The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in an unprecedented dilemma for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations during one of the holiest times of the year. LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies and History Michael Pasquier says some religious communities are more prepared than others for the challenge of conducting services for an audience at home.
“And there is an added urgency now that we are in the season of Lent, Holy Week, Passover, Ramadan, and in the Christian tradition, this is all culminating in the celebration of Easter,” said Pasquier
Pasquier says a message from religious leaders to congregation members can go a long way in letting them know they are doing the right thing by their faith by staying home.
“It can mean the world to a lot of folks who would otherwise be upset and may even feel that they are not abiding by what they understand to be a religious obligation,” said Pasquier.
Despite the insistence of scientists, medical professionals, and elected leaders that churches stop congregating to help mitigate the spread of the virus, some are still pushing forward. Pasquier says the mindset of those that are still going to church is usually set by the pastor.
“This type of Christianity sees the world as kind of a sinking ship and the church is a life raft and if there is a place where one should go, it’s church,” said Pasquier.
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