Across Africa, COVID-19 Heightens Tension Between Faith and Science

Authors

Amanda Lichtenstein, Global Voices
Rosemary Ajayi, Digital Africa Research Lab
Nwachukwu Egbunike, Feathers Project

Document Type

Web Page

Publication Date

3-27-2020

Capture Date

5-23-2020

URL

https://globalvoices.org/2020/03/25/across-africa-covid-19-heightens-tension-between-faith-and-science/

Abstract

The Coronavirus is spreading throughout the continent of Africa, which has led to many countries and their governments putting in place social distancing practices, closing schools, and enacting travel bans. Contact tracing has also been used by many governments. Despite the efforts being made, many government and religious leaders are struggling with closing churches and mosques. Some governments have closed places of worship while others have left them open. Many religious leaders have complied with government regulations and policies, however, some religious leaders have spread religious ideology and doctrine supporting the notion that faith or belief will protect one from the virus. Religion is particularly important in the countries of Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, which is where much of the issues around non-compliance to government regulations are occurring.

Comments

Archived Link

WMU ScholarWorks Citation

Lichtenstein, Amanda; Ajayi, Rosemary; and Egbunike, Nwachukwu, "Across Africa, COVID-19 Heightens Tension Between Faith and Science" (2020). Pandemic Response and Religion in the USA: Doctrine. 1.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/religion-pandemic-doctrine/1