Churches that refuse to stop services

Pardon my ignorance, but how are such activities still allowed, period?

 

In person worship should be put on hold. There are so many virtual options.

New York City is planning to have a mass grave site because their funeral system is too overwhelmed - not enough morgues or funeral homes available. I imagine there is a shortage of clergy as well.

But, hey, 1st amendment.

 

I got to the part where you started taking jabs, and at that point it rendered your opinions unworthy of continuing to read.

 

Are you saying that groups aren't outlawed yet? If so ... ****ing hell, no wonder you guys are in so much trouble.

We outlawed large groups weeks ago, and implemented 'maximum of two' over a week ago. You can't even stop to talk to someone if there are two of you, because that then becomes three. "Loitering" laws are back too, but harsher. You can't sit down anywhere in public places now. Not on a park bench, not on the beach, not anywhere. Waiting for a bus or train being the only exceptions. The aged and disabled shouldn't be out at all, so even they don't get a sit-down pass. It's strict, but it's working. And honestly, it's really not that bad. We can still engage with our social circles electronically, and we can get out and exercise by walking or cycling. A few months of this won't kill anyone, unlike COVID19.

 

Who is "we"

 

Many towns in Florida did ban religious gatherings, but our governor said the state's declaration that churches are essential, which overrides those local ordinances. Many states have similar.

I think the biggest issue, country wide, are the mega churches.

 

I don't think God appreciates their choice here, to congregate in His name while putting themselves and others at risk. God doesn't protect people from willful ignorance.

But I do believe its their right to choose to congregate and take that risk.

 

Except they are choosing for their neighbors, too. Every person outside risks spreading it to countless people. The longer people ignore the order and do their "freedom," thing, the longer we'll all be stuck inside waiting for this thing to stop tearing through our communities. We have conclusive proof that it works.

 

It doesn't sound like you're isolating yourself very well if you're worried about them infecting you.

 

I've left my house four times in the last five weeks in search of necessities.

I'm not worried about me. There are many millions of people who can't stay home. They do their job and then they have to do the grocery shopping, because their family members are already at a greater risk, living with a doctor, nurse and countless other jobs that are keeping the country running.

Medical professionals around the world are begging people to stay home. It's not because they hate people and want them to be miserable.

 

I agree, they should stay home.

I just won't agree that they should be forced to.

 

My thinking leans libertarian, and I hear you. It is tough for me to say that I don't think people should have freedom of movement right now. I take the Bill of Rights pretty seriously, especially the one about soldiers living in my house (kidding.)

I think this situation warrants it. I think putting our front line people at unnecessary risk is dangerous. They are already on the front lines and already getting sick at higher rates than those of us who aren't out there all day. The more we all do what is needed, the shorter this thing will last.

So, I understand your point and agree in most situations that forcing churches closed is a big no-no. My biggest concern is that most of the main stream religions are doing the smart thing, even without an ordinance. They are Zooming or using one of numerous options to keep in contact and have services. My biggest concern is the Mega churches.

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brie...or-announces-plans-to-organize-outdoor-easter
A Pennsylvania pastor earlier this week announced plans to hold an “outdoor Easter blowout service” that he compared to the likes of Woodstock, despite federal guidelines urging the public to avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

I haven't heard of any churches holding services in my area since all this. They finally had to shut down state parks though, so many people were crowding popular nature spots.

These "pastors" should think about the health of all people and look into alternatives. Live stream, phone calls. Encourage their congregation to find ways to help others.

 

I have friends a town over. One of them posted on FB on Sunday that the church parking lot was crowded.

 

'God' is going to be a very busy deity in the next 4 weeks.

So here is a question. Is it religious based discrimination to refuse to serve someone who attended that sermon, and ask them to stay out of your grocery store for the next month?

 

Here in my neck of the woods. Other side of planet.

 

Hard to fathom why your country isn't just making it national policy. Our restrictions are nationwide. Some minor differences state to state, but all of us subject to full isolation at home, and no more than two people together in public places etc.

 

The problem is that for every person who chooses not to protect their community/neighbours/family/friends by risking church, an unknown number of people who DIDN'T choose that risk are endangered. It's wholly irresponsible and selfish.

 

Everyone eventually has to leave the house to get food. They're doing everything in their power to stay healthy .. while risk takers infect supermarkets and gas stations.

 

No one wants to see force employed, but it's proven to be necessary. Even in my relatively compliant country, it wasn't until the Govt made it an offence to be out for non-essential reasons, did all of us start taking it seriously. There are just too many reckless people out there, and just as many in deep denial. This is an emergency situation .. not a time for considering how you personally feel about things.

 

Here, unless we declare martial law, there are limits to what the government can do. But we have a second tool that will be used when this is over - lawsuits. Everyone resisting these measures are subject to one hell of a lot of liability. Beyond suing churches and entire States, I can even imagine Bob suing Joe because Joe knew he had it and knowingly exposed people. There might even be cases of criminal liablity.

But the beautiful thing about the US is that you can sue anyone for anything. And the sht is going to hit the fan. Fox News and Limbaugh are such dead meat! They can certainly be linked to thousands of deaths.

 

I had a conversation with my sister, who lives in Podunk, IL. A town close to her is also very small, largely a retirement community with assisted living facilities. One such facility had one resident who went to church a couple of weeks ago. Now, 16 people are infected plus four more are dead.

I really do believe this is an issue where your rights end at the tip of my nose. I get there are still large segments of the US population who think this is a hoax/regular flu/not too serious, etc., but at some point, I believe my country has to start understanding the very basics of scientific method.

 

Something tells me any connection between this "settled law" of yours and the Constitution is purely coincidental.

I'll just bet he did.

 

If I were one of them, I would run a test. Start by jumping from the top of a three-story building. Pray as hard as you can on the way down. If you break your leg, then you might want to stay home and pray on Sunday.

That cartoon is a play on an old joke. A flood is coming and the man is warned that he needs to evacuate. I refuse! God will save me!!! he declared. The waters start rising. Soon a boat came by and they begged him to leave. God will save me!!! Eventually the waters had risen all the way to the roof of his house. He was standing on the roof when a helicopter came by and sent down a rope. God will save me... Finally he drowned. When he got to heaven he asked God how he could abandon him. I prayed. I was a good christian. I went to church every Sunday. How could you abandon me!?!?! God responded: Abandon you?!?! I sent a car, a boat, and a helicopter...

I remember a priest telling me that joke when I was about 12.