This article is an interesting read. I think that the global pandemic we are facing is a great opportunity for religious leaders and scientists to come together to slow the spread of Covid-19 and keep our communities calm and optimistic. I want to know what you think...
Are religious leaders currently doing enough?
Do you think religious leaders have a place in this global crisis? Why/why not?
Should religious leaders and scientists work together or separately on this issue?
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"How Religious Leaders Can Help
Stop the Spread of Coronavirus
By: Elaine Howard Ecklund
More than a third of all American adults attend religious services each week, and some 50% belong to some religious institutions. Based on my research on our religious communities, I believe that even with their doors closed, religious organizations can still be vital partners in transmitting accurate scientific information about the coronavirus.
For the past 15 years, I have been studying the interactions between religious and scientific communities. While we may regard religion and science as at odds in our culture, the fact is that many Americans rely on their religious leaders to guide their attitudes about scientific findings. In my forthcoming book, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other: Eight Shared Values That Move Us Beyond Fear, I show that 34% of evangelical Protestants and about 17% of all Americans say they would consult their religious leader with a question about science, especially science that seems to have moral implications...." (Continue Reading)
"Consulting religious leaders with questions about science" is generally not a promising strategy, in the 21st century USA. (Plenty of Anglicans in the 19th knew their Darwin, though, Darwin included... at least up until personal tragedies like the loss of children including his young daughter challenged his faith.) But, as noted in my comment to Ed below, I do want to endorse E.O. Wilson's proposal that theists and atheists set aside their theological differences and work together against to preserve "the creation" -- whether or not they agree on who or what was responsible for it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that rather than asking religious leaders scientific questions or opinions (because that is for the scientists), I can’t ignore the influence religious leaders have, for better or for worse. My hope is that religious leaders will use their platforms to encourage people to follow the guidelines set by the doctors and researchers during this crisis. Because at the end of the day, many religious believers will listen to their preacher before they listen to the CDC or WHO. I think it would be ideal if religious leaders would be willing to work with scientists in this way, since we have seen, as Crystal pointed out, some religious leaders spewing conspiracies and irresponsible messages to their followers already.
DeleteI feel conflicted on the answer for if religious leaders have a place in this setting. While I see the mental profit for those who follow the leaders, I have seen too many posts during this virus outbreak to give an overall pass for religious leaders.
ReplyDeleteBlind faith and ignorance in my opinion could be a big set back in the fight against Covid-19. I have seen priests standing in the street spoon serving what looks like the 'body of christ' religious practice to believers passing by without any care for disinfecting said spoon, just using the same one over and over. I've seen one preach about plans to go to china to 'fight corona' only to become infected himself immediately. Meanwhile others tell their viewers that the virus is a conspiracy from the US and refuse the aid offered.
If this is what a religious presence is during a pandemic, then we have no room for their ignorance as it only spreads the diseases and gives people a false sense of security that they are somehow immune to the virus.
The religion itself is not to blame, as some scripture in different religions specifically teach against contact with infected individuals. What is to blame is the false belief that a higher power will save you from your own shortcomings - in this case the lack of washing your hands and social distancing.
If God exists, he only helps those who help themselves.
Should religious leaders and scientists work together or separately on this issue?
ReplyDeleteI agree they should, they both go together if you want to believe it or not. The scientists can give us the facts on the virus and how it formed and how we can stay healthy and delay the spread and religious leader can help them understand the history and how its the end times we living in right now. Also Churches can ease the panic of the people with the facts from the scientist.
I worry that "help them understand the history and it's the end times" would cause more panic and unease - I don't agree that it's the end times, and I understand that's my opinion.
DeleteBut spreading word of an end time during something like this is perfect incubation for a cult following. There are people out right now preaching about how Covid-19 is not serious and is a conspiracy or that their deities will protect them from it. And people believe them; imagine the people saying the opposite, telling their congregation that its the end times- and they will believe them just as they believe that they are immune to the virus with their god.
This is how the Heaven's Gate suicide happened- believing that the end was here and the only way to escape was death on some magic starship.
When you begin telling people it's the end, bad decisions start happening.
The virus wont destroy us, we will.