COVID-19: ETHICAL CHALLENGES
Keywords:
Covid-19, Democracy, Family, Healthcare Crisis, Migrants, Online Classes, Poverty, Social Distancing, Theology of Suffering, Untouchability, WomenAbstract
COVID-19 has resulted in a global healthcare crisis. Besides, it has led to multiple crises—religious, pastoral, ethical, social, political, economic, etc. Research on Covid-19, especially research on vaccines, also has raised many ethical questions. This paper discusses various ethical challenges posed by Covid-19.
People belonging to all strata have been affected by Covid-19. However, the poor, the migrants and people working in the unorganised sectors have suffered the most. Covid-19 has its impact on the family as well. Many were happy to get the opportunity to spend more time together at home. At the same time, for many it has been a time of financial crisis. Covid-19 has also led to conflicts and quarrels among family members, depression, and in some cases even suicides. There have been also reports of increased domestic violence, and abuse of women and children. There are also indications of increased number of incest and sexual abuse of children, besides various forms of physical violence on them. Covid-19 has exposed lack of leadership in the world. As many experts have pointed out, one of the chief victims of COVID-19 may be democracy. Besides, community life has been severely affected by Covid-19. Covid-19 poses many challenges to theology: We need to develop a theology that makes lay people more mature and independent in their spiritual life. A Family-centred, People-centred theology and spirituality have to be developed. Theology of Suffering, Theology of Hope, etc. is to be given greater attention.
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