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Coronavirus: Do some religious people have their heads in the sand?

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
I have noticed that some religious people are just going about their ‘business as usual’ while the world economy is crashing and people are dying from this virus. I cannot put my finger on it, but something does not seem right about that. I mean in my religious community all they are talking about is being able to keep up with their regular activities which they are now doing online since we are not allowed to meet in groups per order of the governor.

So they have figured a ‘workaround’ whereby they can keep going on living as they always have as if nothing is even happening, and to top that off they are so happy just because they can continue to meet. I just don’t get it. All they seem to care about is having their meetings and get-togethers, including prayer meetings online, even a concert and their Naw Ruz celebration. Well, maybe I don’t get it because I am not sociable, at least not in person, only on forums, but this does not seem like a time to be celebrating.

Well, to be fair, maybe some people do not think this coronavirus pandemic is that serious. Do they have a television set? Or maybe they lost their remote control? Or maybe I am wrong and this is pandemic really no big deal? After all, it has only shut down schools and businesses across the United States and ravaged economies worldwide, not to mention all the sick and dying. But maybe it is no big deal.

I am always open to opinions from those who agree or disagree with me, or those who just have an opinion of their own.

According to the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah brought the solution to the problems we are facing in the world today, the political, social and economic injustices, but not many people even know about the Baha’i Faith because all the Baha’is ever do is meet and meet and meet and meet amongst themselves. Nobody can blame Baha’u’llah for that; He brought the medicine but they are not distributing it.

Obviously a religious group is not going to cure the coronavirus. According to my religion, science is just as important as religion and absolutely necessary for the continuance and advancement of life on earth. A vaccine for the coronavirus rests solely in the hands of scientists, and treatment falls in the hands of the health care workers. I do not imagine they are sitting in meetings talking about what they are going to do, they are doing it.

So what are we going to do now, as a nation, as a world? According to Baha’u’llah we are all one people living in an interdependent world and we have to work together in service to the entire human race. The reason I became a Baha’i in the first place was because of quotes like the following, as I am an idealist, but I also have practical considerations:

“It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250

Obviously I am not going to come up with any solutions on my own but at least I am concerned. How many religious people are concerned? Do they believe that God is going to fix the coronavirus pandemic and the mess the world is in, or have they even noticed there is a problem? Do they even care? From what I have seen religious people are either waiting for Jesus to return and fix everything, or if they are a member of my religion they are sitting in meetings and talking and praying. What real practical value does that have? How is that going to help people who have been economically ravaged by this pandemic, people who have no job and no money, people who lost everything in the market crash?

For me, religion is not a social club. I have no interest in affiliating with members of my religion unless they are going to talk about what really matters, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah. But I am sure they do not want to hear from me anyway, because all I do is rock their boat. I do not call myself Trailblazer for no reason.
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
I have noticed that some religious people are just going about their ‘business as usual’ while the world economy is crashing and people are dying from this virus. I cannot put my finger on it, but something does not seem right about that. I mean in my religious community all they are talking about is being able to keep up with their regular activities which they are now doing online since we are not allowed to meet in groups per order of the governor.

So they have figured a ‘workaround’ whereby they can keep going on living as they always have as if nothing is even happening, and to top that off they are so happy just because they can continue to meet. I just don’t get it. All they seem to care about is having their meetings and get-togethers, including prayer meetings online, even a concert and their Naw Ruz celebration. Well, maybe I don’t get it because I am not sociable, at least not in person, only on forums, but this does not seem like a time to be celebrating.

Well, to be fair, maybe some people do not think this coronavirus pandemic is that serious. Do they have a television set? Or maybe they lost their remote control? Or maybe I am wrong and this is pandemic really no big deal? After all, it has only shut down schools and businesses across the United States and ravaged economies worldwide, not to mention all the sick and dying. But maybe it is no big deal.

I am always open to opinions from those who agree or disagree with me, or those who just have an opinion of their own.

According to the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah brought the solution to the problems we are facing in the world today, the political, social and economic injustices, but not many people even know about the Baha’i Faith because all the Baha’is ever do is meet and meet and meet and meet amongst themselves. Nobody can blame Baha’u’llah for that; He brought the medicine but they are not distributing it.

Obviously a religious group is not going to cure the coronavirus. According to my religion, science is just as important as religion and absolutely necessary for the continuance and advancement of life on earth. A vaccine for the coronavirus rests solely in the hands of scientists, and treatment falls in the hands of the health care workers. I do not imagine they are sitting in meetings talking about what they are going to do, they are doing it.

