COVID-19: tentação e responsabilidade | COVID-19: temptation and responsibility

Resumo

Com base em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, este ensaio reflete sobre a importância de uma postura, reflexão e ação responsáveis da igreja luterana em meio à pandemia do COVID-19, diante de posturas religiosas que, irresponsavelmente, negam a seriedade da situação e descartam resultados de pesquisas científicas e as recomendações de comportamento delas decorrentes. Recorrendo a Viktor Frankl e Martin Lutero, discorre sobre a tentação de Deus implicada nestas posturas, já presentes na época da Reforma protestante, e defende, com Dietrich Bonhoeffer, que o lugar da igreja é no centro da realidade, em diálogo, solidariedade e cuidado. Enquanto precisam fechar as portas dos tempos, não devem fechar-se à sua missão.

Abstract

Based on bibliographical and documentary research, this essay reflects on the importance of a responsible attitude, reflection and action of the Lutheran church in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, confronting religious attitudes that, irresponsibly, deny the seriousness of the situation and dismiss results of scientific research and the recommendations for adequate behaviour stemming from them. With reference to Viktor Frankl and Martin Luther, the article promotes a discourse on tempting God implied in such attitudes, already present during the Protestant Reformation, and defends, with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that the church’s place is in the centre of reality, in dialogue, solidarity and care. While churches need to close their temple’s doors, they must not retreat from their mission.

Abstract

Based on bibliographical and documentary research, this essay reflects on the importance of a responsible attitude, reflection and action of the Lutheran church in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, confronting religious attitudes that, irresponsibly, deny the seriousness of the situation and dismiss results of scientific research and the recommendations for adequate behaviour stemming from them. With reference to Viktor Frankl and Martin Luther, the article promotes a discourse on tempting God implied in such attitudes, already present during the Protestant Reformation, and defends, with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that the church’s place is in the centre of reality, in dialogue, solidarity and care. While churches need to close their temple’s doors, they must not retreat from their mission.