Brian J. Tabb, in his article on Themelios Magazine, made a case that this pandemic is iconoclastic. Iconoclastic refers to someone who breaks images or icons; someone who smashes religious idols. Tabb meant that coronovirus is practically smashing our most cherished cultural idols.
The Idol of Security
We all desire security. In airports, in our homes, in our schools, in our commute, in our finances, we want to have a sense of security. This is the reason why we use locks, alarms, gates, and passwords. Coronavirus smashed our idolatry of security. Many of us realized for the first time how exposed and vulnerable we are. When those who live in gated communities started getting sick, it was a signal for the rest of us that this idol of security doesn’t save.
The Idol of Prosperity
We love our money, our bank accounts, our jobs, our businesses, and our investments. The pandemic also smashed this idol to the ground. As we faced the dreaded salary reductions, layoffs, and business closures, we realized that we could actually lose what we’ve worked so hard in an instant. The idol of prosperity crumbles.
The Idol of Wellness
The wellness industry is a trillion dollar industry all over the world. You can see this everywhere in gyms, fitness clubs, spas, nutrition and diet businesses, wellness tourism, book publishing, and app development. We thought we are going to be alright, until we heard that we are all one sneeze away from contracting coronavirus.
The coronavirus blasted our idols to the ground. It uncovered the shaky foundations upon which we and the wider culture built our lives. It showed us that our idols have big cracks that could crash the whole structure anytime.
We have two options today: either to crumple down in a corner and wail in despair; or to turn to Jesus, our refuge, our firm foundation and cling to him for dear life.
Jojo Agot 