To the Editor:
The drive by some churches to open early with unlimited numbers of worshippers no doubt has many supporters. America is statistically, one of the most religious nations based on surveys of church, temple, mosque, or meeting house membership and attendance. Virtual and online church, video and even drive-ins have sufficed for many. But, there are many Americans whose lives revolve around their religious activities. Not to be cynical but one problem for the religious organization is no passing of the collection plate, so revenues are down, although some applied for and got the SBA PPP loans.
I was raised Methodist but it required a lot of memorization of Bible verses and stories; I can still rattle off the entire list the books of the Old Testament in order. So, every time I hear politicians yelling about prayer in schools or at sporting events or hear people professing loudly what good Christians they are or invoking God or prayer in frequent conversation, I cringe. But, obviously I do not “hate religion” as Trump yells about Democrats and “liberals.” I cringe because those politicians and Trump are yelling and asking for public displays of prayer and communion with God in violation of Christ’s teachings. So, it is not a very Christian thing to do. All that Christ asks and therefore God commands is this: Matthew 6:3-15. Read it.
Teresa Simon
Village of Winifred