Understanding the Covid-19 Pandemic from Public Health and Biblical Perspectives

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the physical, social, economic, political, and spiritual life and well-being of individuals, communities, institutions, and systems. The disruptive effects of this global crisis call for a deeper reflection and understanding of both the public health and biblical perspectives on pandemics to guide future physical, social, economic, political, and mental responses to future pandemics. This article utilizes basic epidemiological questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how, and explores their interactions with the CELEBRATIONS principles of Choice, Exercise, Liquid, Environment, Belief, Rest, Air, Temperance, Integrity, Optimism, Nutrition, Social Support, and Services. By exploring the nexus between these two perspectives, the authors propose unique biblical concepts that contribute to understanding the COVID-19 pandemic and go beyond the public health perspective.