So what are we going to do now, as a nation, as a world? According to Baha’u’llah we are all one people living in an interdependent world and we have to work together in service to the entire human race. The reason I became a Baha’i in the first place was because of quotes like the following, as I am an idealist, but I also have practical considerations:

“It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250

Obviously I am not going to come up with any solutions on my own but at least I am concerned. How many religious people are concerned? Do they believe that God is going to fix the coronavirus pandemic and the mess the world is in, or have they even noticed there is a problem? Do they even care? From what I have seen religious people are either waiting for Jesus to return and fix everything, or if they are a member of my religion they are sitting in meetings and talking and praying. What real practical value does that have? How is that going to help people who have been economically ravaged by this pandemic, people who have no job and no money, people who lost everything in the market crash?

For me, religion is not a social club. I have no interest in affiliating with members of my religion unless they are going to talk about what really matters, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah. But I am sure they do not want to hear from me anyway, because all I do is rock their boat. I do not call myself Trailblazer for no reason.

I had to laugh at your title. I think so.

My comment when I heard about the Church canceling Mass therefore the Easter Vigil made me think of two different things. One. Of course, they are reacting to the seriousness of the issue. Then the other, the Easter Vigil is highly important that to skip it would (if I were Catholic) be very, how can I say, bad. As though it's hard to strike a balance between religious obligation and personal safety. I understand the justification by pushing off the Vigil but I disagree with the morality of it.

This is how my church put it:

"Why have service at all, then? Because our services are vital to many people, and individuals may have a strong need to gather in community in this fearful time. An abrupt cancellation would leave people in the lurch."

People need religious communion in times of need. I wouldn't be to hard on the churches and religious.
 

Windwalker

Veteran Member
Premium Member
I have noticed that some religious people are just going about their ‘business as usual’ while the world economy is crashing and people are dying from this virus. I cannot put my finger on it, but something does not seem right about that. I mean in my religious community all they are talking about is being able to keep up with their regular activities which they are now doing online since we are not allowed to meet in groups per order of the governor.

So they have figured a ‘workaround’ whereby they can keep going on living as they always have as if nothing is even happening, and to top that off they are so happy just because they can continue to meet. I just don’t get it. All they seem to care about is having their meetings and get-togethers, including prayer meetings online, even a concert and their Naw Ruz celebration. Well, maybe I don’t get it because I am not sociable, at least not in person, only on forums, but this does not seem like a time to be celebrating.

Well, to be fair, maybe some people do not think this coronavirus pandemic is that serious. Do they have a television set? Or maybe they lost their remote control? Or maybe I am wrong and this is pandemic really no big deal? After all, it has only shut down schools and businesses across the United States and ravaged economies worldwide, not to mention all the sick and dying. But maybe it is no big deal.

I am always open to opinions from those who agree or disagree with me, or those who just have an opinion of their own.

According to the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah brought the solution to the problems we are facing in the world today, the political, social and economic injustices, but not many people even know about the Baha’i Faith because all the Baha’is ever do is meet and meet and meet and meet amongst themselves. Nobody can blame Baha’u’llah for that; He brought the medicine but they are not distributing it.

Obviously a religious group is not going to cure the coronavirus. According to my religion, science is just as important as religion and absolutely necessary for the continuance and advancement of life on earth. A vaccine for the coronavirus rests solely in the hands of scientists, and treatment falls in the hands of the health care workers. I do not imagine they are sitting in meetings talking about what they are going to do, they are doing it.

So what are we going to do now, as a nation, as a world? According to Baha’u’llah we are all one people living in an interdependent world and we have to work together in service to the entire human race. The reason I became a Baha’i in the first place was because of quotes like the following, as I am an idealist, but I also have practical considerations:

“It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250

Obviously I am not going to come up with any solutions on my own but at least I am concerned. How many religious people are concerned? Do they believe that God is going to fix the coronavirus pandemic and the mess the world is in, or have they even noticed there is a problem? Do they even care? From what I have seen religious people are either waiting for Jesus to return and fix everything, or if they are a member of my religion they are sitting in meetings and talking and praying. What real practical value does that have? How is that going to help people who have been economically ravaged by this pandemic, people who have no job and no money, people who lost everything in the market crash?

For me, religion is not a social club. I have no interest in affiliating with members of my religion unless they are going to talk about what really matters, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah. But I am sure they do not want to hear from me anyway, because all I do is rock their boat. I do not call myself Trailblazer for no reason.
That is truly beautiful and honest. I respect this.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
People need religious communion in times of need. I wouldn't be to hard on the churches and religious.
I guess I am different from most people. The last thing I need is religious communion.

