The Editor,
Some churches and church goers are defying provincial health rules while others are objecting. We are all together in this. The virus does not discriminate. It is just looking for a host.
I have a great suggestion to turn this calamity into a virtue. You will come out of it as a better person; a better human being, which is the goal of religion. Worship at any religious place has become ritualistic to a great extent. If it were not so, the societies would be a lot more harmonious.
Look at the COVID-19 interruption in our lives as an opportunity. Replace the church congregation with your own family congregation. It even has the potential to bring the family closer together.
My tested, proven plan requires you to do a self-analysis. Be honest as to what kind of a person you actually are. No glossing over. We are constantly reminded that we sin. How do you measure up?
Remember, you are judging yourself against the Godly Virtues. Truthful living, honesty, integrity, compassion, forgiveness, seeing all as equal, without judging what they are instead of what they do.
God is in all of us. If you do not see God in all, then you do not really believe in God. God does not discriminate. Think hard within your mind. Contemplate over these issues. Make a list. This may be a sobering exercise if you have been honest in this self analysis.
Next, think about what you are going to do about your own shortcomings. Work at one at a time. For example, is your speech respectful? Do you nag routinely? Do you put down others as a habit? How about deception? Attend to these and other issues.
You will come out of this COVID-19 interruption a better human being. Without it, it would likely have been more of the same.
Dave Bains, Surrey