RT Article
T1 Reading Hebrews in a Time of Pandemic: Heroism and Hope in the Face of Fear
JF The expository times
VO 131
IS 11
SP 471
OP 479
A1 Lincoln, Andrew T. 1944-
LA English
PB Sage
YR 2020
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1727410467
AB Despite its well-known difficulties, the epistle to the Hebrews offers resources for reflection in a time of pandemic. Covid-19 has, in its own way, exposed how the existential fear of death can be crippling in its dominance and yet also provoke heroic actions. In the midst of its catastrophic effects for individuals and societies there has also been a demand for some signs of hope that might sustain efforts to find a better future. To read Hebrews in this setting is to be reminded that some of its major themes resonate with the experience of the pandemic’s broad characteristics. It deals with its recipients’ perceived bondage to the fear of death. It claims that this fear has been overcome through the heroic death of Christ, whose pattern of life is to be emulated in the heroism of his followers. It sets these topics within an overall message of hope, in which God’s action in the exalted Christ is seen as both a ‘word against death’ and the promise of a better world. The article explores further the potential appropriation for present-day readers of Hebrews’ treatment of each of these topics—fear of death, heroism and hope.
K1 Epistle to the Hebrews
K1 Pandemic
K1 Death
K1 Fear
K1 Heroism
K1 Hope
DO 10.1177/0014524620946689