Human Suffering and Coronavirus: Some Theological Reflection on Christian Faith

This theological reflection of Christian faith, its challenges on pandemic (the Covid-19) centers on the question about the place of God in Christian faith. The question about God in relation to human suffering and more so in this pandemic, the pains and trauma brought about by (Covid-19) of our time. This question has been asked, perhaps from antiquity. It touches at the core of the ‘problem of suffering as discussed in Obi’s book on Human suffering: A challenge to Christian Faith (2001, and various theodicies. Traditionally, theologians and philosophers have largely engaged this problem in the form of theodicies, or the justifications of God in the context of suffering. If God is Omniscience, and Omnipotent, why does he allow his creatures to die in such painful death. Christian faith is being tested, if not ridiculed. Has the Christian faith in God failed the faithful The reflection is anchored on the pillar of Christian faith, Hope and Love. In the midst of the challenges, as this pandemic is, and this is a paradox, Christian faith should be strengthened by Christ’s painful suffering on the Cross in anticipation of his glorious resurrection. Christian faith should be consistent with hope in God’s promise that our sufferings bring us holiness, that with God all things are possible to those who trust in him. Love and compassion in the face of the challenges in life. As Christians, our pains and sufferings are likened to Christ’s painful sufferings on the Cross which brings the glorious resurrection, happiness and joy.