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Catholicism in the Time of Coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has been, for countless people around the world, a great and unexpected trial. But for Catholics, who were already struggling with the abuse crisis and a dramatic rise in disaffiliation, this trial is not only economic, social, or medical; it is spiritual. Plunged into a time of darkness and separated from the sacraments and their parish communities, the faithful are feeling isolated, disheartened, and uncertain about what the future holds.
This new book from Word on Fire Institute Fellow Dr. Stephen Bullivant is an insightful and encouraging analysis of the coronavirus, shedding light not only on the Church’s present moment or similar crises of the past but also on the immediate future. A former Oxford professor and expert in Catholic disaffiliation, Dr. Bullivant looks at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Church from both the spiritual and secular perspectives, weaving in his own personal reflections as a Catholic convert and a husband and father. It is a unique roadmap for this challenging time, one that will help to bring clarity, focus, and energy to Catholics everywhere.
This new book from Word on Fire Institute Fellow Dr. Stephen Bullivant is an insightful and encouraging analysis of the coronavirus, shedding light not only on the Church’s present moment or similar crises of the past but also on the immediate future. A former Oxford professor and expert in Catholic disaffiliation, Dr. Bullivant looks at the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Church from both the spiritual and secular perspectives, weaving in his own personal reflections as a Catholic convert and a husband and father. It is a unique roadmap for this challenging time, one that will help to bring clarity, focus, and energy to Catholics everywhere.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
216 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Bullivant
24 books21 followersStephen Bullivant is Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics in the School of Education, Theology and Leadership. He joined St Mary's in September 2009, after completing his DPhil at Oxford University on the Second Vatican Council's engagement with atheism. In June 2010, he was awarded the Catholic Theological Society of America's 'Catherine Mowry LaCugna Award for New Scholars'.
He is currently Programme Director for the MA in Theology, for which he teaches the 'Scripture and Systematic Theology', 'Themes in Contemporary Theology', and 'Research and Reflective Practice' modules. On the BA Theology and Religious Studies, Stephen teaches both historical and doctrinal topics (inc. 'Foundations in Christian Theology', 'Trinity', 'Vatican II') and religious studies modules ('Atheism and Nonreligion'). He also teaches 'Christ and Christian Ethics' as part of St Mary's well-established foundation course in Youth Ministry.
In addition to his ongoing theological work on - inter alia - the Christian engagement with unbelief, new evangelization, dialogue, and aspects of Catholic Social Teaching, Stephen publishes regularly on the social-scientific study of unbelief and secularity. From 2008 to 2014 he was a co-director of the international Nonreligion and Secularity Research Network. Between 2011 and 2014 he was a committee member of the European Society for Catholic Theology, serving as its delegate to the International Network of Societies for Catholic Theology.
A popular speaker and writer, Stephen has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and Vatican Radio, and has written for (among others) New Scientist, The Guardian, America, and Strange Notions. He has also given invited talks and lectures in the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, Brazil, the Philippines, and the USA.
He is currently Programme Director for the MA in Theology, for which he teaches the 'Scripture and Systematic Theology', 'Themes in Contemporary Theology', and 'Research and Reflective Practice' modules. On the BA Theology and Religious Studies, Stephen teaches both historical and doctrinal topics (inc. 'Foundations in Christian Theology', 'Trinity', 'Vatican II') and religious studies modules ('Atheism and Nonreligion'). He also teaches 'Christ and Christian Ethics' as part of St Mary's well-established foundation course in Youth Ministry.
In addition to his ongoing theological work on - inter alia - the Christian engagement with unbelief, new evangelization, dialogue, and aspects of Catholic Social Teaching, Stephen publishes regularly on the social-scientific study of unbelief and secularity. From 2008 to 2014 he was a co-director of the international Nonreligion and Secularity Research Network. Between 2011 and 2014 he was a committee member of the European Society for Catholic Theology, serving as its delegate to the International Network of Societies for Catholic Theology.
A popular speaker and writer, Stephen has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and Vatican Radio, and has written for (among others) New Scientist, The Guardian, America, and Strange Notions. He has also given invited talks and lectures in the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, Brazil, the Philippines, and the USA.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 6, 2021
A brief volume, but the discussions about the Church's responses to various historical pandemics was fascinating.
