Early Christian Beliefs and Responses to Epidemics
Keywords:
Early Christianity and plagues, Plague of Cyprian, Plague of Galen, The Christian response to plaguesAbstract
This paper looks at how the early Christian Church dealt with severe pandemics in its own time. Topics discussed will include a brief description of the two significant plagues they endured, how Christian beliefs were similar and different from the surrounding world, Christians' theological and practical views on health care, and possible outcomes of the response. The paper also gives some possible lessons which the modern church and the modern world could consider from their experience related to the current pandemic.
Käesolev töö vaatleb, kuidas varakirik toimis raskete epideemiate ajal. Arutluse alla tulevad teemad hõlmavad kahe suurema epideemia lühikirjeldust, analüüsi mille poolest kristlikud arusaamad sarnanesid või erinesid ümbritseva ühiskonna omadest, kristlaste teoloogilised ja praktilised vaated tervishoiule, ja kiriku käitumise võimalik mõju tollasele ühiskonnale. Viimaks antakse mõningad viited sellele, mida kasulikku tänapäeva kirik ja ühiskond võiksid varakiriku kogemustest õppida praeguse koroonapandeemia kontekstis.
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