Posted on 03/19/2020 8:22:43 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
NEW YORK — On the first Sunday after the coronavirus began upending American life, some religious institutions – including two churches whose pastors are close to President Donald Trump – held in-person services amid public health worries over the pandemic. That picture already looks different this week.
Pastor Robert Jeffress, a stalwart evangelical ally of Trump, held services at his First Baptist megachurch this past Sunday in accordance with Dallas-area limits on gatherings of more than 500 people but said in an interview that this week, he would hold online-only worship. The Florida church where Paula White, Trump’s personal pastor and a White House adviser on faith issues, invited congregants to in-person services this past Sunday will also shift to online-only status this week, according to a spokeswoman.
Jeffress, who had called for “a fearless church,” said on Tuesday that Christians should take “common-sense approaches” to protect their health.
“Every pastor needs to use wisdom, and it is very obvious that the government’s motivation in this is to protect the well-being of individuals,” he said.
Churches and other religious institutions that have chafed at public health experts’ calls to fight the virus by avoiding gatherings are under heightened scrutiny as those experts’ pleas become edicts from government officials, including Trump. In a nation where faith can be as politically polarized as any other part of life – and where freedom to worship has become a rallying cry on the right – some conservative religious institutions are acknowledging that the government’s word comes first during a pandemic.
Liberty University, where president Jerry Falwell Jr. had initially planned to resume classes next week, said Monday that the evangelical Christian campus would largely shift to online learning after Virginia’s governor restricted gatherings of more than 100 people.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Darwin awards.
Seriously. I think the San Jose Mercury News is the most liberal of the liberal media. Look at their articles about the homeless. I’ve gotten the idea from them that they feel it is okay for homeless to take over vacant homes. I get their feeds through Google News.
Who are the fools that insist on going to church in these times?
Perhaps they think they will go to hell if they don’t?
iT’S THE ONLY POSSIBLE REASON I CAN DISCERN
Our church held its last congregational service Sunday evening...starting with the Wednesday night service, we went all digital and staying that way till this thing burns itself out.
When I heard our church was not going to hold Sunday services, I said that “we were bowing down to Caesar.” Unfortunately, the rector overheard my comment and disagreed. I immediately felt I had made a mistake, but for the life of me I could not see why.
Then my Son said, “Dad, if you go to Church knowing there could be a deadly virus there, isn’t that just like the snake handlers who pick up poisonous snakes “knowing” that God will protect them?”
And there was my answer. I am not going to Church to “test” God, nor do I want an infected visitor to spread this through the congregation - then throughout the entire city. How is that a witness to Jesus? How would I reach them for salvation if they are dying at my expense?
So there it is: I will “never” let the mayor, governor, nor president say we cannot have Church. This is a president I never want to encourage. However, I also do not want to “test” God - especially when I know what I can do to help. So I will do my part - for the sake of the unsaved in my community - and stay away from congregating for a while. But if this drags out . . . I hold the option to reconsider at any time. This is tricky, and principles are important. Never bow to Caesar, and never test God - - - it’s all in the balance.
Ours was last Sunday AM, no Sunday School. We had already dropped the Wednesday prior. Our pastor is doing Facebook talks.
Ohio was quick on the draw with restrictions.
Our church always live-streams the services on Sunday morning, and then keeps them for a week. The sermons are on the web forever.
We made a point these last two Sundays to get up at the normal time and watch them live (the church has been closed). Of course it isn’t the same as being there, but it was nice to know that so many others were worshiping at the same time.
My wife looked at the number of people online and she said that is more than the typical worship service.
A FR member here Sunday said they were going to church.
I told them it was a selfish act to possibly take up a number of ventilators and expose the elderly and vulnerable to this virus.
Was bashed for saying it but it was the truth and is the truth today even more so.
Yes, we do the same - but it is never like being in the presence of others with God - corporate worship is REALLY special - and I will miss it Sunday.
People need the gospel proclaimed and that in a physical setting. We are corporeal. Worship is physical. You show up, you sing, you pray, you take communion, you fellowship.
Virtual is a pale substitute, nice for those genuinely unable to attend. And those should be visited and laid hands on and anointed and prayed with etc in their confinement.
We are not Sims.
Some one who is a parishioner, and also a parent of a child in our Church’s School in San Antonio tested positive for Covid 19. They attended two Church Services this week.
Not good.
“alongside other Christian people”
And if that act kills somebody, or many?
Or do you suppose God is protecting you from that which is killing others? Do you not worry that YOU could be an asymptomatic carrier that brings this plague into another home? Or many?
You can still have church without being in the building itself.
The Bible also notes where two or more are gathered He is there with us.
Online, via the phone, skype, etc....there are all sorts of ways to still have church.
My Bible group will be meeting electronically this Sunday. Is it ideal? No. But it's better than not meeting.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.