Comment Agreeing on Covid-19

Abstract

People who self-identify as Roman Catholics often disagree with each other these days. Some read the bible as literally true in all of its verses. Others do not. Some approve of Pope Francis. Others do not. Some think that there is a best way for mass to be celebrated. Others do not. One might, however, have hoped that all Catholics would by now have substantially agreed with each other when it comes to dealing with the Covid-19 virus. But they have not. While some have respected ways of behaving recommended by many national and local medical experts and political leaders (not to mention religious ones), others have taken a different line. Some have argued that Covid is not a serious health problem and should be thought of as akin to influenza. Others have said that acting on social distancing guidelines by closing churches is to embrace what is transitory as opposed to what is eternal. On this account, we should prefer nothing to the love of God as expressed in church and with everything being liturgically as normal while the virus has its way. Some have claimed that religious leaders acting on medical social distancing guidelines are encouraging a diabolically inspired fear of death. Others have said that to wear a mask during the Covid epidemic is an act of theological cowardice. When it comes to whether or not the Covid virus exists as a serious and unusual health threat, the scientific evidence seems to be clear. Covid is definitely out there. It is pretty much everywhere and is different from influenza. It is also highly contagious and able to cause serious damage to people of all ages. As I write this Comment (on July 8, 2020), the infection rate has gone down in the E.U. But it is seriously spiking in North America. Current scientific projections indicate that the Covid-caused death toll in the U.S. will exceed 200,000 by November of this year. Australia (with a good record on dealing with Covid) is currently reimposing lock down measures in Melbourne and other parts of Australia’s Victoria state following a record daily rise of coronavirus cases. Doctors worldwide are saying that Covid is most certainly something to worry about for a long time to come. Harvard University has now decreed that all of its teaching during the academic year 2020–2021 shall be conducted remotely, with professors interacting with students only by computer. Think about that decision as coming from one of the world’s most distinguished universities. When it comes to how Christians have responded to disease in the past, we should note that Catholic pastors have often closed churches