Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

To me, attending worship services under the current circumstances (even as a demonstration of faith) in the absence of some vital overwhelming necessity to do so (which I have difficulty picturing) amounts to putting God to the test, similar to Satan tempting Jesus to throw Himself off the top of the temple in the expectation of God's protection (with Satan even quoting Scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) in the process), but for which Jesus rebuked him (Matthew 4:5-7).

The two main considerations that lead me to this opinion are the current lack of a preventive measure for COVID-19, and the likely elderly (and therefore especially vulnerable) composition of many Christian congregations. In fact, such attendance -- under the current circumstances -- might even fall under the heading of the type of public display of faith that Jesus condemned in Matthew 6:5-6, not to mention being a failure to act in a spirit of love and concern toward those vulnerable attendees.

I might feel differently if it were not possible for individuals to worship God in the privacy of their own homes, without putting themselves or others at risk. But Jesus even recommended such private worship in the same passage from Matthew cited above.

Corporate worship can readily be resumed at such time as the current situation eases. Also, lack of personal attendance does not prevent the mailing or electronic transmission of pledged financial support.

(And that is not to mention that the attendance indicated under the circumstances described in the question would also amount to defying civil authorities, whom Christians are called on to obey and honor (Romans 13:1).)

March 17 2020 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Al Mark

I think that the isolation being advocated for all is for public health reasons and should be followed. It is not targeting those who have faith; it is for all people to follow. It has already been shown that isolation is the best available method to slow down the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, in some people's minds, the cry of "I have rights" seems to be more important than helping society as a whole.

The two commands Christians are given is to love God and to love others. How can we show we are loving others if we put their health at risk? At the current time, people can have the virus and show no symptoms, so this makes everyone a potential carrier, with no easy way to distinguish those infected from those who aren't. Even if you are tested, it doesn't mean you aren't infected an hour or a day later. Let's care for each other by not putting the health of others at risk. In this age, believers can still gather for worship with live streaming and teleconference software, while isolating themselves physically.

July 03 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Amazing question, Joyce! I, in my opinion, I would say to try and find a small group of Christians or church, one preferably that wears masks and distances. One that doesn't meet for long periods of time. 

Long COVID as of April 25, 2022, is a looming health crisis, estimated to affect up to 30% of people infected with the coronavirus. It can last for months, leaving many unable to work. More than 200 symptoms have been associated with the condition, including pain, fatigue, brain fog, breathing difficulty and exhaustion after minimal amounts of physical activity.

May 01 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report