BY:
ABONYI HYGINUS EBUKA
1.0. INTRODUCTION
The outbreak of an illness by name Coronavirus also known as Covid19 has brought panic worldwide and for this reason, social gathering and religious gathering inclusive are suspended. Thus churches are shut down. The COVID-19 virus has crippled our city and community beyond what a snowstorm can. However the reasons for the aforementioned include: mass gatherings are fueling a public-health crisis. In other words, if churches are allowed to carry her activities, it endangers public health.
Nevertheless, the pertinent question is, "what is or are the consequences of closing of churches by the federal and state government in the lives of Christians?" This however is the bone of contension of this article.
2.0. WHY CANCEL CHURCH SERVICES?
It is the obvious, sensible and loving thing to do for most of us. Coronavirus is a flu-like illness that is in many instances beyond the containment phase and is now in the delay phase. In other words, the imperative is to prevent so many people all getting ill at once that the health services are overwhelmed.
Howver, Church services are where many people gather and where it would be possible for the virus to be transmitted to many people. In the case of coronavirus, surely closing churches will help limit social interaction and thus reduce the number of transmissions.
3.0. NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CLOSING CHURCHES
Despite all the above, there are also good reasons for not closing unless we have to, and good reasons for being concerned if we do.
We need to consider carefully the cost of closing churches. Not the financial cost, but rather the psychological, emotional and spiritual costs to people. There are many people for whom the weekly gathering of the Lord's people is a real strength and community to them. The mental harm caused by the fear of the pandemic, and the constant 24/7 media and online hysteria should be factored in as well. And we must be very careful not to fuel the hysteria.
The Church is essential because while our society runs around in fear, we have good news of great joy – a Saviour for all the world. I suspect that if we give our people the message that we think gathering for worship on the Lord's Day is not 'essential' they will believe us. Indeed, many of them already do.
The church is a physical church, It is incredible how physical Christianity is. The sacraments are physical sacraments (are we saying no more baptisms, communion, etc). The very term 'ecclesia' means people gathering in an assembly. Where the right hand of fellowship is give; We sing together. Worship is physical....we stand, kneel, bow and even dance!
I'm also deeply concerned about the implications for evangelism and care for those who are not part of our church family. If our buildings are closed and we retreat into our groups, where can the frightened, questioning, lonely, seeking person turn to? Churches should be beacons of hope in a desert of darkness. Now is the time to let our light shine – not hide it under a bushel.
4.0. CONCLUSION
I think that this situation the church find herself is also good because it is now that a true Christian is known. Christianity goes with difficulties and trials and one who is able to withstand those trials like christ is indeed a true christian. However the danger lie in loosing some members who are not strong in faith.
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