The European Black Plague of 1347 vs. the World Wide Covid 19 crisis

Tonight's episode will focus on how Americans are coping with the pandemic vs. how the Europeans coped with the plague in Europe that killed 40% of the population.

In Italy in 1347, the plague killed vastly.

In 1527 the plague returned to Wittenberg, German. Understandably, people were anxious and wondered what a safe and faithful response might be. In answer to this, Martin Luther wrote "Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague." In it, he emphasized the duty to care for the neighbor, the responsibility of government to protect and provide services to its citizens, a caution about recklessness, and the importance of science, medicine and common sense.

To provide care for the neighbor, Luther recommended that pastors, those in public office, doctors and public servants should remain in the city. Luther himself remained in Wittenberg to care for his people. He recommended that public hospitals be built to accommodate those with the plague. He condemned those who took unnecessary risks that put themselves and others in danger of contagion. Luther also encouraged the use of reason and medicine, writing, "God has created medicines and has provided us with intelligence to guard and take care of the body. … Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence" ("Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague," 1527).

We had two guest callers.  One from Singapore and one from Texas who was Muslim who stated Covid was a manmade problem.