Andrew Walls, the Pandemic, and the Reinterpretation of Christian Faith

Abstract

The recent Covid pandemic may well be introducing historic changes to Christian faith that we cannot yet see. Looking back, we can see religious shifts that occurred in response to the influenza pandemic of 1918, including the rise of new forms of Christian community in Africa. Christian faith, Andrew Walls (1928–2021) saw, is not just something you receive; faith remakes you, and you remake it. Walls urged the Western theological academy to embrace the changes taking place as a result of the shift in the centre of Christian gravity. Going forward, we may be seeing the seeds of change from the pandemic in a more holistic Christian faith, one that emphasizes the evangel for all of creation.