While the virus spreads, many people's lives come to a standstill. That raises big questions. Where can we turn to with our uncertainty? According to ethnologist Peter Jan Margry, we must realize that we cannot keep everything under control.
The coronavirus inevitably confronts us with existential questions. Far-reaching measures by the government are disrupting our daily routines and uncertainty sets in. How do we deal with this and where do we find something to hold on to now that many people no longer believe in a supernatural God?
Historian and ethnologist Peter Jan Margry is affiliated with the Meertens Institute and conducts research into new religious movements in an increasingly secular society. He was in Italy last week, where the government previously decided to shut down public life. “When I came back to the Netherlands, people were still laughing about it. But in two days you can see that the general attitude in our society has completely changed.”
We didn't see it coming that the virus would have such an impact on our society?
“I think it's a total surprise, especially for young people. We live in a highly developed, malleable society in which a lot is possible. Younger generations, in particular, have never had to deal with major issues. Well on an individual level, but not with something that just out of nowhere, elusive, uncontrollable and invisible – at least, in its viral form – can paralyze and paralyze a society.”
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“That makes you think. How am I in that society? What's in my hands? Will I survive? We thought we could control life, but now we're faced with an epidemic that you can't control and you can't shut off from. That arouses feelings of fear.”
“Some people then turn to the supernatural, the religious, to channel or manage the tensions or existential anxieties that arise. Even now more people may want to go to a church, but they are all closed. Suddenly you can't go there anymore."
Isn't it wise to get together now?
“That's the paradox. From our rational, modernist perspective, there are good reasons to avoid contact. Our modern society gives little space to faith and the supernatural. But for some people that doesn't make much sense.”
“When an epidemic broke out in the past, people would go to pilgrimage places because they hoped they could call for protection there. Even now, people may want to go to a Marian shrine to protect their families. But that is almost impossible.”
Where are people looking for guidance?
“People remain social animals that seek support in a period of stress and crisis, so it is obvious that collective initiatives arise. You see that happening in society. People are singing and clapping in the street, they are helpful to vulnerable groups. There is also a kind of connection, a solidarity. We try to support each other as best we can.”
This article was published on the Day of National Prayer. Churches across the country rang the bells en masse between 7:00 PM and 7:15 PM to encourage everyone affected by the coronavirus.
Can we still deal with uncertainty?
“That will now have to become apparent. If the hospitals can no longer handle it, it will be exciting. For a long time we thought that the world was malleable. Now we realize that we cannot always control the world and that nature can overrule culture. It is important to experience that too. That seems to me to be a relevant side effect of the corona crisis. We need to understand that there are processes going on that are beyond human control.”
Should we just accept the virus then?
“Not if by that you mean that we just have to accept it. We are inquiring beings and we will try to deal with it as best we can. We are diligently looking for new vaccines and we try to help each other as best we can. I think that's a good thing, of course. But the virus does make us realize that you can't control everything. We will have to learn to deal with that. Until there is a vaccine, we cannot escape it.”