Religion in a God-Fearing Pandemic - Op-ed

By: Romaney Mikhaiel '21

(Image courtesy of dailycardinal.com)

Religion? Right now? As some say, religion won't help right now considering the pandemic, but others are getting closer and closer to their religion. When the pandemic first started many politicians and other famous people went out and talked about how this is a chance we all should take advantage of to get closer to each other and to God. Many people spoke out, including Donald Trump, the president of the United States.

According to the Washington Post, on May 22, 2020 “President Trump called on states to allow places of worship to open immediately and threatened to ‘override’ any governors who did not comply with his demand.” This shows how he viewed religion as a must during this pandemic as do many.

Nearly two-thirds of religious Americans feel the coronavirus pandemic is “God telling humanity to change the way we are living.” But on the other hand, “Less than 1% said they believed in God before the outbreak but no longer do,” according to the Washington Post. This is because people have doubts in their faith, as many are seeing God as the way to solve our problems, but others choose not to believe that because they don't think God will come and save them from this pandemic. But how could he come save you if you don't talk to him? Some take everything going in the world right now as a test to their faith in God and choose to read the Bible or other religious books to find the meanings for what they're looking for.

Personally, I believe the only way to stop this pandemic is through prayer and getting closer to God. In the Bible it talks about how these events will take place, how churches will close, and how a pandemic will be released.

Overall, I feel like the numbers of people getting closer to God have increased during this pandemic and quarantine because families are getting together and getting more connected with God. Is religion the answer to this horrific year? Only God knows.