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As humanity faces one of the deadliest pandemics in history, panic is emerging as another symptom of the virus. Extremely stressful situations such as lockdowns and social distancing, the endless barrage of rumors and information overload on social media, and the emergence of fervent prophesying in religious circles have all added to our collective social panic.
Social panic is that “sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behaviour.” The sensation of fear is so strong that it prevents reason and logical thinking, replacing them with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, which may be further directed towards the status quo. That is, panicking citizens direct their negative feelings toward agencies they deem accountable for their hapless situation.
Covid-19 has seen citizens around the world call their governments to take serious action without delay. In this context, governments will only be able to take social control by transforming their words into action. Governments cannot encourage its citizens to cooperate unless they have first won their trust. To win this trust, officials must exhibit honesty, discipline, and service towards humanity, and must also prove their competence in managing institutions such as hospitals, police departments, and public health agencies.
As we complete a month of lockdown in Nagaland, overcoming social panic remains to be a formidable challenge. Social media contributors seem to offer more disinformation than rational answers. Coupled with this, anger, defeatism, and unhealthy criticism are the themes of the day. In many cases, we are already behaving as if the entire state is infected with Covid-19, and that the entire land has no hope!
As citizens, let us remain calm and sensible. Let us listen and continue to practice what the medical experts are saying: practice social distancing; wash your hands frequently; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; wear a face mask; and, rely on authentic news sources.
It is a discipline to practice the lockdown, but this period can be productive and creative. Read and write. Sing and write songs. Tell stories to your children. Spend quality time with your family. The list can go on. Above all else, draw close to God and pray. Let your faith guide you. We can learn precious lessons in our darkest times. Be assured God will not forget or forsake us.
In some manner, all of us are so overwhelmed with Covid-19 that we may be losing perspective on how to cooperate and empower one another. The battle against Covid-19 will take a united effort. During the past weeks, our villages and colonies have shown a great capacity for the safe keeping and guarding of its inhabitants. Without resources—mainly with a sense of responsibility—village, colony, and youth leaders and volunteers have shown that they can be counted on to look out for the common good.
In such a moment, we urgently require that our top-level leaders continue to provide consistent and coordinated guidance to our localities. Similarly, we urge administrators to be guided by ethics and transparency, and we encourage our bureaucrats to come up with out-of-the-box solutions to produce real results. It is now or never!
For many, the word “quarantine” is perceived with contempt. In simple terms, to quarantine is to use precaution for self and others. Everyday common sense informs us that one doesn’t eat with unwashed hands or touch dirty wastes. We cover our mouth when something is unpleasant. In many ways, our daily actions are based on self-quarantining.
In the case of Covid-19, quarantine requires strict vigilance and discipline. Due to the virulent nature of the virus, all of us are required to remain fully conscious of self and others. To be under quarantine does not mean that one is infected with Covid-19. Quarantine is a much-needed safety measure in the case of Covid-19. Let us not show our ignorant nature by branding all those under quarantine to be outcasts. This must stop immediately. In particular, government agencies and our churches must disseminate proper information.
We need to understand that quarantine must take place under strict lockdown for two weeks or even longer, during which time, the person under quarantine must maintain strict social distance. In this, family members must also understand and remain supportive.
Currently, from within and without, all kinds of religious prophecies are in circulation among our people. My intention is not to get into a detailed study of prophecy as much as to point out the danger of extra-Biblical prophesies. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12: 6; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11). As such this gift cannot be undermined. However, prophecies that are a product of one’s imagination and intuition are fallacy. Let us admit that in our case, many so-called prophecies have been full of errors. It is also faulty Christian understanding to regard prophecy as more important than the Bible, as some do. Sadly, some Christians have used prophesiers as “fortune tellers,” whether for moral boosting or temporary relief from anxiety.
Nevertheless, Paul is emphatic about the importance of prophecy for “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” of women and men in the church (1 Corinthians 14: 3). From Paul’s point of view, every Christian ought to note and accept prophecy in the church.
To a panicking community, prophecies become another element of fear. It is like watching a horror movie—there is fear, but one enjoys watching with covered ears. There is certain sadistic pleasure!
Gospel of love in Christ is unconditional and therefore Christians must avoid psychological manipulation of inciting fear to change one’s spiritual state. Many more will be enduring if the love of God in Christ is preached to women and men, rather than fear, which is not the gospel of Christ. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4: 18).
In summing up, much needs to change immediately. Let us not look for trouble—which will only reinforce our dark worldview. The idea that everything is flawed and doomed arises out of cynicism. I believe that together in cooperation we can win this situation. We can learn a small lesson from children in a remote corner of Nagaland whose prayer song goes, “Please don’t let coronavirus enter Nagaland.”
There is much to be thankful and proud about: the various communities working hard to keep our colonies, villages, towns, and cities safe. The different religious, tribal, and NGO groups feeding migrant workers and economically disadvantaged individual of our society. Our church leaders and members that faithfully pray everyday. Our government agencies securing needed gear and supplies. Our health professionals—doctors, nurses, and hospital workers—who are in the frontline of battling this virus. We thank God and pray for each and every one of you.
Finally may I say this prayer of Paul for all of you who are troubled and anxious: May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Wati Aier
Emeritus Professor of Constructive Theology and Philosophy
Oriental Theological Seminary
Bade, Dimapur, Nagaland