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As the world grapples with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Christians continue to look to the Bible for answers. The fervent search for theological perspectives on the disease has led to an uptick in online Scripture searches and Bible sales, according to publishers.
The Bible is the foundation text of Christianity. Adherents believe the Holy Book chronicles the origins of the monotheistic faith and its Jewish roots and gives clues about the future. So it makes sense that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted believers to turn to the Bible.
Despite the trend of Bible illiteracy, publishers have reported seeing a recent increase in Bible purchases. Bible producers like Alabaster Co., LifeWay Christian Resources, and Tyndale House Publishers say the recent Bible trend amid the coronavirus pandemic makes sense.
“It’s not surprising that people turn to the comfort and clarity of the Bible in times of trouble and uncertainty. We have been seeing this at Tyndale House during the last month, with strong Bible sales and engagement on our social media platforms,” Jim Jewell of Tyndale House Publishers told Fox News.
People are not only buying Bibles more than usual, they seem to be searching the Holy Book’s pages for clues about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and if it’s linked to the end of the world. Popular online searches include phrases like “coronavirus bible code,” “coronavirus bible prophecy,” and “coronavirus bible predictions.” People want to know if COVID-19 is prophesied or discussed in the Bible. While the coronavirus disease 2019 is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, there are several passages that speak of pestilence and disease, even in the future end of days.
In Luke 21:11, Jesus tells his disciples of signs of his return to earth: “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”
In Revelation 6:8, John describes his apocalyptic vision: “And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”
People have also been searching for Bible verses to help shore up their faith amid feelings of fear and anxiety. Various states have put lockdown orders in place in an effort to keep coronavirus infections down and avoid further deaths. This means businesses have been closed with many people either laid off or suffering a severe pay cut. Some are wondering how they will pay for rent, food, and other necessities. So it makes sense that Christians would turn to the Bible to be reminded that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Isaiah 41:10 is another comforting passage: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
See our article, “Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Bible: 7 Verses to Fight Fear and Anxiety,” for more verses like the ones mentioned above.
It makes sense that people of faith would turn to the Bible to look for answers in such a troubling and uncertain time. If anything, Scripture reminds us that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Those who may not be as personally negatively impacted by the coronavirus are also reminded to “[r]ejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
Faithfully Magazine is a news and culture publication centered on Christian communities of color.
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