The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic : religion and spirituality during the challenging times

Abstract

This study — carried out by the members of the Department of Pastoral Theology, Liturgy and Canon Law at the University of Malta — attempts to understand and reflect on some of the effects which the COVID-19 pandemic had on the faith, spirituality and religious practice of the Maltese. Taking into consideration the social distancing restrictions which were being imposed at the time, the study was conducted through an open online survey using an anonymous questionnaire. Apart from the demographic information, the survey covered six sections related to what are considered as the classical dimensions of religion: beliefs, personal experience, community, ritual, and socio-cultural dimension. The number of entries was 1102 — 385 Males (35%), and 711 Females (65%) — with a margin of error of 3% (95% confidence interval). For the sake of comparison, the entries were arbitrarily subdivided into five age groups: Youths ages 16 30 (N=221, 20%); Adults 31-49 (N=433, 39%); Middle-Aged 50-59 (N=237, 22%); Seniors 60 69 (N=139,13%); and Retired 70-90 (N=71, 6%). Some of the basic questions raised in the course of this study were: Is there a link between natural disasters and increased religiosity? Did the crisis lead to an increase in prejudice towards others, God included? Has there been a shift in religious behaviour and experiences of prayer? Did the pandemic trigger existential conflicts and religious struggles? How did isolation and social distancing effect relationships at home and in the community?