But you are no doubt right, most people need religious communion, especially at times like this.
I know I should not be so hard on people, but I have strong feelings about certain things.
 

lewisnotmiller

Grand Hat
Staff member
Premium Member
I had to laugh at your title. I think so.

My comment when I heard about the Church canceling Mass therefore the Easter Vigil made me think of two different things. One. Of course, they are reacting to the seriousness of the issue. Then the other, the Easter Vigil is highly important that to skip it would (if I were Catholic) be very, how can I say, bad. As though it's hard to strike a balance between religious obligation and personal safety. I understand the justification by pushing off the Vigil but I disagree with the morality of it.

This is how my church put it:

"Why have service at all, then? Because our services are vital to many people, and individuals may have a strong need to gather in community in this fearful time. An abrupt cancellation would leave people in the lurch."

People need religious communion in times of need. I wouldn't be to hard on the churches and religious.

I mean...there are a lot of vital things people are being forced to give up. Should religion get special dispensation?
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
I guess I am different from most people. The last thing I need is religious communion.

But you are no doubt right, most people need religious communion, especially at times like this.
I know I should not be so hard on people, but I have strong feelings about certain things.

Yeah. Some are solo and others communal. In regards to spirituality, I see no difference. I like solo because you can take time out to assess your own faults and blessings. I also like communal because we are one humanity, one people, so worshiping together is like worshiping individually. I'm not sure but I would assume Bahai faith would be highly communal given the need for peace among humanity and diversity. I know not every catholic goes to mass and not every Buddhist bow to The Buddha, but would communal worship be one of the core tenants of the Bahai faith?
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
Yeah. Some are solo and others communal. In regards to spirituality, I see no difference. I like solo because you can take time out to assess your own faults and blessings. I also like communal because we are one humanity, one people, so worshiping together is like worshiping individually. I'm not sure but I would assume Bahai faith would be highly communal given the need for peace among humanity and diversity. I know not every catholic goes to mass and not every Buddhist bow to The Buddha, but would communal worship be one of the core tenants of the Bahai faith?
The Baha'i Faith is highly geared towards community life. I am kind of an outlier because I do my own thing.
 

Aupmanyav

Be your own guru
"Coronavirus: Do some religious people have their heads in the sand?"
Nobody has his/her head in sand except you. You are a funny person. Why do you think that people and governments are not doing anything and something would be done only if the whole world becomes Bahai and follows that uneducated 19th Century preacher, Bahaollah, who knew nothing beyond Bible and Quran? The people and governments are doing their best to fight the virus. India is observing a 'peoples' curfew' today and the 1350 million people of India will voluntarily not come out of their houses except for emergencies. But of course, life goes on. The people who remain in their homes also need to be provided their necessities. There are thousands of Indians outside India in countries where Corona virus is raging; business people, workers, pilgrims, Indian tourists, students. We are bringing them home. Many of these people will be afflicted by Corona. We will treat them. The world does not stop because of the virus.

At least, at a time when the whole world is passing through a difficult phase, you cannot still stop blaring your Bahai trumpet? I think, it is shameful.
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
"Coronavirus: Do some religious people have their heads in the sand?"
Nobody has his/her head in sand except you. You are a funny person. Why do you think that people and governments are not doing anything and something would be done only if the whole world becomes Bahai and follows that uneducated 19th Century preacher, Bahaollah, who knew nothing beyond Bible and Quran? The people and governments are doing their best to fight the virus. India is observing a 'peoples' curfew' today and the 1350 million people of India will voluntarily not come out of their houses except for emergencies. But of course, life goes on. The people who remain in their homes also need to be provided their necessities. There are thousands of Indians outside India in countries where Corona virus is raging; business people, workers, pilgrims, Indian tourists, students. We are bringing them home. Many of these people will be afflicted by Corona. We will treat them. The world does not stop because of the virus.

Curfews? Wow. We mind as well have that here since it's almost a ghost town.
 

Aupmanyav

Be your own guru
I have no interest in affiliating with members of my religion unless they are going to talk about what really matters, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah. But I am sure they do not want to hear from me anyway, because all I do is rock their boat. I do not call myself Trailblazer for no reason.
That did not stop you from quoting from "Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250". If they do not want to hear from you, then why do you persist? How would it help us against Corona virus? Is it some paid promotional scheme?
 
