Faith in the Times of COVID-19: Integrating Religion in the Fight against COVID-19 in Tanzania
Faith in the Times of COVID-19: Integrating Religion in the Fight against COVID-19 in Tanzania
Author(s): Thomas J. Ndaluka, Magolanga Shagembe, Jonas Kinanda, Vendelin SimonSubject(s): Customs / Folklore, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Culture and social structure , Health and medicine and law, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Eesti Kirjandusmuuseum
Keywords: COVID–19; de-secularization; faith; religious gathering;
Summary/Abstract: When and where a crisis such as a pandemic arises, people turn to religion in pursuit/search of comfort, justifications, and explanations. This article describes the role of religion in Tanzania in the times of COVID-19. The data collected through a questionnaire from 258 participants asserts that COVID-19 increased the intensity level of religiosity in Tanzania. This was seen in peoples’ participation in religious activities, i.e., religious gatherings, frequent prayers, and other religious practices. This article has established that the process of de-secularization was strong, and religion became a provider of hope, unity, solace, and socialization. Moreover, COVID-19 has also facilitated the convergence of different religions and thus ecumenism and pluralism of faiths have been strengthened in the country.
Journal: Folklore: Electronic Journal of Folklore
- Issue Year: 2021
- Issue No: 82
- Page Range: 117-134
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English