The aesthetics of Covid-19 within the pandemic of the corona crisis. From loss and grief to silence and simplicity : a philosophical and pastoral approach
Date
2020
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Abstract
Within the corona-crisis, the core question to be posed is: What is the impact of Covid-19 on
paradigms applied to interpret the pandemic; i.e. on the spiritual realm of meaning-giving, hoping
and pastoal caregiving? How does it affect the realm of habitus and religious convictions, specifically
where pastoral caregivers become involved? Information technology and the social media, for
example, WhatsApp and News Bulletins, focus predominantly on information and prevention
measurements. With reference to the human quest for wholeness in healing and helping, existing
paradigms are critically analyzed. Three soulful movements are proposed, namely, from loneliness to
solitude; from loss and grief to silence and contemplation; from the ugliness of the pandemic to the
beauty of the virus. It is argued that instead of an ethical approach, an aesthetic approach can
become most helpful in the reframing of the pandemic. The beautification of the virus is about the
challenge to grow and revisit the meaning dimension of life and the value of compassion. In this
regard, the God-image of divine companionship as framed by the ugliness of a ‘suffering God’ is
discussed within the parameters of the praxis of hope care in pastoral ministry.
Description
CITATION: Louw, D. J. 2020. The aesthetics of Covid-19 within the pandemic of the corona crisis. From loss and grief to silence and simplicity : a philosophical and pastoral approach. Communitas.
The original publication is available at https://communitas.co.za
The original publication is available at https://communitas.co.za
Keywords
COVID-19 (Disease), Coronaviruses, Pastoral counseling, Pastoral care
Citation
CITATION: Louw, D. J. 2020. The aesthetics of Covid-19 within the pandemic of the corona crisis. From loss and grief to silence and simplicity : a philosophical and pastoral approach. Communitas.