Pandemic Diary Day 21: Science vs Religion on Palm Sunday

Dear Diary,

On this Palm Sunday, I wonder what Jesus would say about protecting ourselves during a deadly pandemic?

In particular, what would His advise be on attending church today? 

A) Ignore CDC warnings about gathering in large groups in order to prevent the spread of the invisible killer COVID-19.

Or, 

B) Follow the advise of the CDC and worship from afar via telecommunications and other methods to protect yourselves and the rest of the community.

I'm going with B because I assume Jesus had common sense. There's no biblical quotations about going on suicide missions when they're not necessary to prove your faith.

Science vs Religion

During the late Middle Ages 1300-1500, scholars were making sophisticated observations about the world around them that conflicted with what the Catholic Church taught.

Scholastic philosophers sought to remove divine intervention from the process of explaining natural cause, rather than stating it must be the work of divine providence.

Many of these scholars and philosophers lost their lives when authorities became aware of their works. It took centuries before The Church quit killing scientists because they thought they were sorcerers.

The Role of Religion in America 

During these perilous times it's only natural people fall back on their faith to cope with the coronavirus. We are a country that celebrates freedom and human rights. That includes the right to worship as we see fit.

Right now, when governors across the nation are pleading with people to stay at home to help contain the spread of COVID-19, some churches are defying stay-at-home orders.

In the News: 

**At least 70 people infected with coronavirus linked to a single church in Sacramento, California 

**Pastor of Tampa Church that held two large Sunday services arrested, and jailed

**Some Pennsylvania churches resisting the need to close their doors to stop the coronavirus. In Pittsburgh, a pastor plans to organize an outdoor "Woodstock"-like service in protest of the stay at home orders.

**Megachurch pastors defy pandemic, insisting they have the right to worship.

Evangelic churches with a right-wing, Christian Nationalist political bent really want nothing more than to resist government orders to cease holding services during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The main drawback is that there's the possibility of killing off their congregations!

On the Homefront - Medford, Oregon

**Oregon Gov. Kate Brown sent New York 140 respirators to help out with the COVID-19 crisis there. To me, that indicates we are in pretty good shape in this state if we can share vital equipment like that. I hope I'm right.

**Today's lazy pet pic:

Tommy emerging from beneath a cover on our bed. 

This shot was taken during the day when he likes to sleep.

Come nightfall, he prowls the neighborhood and hangs out with the local cats chasing smaller animals and each other.

Looking at his sweet mug you wouldn't think he's a superb predator - but he is, often bringing us his trophies (that no longer move) to the back door.

                                        --- 

It's a slate gray sky today that occasionally weeps and wets the streets. Looking out the window it's hard to believe that people are dying every three minutes in New York from the coronavirus.

Quote for today: "Anyone who thinks sitting in a church can make you a Christian must also think sitting in the garage can make you a car." - Garrison Keillor