False Shepherds at Alymer Church
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities;
for there is no authority except from God,
and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13:1
My dear, departed mother would admonish either of her two sons who would use the word hate, telling us that hate was a strong word which we didn't use in our household. Sorry Mom, but I hate that a lead item on the national CBC radio news is about a group of congregations fighting Manitoba's lock-down rules prohibiting in-person worship in court.
These congregations are loosely using the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to argue that they have the right to put others at risk because of vague notions about freedom of religion. These congregations are allowed drive-in worship and they can broadcast their services, so it really about selfishly insisting that they have the right to physically assembly despite a pandemic which is worsening across the country. Despite the alarming rise in COVID cases, the cautions of medical experts, and healthcare workers speaking of their exhaustion and critical numbers of patients, these congregations insist that the figures are inflated. Did I mention that I hate this?
The same protests and challenges are happening in other parts of the country, often with a defiance which is childish and self-centred. It's interesting that they are appealing to the Charter rather than the verse from Paul's letter to the Romans which I've included above. Of course, that verse has been manipulated by Christians over time to subjugate people in chilling ways.
It's nearly always conservative Christian congregations which are taking this "you're not the boss of me" stance. Here in Ontario a congregation in Aylmer has been conducting Sunday services and the independent MP Derek Sloan from this area has attended, making his own belligerent "Christian" statements.
As readers will know, I am not opposed to gathering for worship if the conditions are safe. We have attended worship during this past year when our congregation and others was given the green light by the province. The Trenton United board ceased in-person worship in advance of second and third wave restrictions for the safety of members.
I am embarrassed by sisters and brothers in Christ who can't seem to move beyond self-interest for the well-being of all. I don't hate them, but they are disappointing. What happened to "love your neighbour as you love yourself"? Or perhaps these bible-believing Christians should take a look at Ezekiel 34 and the prophesy against false shepherds.
3 comments:
Well put David. Infuriating to watch elected government representatives - Hillier & Sloan - protest the very governing bodies they are a part of. The less attention they receive, the better for all of us. And yet, I don't see that happening. Their court appearances will put even more people at risk. I don't wish Covid on anyone, but how can they be made to understand how dangerous they are??
I share your feelings, David. people who organize and promote these "protests" are ignorant (and choose to be so) of the possible consequences, and selfish, and do not care about others.
Thanks, Betty and Judy, for your comments. There does seem to be a willful denial of the evidence, for selfish reasons. I really do try to resist wishing ill for these people, but it can be a struggle!
Post a Comment