Religiosidade e espiritualidade no período pandêmico: os profissionais da saúde no enfrentamento da covid-19

Abstract

The present study intends to analyze how religiosity and spirituality can influence the lives of health professionals who deal daily with various deaths, illnesses and problems related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the pandemic that society is currently facing. Thus, we seek to answer the following question: In what ways can religiosity and spirituality serve as therapeutic resources for health professionals when facing the COVID-19 pandemic? A bibliographic search was made in order to search for and select relevant materials for the research. Thus, the search was made in Google Scholar, Scielo, Lilacs and Portal CAPES, using the following keywords: religiosity and spirituality; religiosity and illness; health-disease process; church and pandemic; Catholic Church and the Covid-19 pandemic. We selected materials published in Portuguese that were pertinent to the theme in question. In addition, a field research was carried out with health professionals who worked in the front line of the fight against the coronavirus, in order to understand whether the participants used religiosity and spirituality as therapeutic resources to overcome and face the moment of exceptionality. It was concluded that, given the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turn to religion and spirituality as a way to find solace, comfort and hope in difficult times. As a result, it was found that the COVID-19 pandemic showed that religiosity and spirituality continue to play a significant role in people's lives during times of crisis, but also presents challenges and opportunities for reflection and change within religious communities.