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Trailblazer

Veteran Member
At least, at a time when the whole world is passing through a difficult phase, you cannot still stop blaring your Bahai trumpet? I think, it is shameful.
I was not blaring any Baha'i trumpet. I was pointing out my concern that some religious people do not seem to be aware of what is going on with the virus and that bothers me.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
That did not stop you from quoting from "Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250". If they do not want to hear from you, then why do you persist? How would it help us against Corona virus? Is it some paid promotional scheme?
The reason I quoted that was to point out how I believe we are one interdependent world, and how we have to all work together, in light of this virus outbreak.
 

mikkel_the_dane

My own religion
I guess I am different from most people. The last thing I need is religious communion.

But you are no doubt right, most people need religious communion, especially at times like this.
I know I should not be so hard on people, but I have strong feelings about certain things.

I see God when I read your story and when I go out to shop and the store clerks are still there.
God is no just in religious service at the church. God is in the everyday actions we do.

Regards and love
Mikkel
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
I have noticed that some religious people are just going about their ‘business as usual’ while the world economy is crashing and people are dying from this virus. I cannot put my finger on it, but something does not seem right about that. I mean in my religious community all they are talking about is being able to keep up with their regular activities which they are now doing online since we are not allowed to meet in groups per order of the governor.

So they have figured a ‘workaround’ whereby they can keep going on living as they always have as if nothing is even happening, and to top that off they are so happy just because they can continue to meet. I just don’t get it. All they seem to care about is having their meetings and get-togethers, including prayer meetings online, even a concert and their Naw Ruz celebration. Well, maybe I don’t get it because I am not sociable, at least not in person, only on forums, but this does not seem like a time to be celebrating.

Well, to be fair, maybe some people do not think this coronavirus pandemic is that serious. Do they have a television set? Or maybe they lost their remote control? Or maybe I am wrong and this is pandemic really no big deal? After all, it has only shut down schools and businesses across the United States and ravaged economies worldwide, not to mention all the sick and dying. But maybe it is no big deal.

I am always open to opinions from those who agree or disagree with me, or those who just have an opinion of their own.

According to the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah brought the solution to the problems we are facing in the world today, the political, social and economic injustices, but not many people even know about the Baha’i Faith because all the Baha’is ever do is meet and meet and meet and meet amongst themselves. Nobody can blame Baha’u’llah for that; He brought the medicine but they are not distributing it.

Obviously a religious group is not going to cure the coronavirus. According to my religion, science is just as important as religion and absolutely necessary for the continuance and advancement of life on earth. A vaccine for the coronavirus rests solely in the hands of scientists, and treatment falls in the hands of the health care workers. I do not imagine they are sitting in meetings talking about what they are going to do, they are doing it.

So what are we going to do now, as a nation, as a world? According to Baha’u’llah we are all one people living in an interdependent world and we have to work together in service to the entire human race. The reason I became a Baha’i in the first place was because of quotes like the following, as I am an idealist, but I also have practical considerations:

“It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 250

Obviously I am not going to come up with any solutions on my own but at least I am concerned. How many religious people are concerned? Do they believe that God is going to fix the coronavirus pandemic and the mess the world is in, or have they even noticed there is a problem? Do they even care? From what I have seen religious people are either waiting for Jesus to return and fix everything, or if they are a member of my religion they are sitting in meetings and talking and praying. What real practical value does that have? How is that going to help people who have been economically ravaged by this pandemic, people who have no job and no money, people who lost everything in the market crash?

For me, religion is not a social club. I have no interest in affiliating with members of my religion unless they are going to talk about what really matters, according to the Writings of Baha’u’llah. But I am sure they do not want to hear from me anyway, because all I do is rock their boat. I do not call myself Trailblazer for no reason.
I don't mind business as usual, at least within reasonable parameters under the circumstances.

What is absolutely crazy and nuts is the fact that they're willing to bring themselves together in huge massive groups thinking unrealistically that God will protect them. As far as I'm concerned, stupid is as stupid does with those kind of people.

However some religions fortunately see the forest through the trees and realized that 'God' gave them a brain and therefore made reasonable precautions because they know the potential reality and consequences if they don't do otherwise.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
I have noticed that some religious people are just going about their ‘business as usual’ while the world economy is crashing and people are dying from this virus. I cannot put my finger on it, but something does not seem right about that
My Master always advised not to worry (or even think) what other people should do or should not do in your opinion. It's enough if you do what you should do.

Gives "peace of mind"
 
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