Religion, Race, and COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of society, revealing deep-seated inequalities and dysfunctions, particularly affecting America's most vulnerable populations, primarily people of color and the working poor, referred to in the Bible as "the least of these." This work argues that the pandemic transcended medical, economic, and social dimensions to encompass religious implications. Religious practices were significantly altered, reigniting controversies over religious freedom, especially regarding government restrictions on church services. Some Christian white supremacists not only ignored shelter-in-place orders but also found new avenues to spread racist ideologies, fueled by their White Christian identity. In contrast, certain religious leaders, particularly in communities of color, interpreted the virus as a sign of divine wrath or a test of faith, viewing changes to traditional practices as a compromise of their beliefs. The text posits that a religious hierarchy in the U.S. society prioritizes those benefiting from white privilege while marginalizing vulnerable groups. Nevertheless, these populations draw on their theological and religious resources to confront existential threats. The volume illustrates how social transformation can arise when faith is both formed and informed during crises, highlighting the enduring significance of religiosity in human culture.