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0/10
Many Christian leaders are not taking seriously enough surging covid-19 virus. Here are my thoughts on what they’re missing. They include guidance from Martin Luther, Thomas Aquinas, SCOTUS, the Council of Trent, two Orthodox bishops, and the Good Samaritan.
Many Christian leaders are not taking seriously enough surging covid-19 virus. Here are my thoughts on what they’re missing. They include guidance from Martin Luther, Thomas Aquinas, SCOTUS, the Council of Trent, two Orthodox bishops, and the Good Samaritan.
1/10
Religious leaders who reject expert backed government restrictions on religious gatherings in the time of pandemic. The resistance concerns two issues: (1) curtailing of the freedom of religion/discrimination against religion; (2) spiritual harm done to religious people.
Religious leaders who reject expert backed government restrictions on religious gatherings in the time of pandemic. The resistance concerns two issues: (1) curtailing of the freedom of religion/discrimination against religion; (2) spiritual harm done to religious people.
2/10
The pandemic still raging; it has never been as widespread & as deadly as now. All people, especially Christians and their leaders, have a moral obligation to their neighbors, whoever they are, to practice social distancing, wear masks, and avoid large gatherings.
The pandemic still raging; it has never been as widespread & as deadly as now. All people, especially Christians and their leaders, have a moral obligation to their neighbors, whoever they are, to practice social distancing, wear masks, and avoid large gatherings.
3/10
It’s foolish and irresponsible to take covid lightly. The worst case: Metropolitan of Monte Negro Amfilohije pushed pilgrimages as “God’s vaccine.” He contracted covid—and died; at his funeral Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irenej contacted covid—died. They’re not the only ones.
It’s foolish and irresponsible to take covid lightly. The worst case: Metropolitan of Monte Negro Amfilohije pushed pilgrimages as “God’s vaccine.” He contracted covid—and died; at his funeral Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irenej contacted covid—died. They’re not the only ones.
4/10
SCOTUS’ recent decision on religious gatherings was correct: (1) religious worship shouldn’t be treated more restrictively than other comparable activities (Free Exercise Clause!); (2) but states do have the right to impose restrictions on attendance at religious services.
SCOTUS’ recent decision on religious gatherings was correct: (1) religious worship shouldn’t be treated more restrictively than other comparable activities (Free Exercise Clause!); (2) but states do have the right to impose restrictions on attendance at religious services.
5/10
For some religious leaders at issue is not only free exercise. Not gathering for worship causes spiritual damage, they claim. But is the damage? Eucharist seems a good example, particularly for Catholics: partaking of the body/blood of Christ is spiritual nourishment. BUT…
For some religious leaders at issue is not only free exercise. Not gathering for worship causes spiritual damage, they claim. But is the damage? Eucharist seems a good example, particularly for Catholics: partaking of the body/blood of Christ is spiritual nourishment. BUT…
6/10
Thomas Aquinas: “there are two ways of receiving this sacrament, namely spiritually & sacramentally…spiritual eating comprises the desire…for receiving this sacrament.” When you cannot receive sacramentally, you receive spiritually & it’s Christ that you receive. PLUS …
Thomas Aquinas: “there are two ways of receiving this sacrament, namely spiritually & sacramentally…spiritual eating comprises the desire…for receiving this sacrament.” When you cannot receive sacramentally, you receive spiritually & it’s Christ that you receive. PLUS …
7/10
The Council of Trent on the frequency of receiving communion in ordinary times: more than once a year, but “whether it be more expedient that it should be monthly, weekly, or daily, can be decided by no fixed universal rule."
The Council of Trent on the frequency of receiving communion in ordinary times: more than once a year, but “whether it be more expedient that it should be monthly, weekly, or daily, can be decided by no fixed universal rule."
8/10
It is a long-standing practice to bring communion to the sick (saintly hermits’ way!). Other forms of spiritual nourishment are enhanced by physical presence, but can be had also online. Spiritual harm due to restriction is relatively minor, and may be offset in other ways.
It is a long-standing practice to bring communion to the sick (saintly hermits’ way!). Other forms of spiritual nourishment are enhanced by physical presence, but can be had also online. Spiritual harm due to restriction is relatively minor, and may be offset in other ways.
9/10
Luther on acting during the plague: “I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.” Therefore: worship at home, online
Luther on acting during the plague: “I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.” Therefore: worship at home, online
10/10
Insisting on religious gatherings at the time when the virus is surging is morally wrong. It’s analogous to justification that Priest/Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan might have given for not helping the wounded man by the wayside: pressing spiritual needs.
Insisting on religious gatherings at the time when the virus is surging is morally wrong. It’s analogous to justification that Priest/Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan might have given for not helping the wounded man by the wayside: pressing spiritual needs.
