Not everyone in Georgia is thrilled with reopening:
‘These Are Not Numbers, These Are Souls’: Georgia Pastors Say No to Reopening
We may not even disagree much on those points. All I am advocating for is to look out for our neighbors before we look out for ourselves, if possible.
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Sorry, I just saw this and am stepping in without reading all 117 comments so far.
My own 2 cents: most of these theories are harmless and fade over time. Remember the early 2000’s when so many were sure that 9/11 was an inside job? It was stupid, but no harm came of it either.
It’s a consequence of human nature and heuristic thinking that people are so prone to these things. We can take a strong stand on the moral aspects (like don’t slander, exercise humility) whether we do or don’t address the merits of the theories themselves).
I think in some cases the situation is different and believing the wrong thing could significantly impact many people’s health. For example, if you believe that Bill Gates is going to implant you with a microchip that is the mark of the beast when you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you refuse, that might not be harmless at all. Something like 20% of the US population says they will refuse to get a safe and effective vaccine when it becomes available. I think this is mostly due to disinformation campaigns.
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We disagree on several points.
It is an infringement on rights. It does have an effect on the ability of some to work and make a living.
Of course not.
People disagree on such things.
Some value freedom more highly than others do.
The anti-vaxxers are a special category, but most of that isn’t even conspiracy related (e.g. fake autism connection). I have spent a lot of time and energy battling them.
I think that article is mostly moot. People are poor at predicting their own behavior, a vaccine may be far off, most people are going to be infected sooner or later (according to many respected sources). The over 60’s are the ones that really need to worry, and I bet most of them would get one if they could.
We agree on this, although I am hopeful for a vaccine.
The older people, especially those with underlying health problems, should be avoiding risky encounters. I am 65 but healthy.
If most people are going to get it eventually, enough so that there is some level of herd immunity, then the continued social distancing is less sensible.
The error that I had heard on the news by authorities who should know better is, “the more we practice social distancing, the sooner this will be over.” That statement indicates a lack of understanding. The social distancing was for slowing the spread of the disease so that medical facilities would not be overwhelmed.
The major issue I struggle with is when a friend or fellow church member posts something that is false, distorted and inflammatory. I feel it should not go unchallenged as truth is important, yet relationship and church unity is important also. When I do challenge, I then feel bad as I know whoever posted may see it as a personal attack.
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Exactly!
The other is that we’ve saved (will save) lives or avoided deaths. Well, maybe, maybe not. Are deaths prevented, or merely postponed? Only time will tell, and even then we may never know.
They absolutely did move the goalposts on flattening the curve. Not the scientists mostly, but politicians and press.
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Asking here, not opining. Might it not be better to directly address the behavior rather than the subject? There you have solid Biblical ground to stand on.
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I appreciate that we do not agree on matters of faith @T_aquaticus, yet I am glad we can agree on something which is a foundational (Though not exclusively) Christian virtue. Namely, to love ones neighbour as oneself.
My personal takeaway from all this thread is that I am reminded that I follow a messiah who willingly gave up his rights and freedoms to serve others, and who, through his apostle calls, me to do likewise:
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5–8 NIV201)
For me I freely make that sacrifice so I can serve others by obeying UK lockdown and SD regulations for as long as necessary.
You may not agree @03Cobra, that is your right. I guess I just don’t see it the way you do.
Every blessings, L
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I think our biggest point of disagreement, Liam, is whether good is fostered — or not — by our handing over freedoms to the state.
Jesus gave up some freedoms. He did not give up others.
If you willingly give up your rights for others, that is good. If everyone does, that may not be good. We are stronger in diversity.
Did you look at the link? Some find life precious. You see, death is different. Death is irrevocable. .
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So very true. It’s the same thing with global warming. Some conspiracy theorists treat it as a hoax. If we don’t do something about it the death and destruction it will cause will far exceed anything we have seen. (Actually, it has started.)
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That was one reason, and the one that was talked about. There were always multiple ones. An important one is that even if no treatment or vaccine is available, slowing transmission can reduce the final number of deaths.
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That’s fair. Though for clarity I’m not doing it for the state, I’m handing over my freedoms to Christ for the good of others.
I don’t follow. In what way is a person abiding by lockdown measures giving up others?
In general yes. But during a pandemic when a response is predicated on everyone acting in the same way (eg. Staying home) then a diversity of individual actions makes us weaker as it may endanger lives.
I guess another difference is that I don’t see the Lockdown as authoritarian. I don’t really see it as much different from the UK government enforcing blackout blinds and curfews during the Second World War.
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That is not necessarily true.
The more people who acquire the disease the sooner society is protected through herd immunity.
And the poorer we become due to the lack of working the less society and individuals are able to care for those in need.
This is an important point. And a mandatory mask policy would facilitate the goal of reopening, just as a mandatory speed limit facilitates the use of public roadways.
Blessings,
Chris
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What are they? Your stated objection to lockdowns was that they keep people from earning a living. Mandatory mask use makes it easier to open up more of the economy, and it makes customers more willing to patronize businesses. It seems like you should be in favor of this policy if preventing economy hardship is really your goal. So I’m having trouble understanding what basis you’re using to make these calls.
No more than requiring that people not drink and drive, or that they wear clothing that covers their genitals and (in many states) breasts. Are you consistent in opposing those restrictions on rights as well?
Every policy on mandatory mask wearing that I’ve seen has allowed sensible exceptions.
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