Faith in Times of Plague

What can we learn from plagues and pandemics of the past? Faith in the Times of Plague is an anthology of writings by Reformers and Reformed orthodox theologians during their times of plague. Treatsies, hymns and prayers are included by Beza, Voetius, and Zwingli, and Luther. This is an excellent academic book with a background in church history.

Wisdom and Theology

Full of wisdom and theological acumen, the authors saw God’s sovereign hand behind plague and disease. And even when medical advances in technology were limited, they shared the special burden to care for members of the church. Plague and disease were expected.

What this book changed in me was to see our modern plagues and pandemics as a spiritual issue. With my background in healthcare, I am quick to jump to practical conclusions. What I needed to see is that it is our souls that need caring for, and our Chief Shepherd is the only one who can comfort.

Opportunities and Responsibilities

I learned that plague and disease shaped the ministries of pastors and congregational life of the early modern church. This book allowed me to see the courageous leadership of my Reformation heroes in a new and exciting way. And I saw how God keeps his church, preserving her throughout the ages.

There are unique opportunities and responsibilities that come with ministering in a time of plague. I look forward to seeing how our faith will form and souls will be sanctified under such intense pressure. Undoubtedly in God’s providence, he has prepared us for good works in such a time as this. 

Faithfulness and Resilience

This book serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the resilience of his church in the darkest of days. Final deliverance will come for our frail and failing bodies. Death and sickness will be no more. And with Christ as our Chief Physician, we will ask: “Death where is thy sting?”

I received a media copy of Faith in Times of Plague and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.