CHRIST-APP by philtierneyblog

I listened intently to the pastor of a few thousand member church in Louisiana.  He is facing arrest for sending his fleet of buses out to transport churchgoers for Sunday services.  He was asked to explain his reasons for violating stay at home orders from the state and possibly endangering the lives of some of his church’s members. 

This is what he said.  He began by saying that God has commanded believers to gather together to worship on Sundays.  He added that God has not given government the authority to decide when and where Christians gather for worship.  He went on to say that he believes the science; but that scientists say only a very small percentage of people actually die from the COVID – 19 Virus.  He concluded by stating that it is at times like these (the current pandemic) that believers need to come together to pray.

That was, perhaps, the most cogent argument made by American Christian fundamentalists, to date.  Jerry Falwell, Jr. simply argued that the pandemic cautions were a plot to undermine the Trump administration.  And so he unilaterally ordered the reopening of the university of which he is President in order to stand against that imagined political plot.  Ralph Drollinger is an Evangelical who is a spiritual adviser to the Trump administration and Bible study leader for cabinet members.  Last week, he wrote, “I do not believe America is experiencing the forsaking wrath of God, but yes, America is experiencing the consequential wrath of God.”  He claimed that this virus is an example of God’s “consequential wrath.”  That’s judgment, which drives the natural consequences of human behavior against the misbehavior of those offenders.  He added that this wrath is against homosexuality and environmentalism in America. 

These are perfect examples of ideology driving faith – false Christian theology and prophecy.  They read in or make up whatever they are already prejudiced to think.  The minds of those latter two Christian “leaders” have been conditioned to think ideologically and read that ideology into the Bible and their supposed faith.  If Falwell is right, why has COVID – 19 affected millions around the world?!  If Drollinger is right, why has the pandemic affected older people and economies around the world instead of LGBT individuals and the environment?! 

Are those points of view really Christian?  No!  Let’s return to the pastor from Louisiana.  His claim, that God commanded believers to worship on Sundays no matter what, is made up.  The Bible doesn’t say that.  It does say that one day each week should be set aside as a Sabbath, which meant that people refrain from work.  The Bible has far fewer commands about worshiping God than about not worshiping false gods.  When it does encourage believers to worship, it does not command that they must gather together in all circumstances.  Indeed, on Passover, when the so-called Angel of Death passed through Egypt, believers were commended to stay at home, by themselves, so that the plague would pass over them.  They prayed and worshiped in their homes, alone.  In the New Testament, the exhortation to worship did not come with special instructions on where or when to do so.  Indeed, St. Paul argued that it didn’t matter whether a particular day (or place) was set aside or not. 

Beware Christian “leaders’ who use God to promote their own personal politics, ideology or prominence.  Do not listen to them.  They have mixed agendas, at best.

How should Christians act during this pandemic, then?  The Creator has provided scientists to help humans understand God’s creation and to live in harmony with it.  If we respect God, we are wise to respect scientists and learn from them.  The Creator has provided medical professionals to advise us on healthy living and to administer treatments to mitigate the negative effects of illness.  If we respect God, we are wise to respect them and follow their instructions.  If we respect God, we will not put him to the test by putting ourselves in harm’s way to test his protection of us.  That, at least, is what Jesus told Satan in the Wilderness.  We do well to respect the governing authorities, as Paul said.  At best, government has been established to protect from harm. 

This, then, is how Christians might act during the current pandemic:

• Worship and pray at home and do not gather together with others until the pandemic has passed.  It subjects others and us to danger and physical harm.
• Intercede by your prayers with God for the health and well-being of others everywhere in the world, especially those, who by their training and vocation are in greater danger of illness – healthcare workers and emergency care workers or workers in essential institutions. 
• Do not listen to scapegoating or hateful and divisive language.  Unity is most important in such times of crisis as these.
• Do what you can safely do for others, without touching or getting too close to others, which would risk contamination.
• Donate funds to those who are at risk – healthcare systems, charitable food providers, shelter for the homeless, the unemployed and needy.
• Communicate with those that are alone.
• Check in on the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
• Donate blood safely, if you are able.
• Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Give thanks to God for whatever is good in the world. That will counteract fear and anxieties.

This, too, shall pass, but in the meantime, these are some ways to honor God, to love our neighbors and to follow Jesus in a pandemic.