The coronavirus pandemic is a major test for the nations and religions of the world. This virulent disease tests the legitimacy of our faith: whether we act rationality in accordance with common sense and the advice of physicians, scientists and lawmakers and practice social distancing or we endanger the lives of our neighbors by congregating in our places of worship.
Most places of worship have abided by the laws instituted by governors and the advice of physicians not to congregate in crowds larger than ten people. However, there have been scofflaws, notably fundamentalist religious organizations, whether they be evangelical Christians, Orthodox Jews or conservative Muslims.
These selfish religious fanatics believe that their parochial beliefs supersede the laws of man, even those put in place to protect society in a pandemic. Proving once again that religion is the greatest threat to democracy, science and the rule of law.
Most churches, synagogues and mosques have opted to put the health and wellbeing of their communities over their desire to worship God together by streamlining their worship services without the congregation in attendance. I’m not especially religious, but I say “Amen!”,
Other churches hold drive-in services, which do not violate social distancing rules. Typically, the church has a raised platform for speakers, with attendees remaining in their parked cars to listen to the music and preaching through an FM transmitter.
It seems like a perfect compromise for conducting a religious service in the time of a pandemic, but in most of these drive-in services the attendees honk their cars in lieu of shouting “Amen” and thereby disturbing the peace of nearby residents. Proving once again that many people of faith have little respect or consideration for people who don’t share their beliefs.
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the conflict between the rational requirements of health and science and the oftentimes irrational requirements of religion. When this pandemic ends there will be a realignment of social customs (no more handshakes?) and a reassessment of the role religion plays in society. There will be less tolerance for evangelicals who are an existential threat to democracy and public health. And to that I say: Amen!
