A Reformed Theological Perspective on God’s Providence Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa

During challenging circumstances, people often find themselves contemplating inquiries such as, "What is the underlying cause for these events occurring in my life?" The question of the location of God has been a topic of philosophical and theological inquiry for centuries. And what is the rationale for his decision to permit this occurrence? Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals experienced a loss of religious conviction as they saw a sense of divine abandonment. The comprehension of the Providence of God proves advantageous in times of adversity. The primary objective of this study was to present a theodicy of God's providence in relation to the epidemic and to disseminate information regarding the concept of the Providence of God. Additionally, it aims to educate individuals about the potential for finding solace in the Providence of God during times of adversity and to provide an academic understanding of God's Providence from a Reformed perspective. The study employed a qualitative methodology. Qualitative research is characterised by its aim to comprehend and interpret phenomena through the lens of the participant's perspective. The main population to be considered in this study are the Reformed Church Members in the Vhembe District Municipality. The target group of this study will were both male and female youth and adults of the Reformed Churches at Thulamela Local Municipality under Vhembe District Municipality in South Africa. The goal of this research was to shed new light on how important it is for people who identify themselves as Christians to have faith in God's providence to comfort them during difficult times.

Author dc:creator

• Nthakheni, Rendani Collet

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mudimeli, L. M.

• God's providence
• South Africa
• COVID-19
• Reformed perspective
• Christian community
• UCTD

Statement dc:rights

• University of Venda

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3064

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:univendspace.univen.ac.za:11602/3064