Another Kind of Death

It is almost five months since we faced our new public enemy - corona virus - small creature much more powerful than any person in this world. This small cell didn't make itself so powerful by its own work, but rather it mutated in the friendly environment. We can go much deeper into the biological conditions of this mutation but it is not necessary.

I am using this virus as an example to show how something so small can humiliate all human power. We very often think that the biggest danger is to die but there are other effects that can be more deadly than death itself.

We developed a system that is supposed to protect us from getting infected or from infecting others. It is very basic: wear a mask, wash hands, keep social distance, disinfect your hands, etc. All of these elements should reduce the risk of getting sick. Does it work? I do not have the answer and I am not looking for it right now. What worries me more is what the side effects of all those steps will be. I am thinking about the social and spiritual side effects.

If you ever have a chance to go to Lincoln in the United Kingdom, I recommend you visit the prison that is near by the cathedral. In one of the rooms you will see a chapel where all the prisoners gather for Sunday worship. To avoid any problems, the seats for the prisoners are separated in such a way that they can't see each other. The only chance to see another person is when they are moving back to their room. Being separated for a long time without any interactions, many prisoners got sick. Bad living conditions and lack of being with other people sometimes caused death. It was very sad to realize how simple it was to eliminate criminals.

I am not saying that this is happening now. My concern is that after a few more months it is possible that the rate of suicides will grow rapidly, that people will lose the will to get better or even to be cured from their illnesses. I am thinking about our teens, how they will interact with others after the atmosphere of fear and lack of trust. I am worried about people as a pastor. How many people will lose their faith, will get lost spiritually, will lose hope?

This small virus will not just kill people's bodies. It can kill people's spirits too.