January 6, 2021
Very inspiring!
I chose to get this book to look back on the year that was. This has been a book full of hope. I may come from a country that has a very strong Catholic presence, but like the rest of the Church in other countries, we are also experiencing a diminishing of the faith, too. The author’s approach is also quite positive, in the sense that there is still a future to look forward to. The Church will inevitably grow because of this crisis. We just have to grab the opportunity to make the best of what we have now. And yes, prayer is all the more important. It’s good that the author also included the English translation of the Pope’s message during his Urbi et Orbi message. Very moving!
I chose to get this book to look back on the year that was. This has been a book full of hope. I may come from a country that has a very strong Catholic presence, but like the rest of the Church in other countries, we are also experiencing a diminishing of the faith, too. The author’s approach is also quite positive, in the sense that there is still a future to look forward to. The Church will inevitably grow because of this crisis. We just have to grab the opportunity to make the best of what we have now. And yes, prayer is all the more important. It’s good that the author also included the English translation of the Pope’s message during his Urbi et Orbi message. Very moving!
June 9, 2020
Catholicism in the time of Coronavirus is well written with fascinating comparisons to history and insights of our beloved saints.
It's tempting to be a bit demoralized by some of the facts, but a beautiful secret of the Catholic faith is hope.
Frankly, I hadn't considered viewing the Latin Mass of my childhood online, nor any of the other Catholic rite masses. It is now on my agenda, beyond mass with my parish. I have my 1959 St. Joseph's Missal sitting next to me.
It's tempting to be a bit demoralized by some of the facts, but a beautiful secret of the Catholic faith is hope.
Frankly, I hadn't considered viewing the Latin Mass of my childhood online, nor any of the other Catholic rite masses. It is now on my agenda, beyond mass with my parish. I have my 1959 St. Joseph's Missal sitting next to me.
"Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.” - Pope Benedict
June 7, 2020
A short read, rich in references to the Church's historic responses to plagues, with plenty to consider as the faithful reckon with the effects of the modern plague of Coronavirus on Mass attendance and other facets of Catholic life. Dr. Brilliant offers realistic, practical ways in which the New Evangelization can respond to the "nones," as well as ways in which parishes can minister to their members now and once all restrictions are lifted.
July 15, 2020
The motto for the author's work is “academically rigorous and pastorally useful." And this book serves that motto well in its analysis of today's environment. Stephen starts out with a brief history lesson of Catholicism's response to pandemics, and moves on to the rare and unique challenges we are facing in this time. I found it to be spiritually engaging, data driven, and insightful.
The best part is, it is free through digital distribution.
The best part is, it is free through digital distribution.
June 26, 2020
Una lectura necesaria!
Cuál debe ser la manera del católico de afrontar esta pandemia y conocer del magnífico ejemplo que nos dejó San Carlos Borromeo, arzobispo de Milán durante la peste de 1575.
Cuál debe ser la manera del católico de afrontar esta pandemia y conocer del magnífico ejemplo que nos dejó San Carlos Borromeo, arzobispo de Milán durante la peste de 1575.
March 8, 2021
Interesting
Good insight into comparisons of now and in the past in handling the issues. Some ideas, I feel from the past could have been implemented today to encourage and support the parishioners of some places
Good insight into comparisons of now and in the past in handling the issues. Some ideas, I feel from the past could have been implemented today to encourage and support the parishioners of some places
June 16, 2021
Provides some good insights
The book provides very good insights into what we need to do in times of upheaval in our lives. While the book is focused on the pandemic it provides good direction to anyone facing major disruptions in their lives at any time.
The book provides very good insights into what we need to do in times of upheaval in our lives. While the book is focused on the pandemic it provides good direction to anyone facing major disruptions in their lives at any time.
June 25, 2020
Very informative
July 11, 2020
Nice summary of the challenges the church faces during COVID-19. Quick read.
May 30, 2020
I thought it was very concise and got to the point nicely. I especially liked the comparison between Ancient Rome and middle aged Italy and today. It helped out things in perspective. I also loved the way the things were explained and presented in such a way that it was almost flawless.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews