel Aguilar's blog post "Apocalyptic Pandemic?" here.

Works Cited:

* = "It's not Bothering Me" by Vigilantes of Love

Müller, J., 2004, ‘HIV/AIDS, narrative practical theology, and postfoundationalism: The emergence of a new story’, HTS Theological Studies 60(1-2), a516, 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v60i1/2.516