On Social Media, Vaccine Misinformation Mixes with Extreme Faith
Even with renewed efforts by tech companies, religious-themed misinformation is among the hardest to police. Read full piece
Eroding Trust, Spreading Fear: The Historical Ties Between Pandemics & Extremism
Since ancient times, pandemics have spurred sharp turns in political beliefs, spawning extremist movements, waves of mistrust and wholesale rejection of authorities. Nearly a year into the coronavirus crisis, Americans are falling prey to the same phenomenon, historians, theologians, and other experts say. Read full piece
No touching! Churches Get Ready for Ash Wednesday in a Pandemic
Ash Wednesday is one of the touchiest observances on the liturgical calendar — literally. But that presents a problem when health experts fighting COVID-19 have advised people to avoid touching their faces or coming in close proximity to others.
New Arkansas Law Exempts Churches from Pandemic Restrictions
A new act signed by Arkansas’s governor on Wednesday (Feb. 10) would prevent the governor or other state or local officials from enacting restrictions on houses of worship and religious groups during a public health crisis.
Don’t Let Politeness Keep You from Confronting Lies
Ethical people have a responsibility to strongly call out mistruths. Use specific language and the strength of your character to do so. Read full piece
Supreme Court Splits on California’s Pandemic Restrictions on Churches
The U.S. Supreme Court is telling California that it can’t bar indoor church services because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it can keep for now a ban on singing and chanting indoors.
Can an Employee Object to Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines on Religious Grounds?
Under new guidelines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, employers are allowed to adopt mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies. But what happens if an employee refuses to take the shot, citing their religious beliefs?
Neither Democracy nor Religious Freedom are Biblical Concepts, John MacArthur Declares
The Bible favors neither democracy nor religious freedom, John MacArthur said in a pair of January sermons where he lamented the perceived persecution of his church by government. Read full piece
Iowa Judge: Mask Policy Didn’t Violate Worker’s Religious Rights
An Iowa judge has denied unemployment benefits for a dental technician who cited religious reasons for refusing to wear a face mask intended to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
There Should Be No Pandemic Privilege for Religion
Houses of worship should not be hit with harsher pandemic rules than similar organizations. But religious gatherings should not be exempt from the same life-saving health rules to which similar gatherings are subjected. Simply put, there shouldn’t be a pandemic privilege for religion.