Whether for good or for ill, religion has always proved to be a powerful force for humanity tapping into an enormous urge in human nature to follow a higher power and serve a supreme being believed to be higher than oneself. Many evil men have taken advantage of their ability to twist this noble side of human nature.
As the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot has been said and done already and as usual, our religious leaders whom we look up to on spiritual guidance have given their views too. Whereas some have obeyed the government's directives, others have been defiant and ignored holding to radical religious views ranging from: it’s a punishment from God for the sins of mankind hence the need for repentance; a signal of the second coming of the Messiah; a demonic attack and to some it’s a test of faith.
Faithful’s ought not to follow their religious leaders blindly as the creator gave each person a will, intellect, and emotion. Therefore, an individual should make the best decision rather than being swayed by the irrational beliefs advocated by the clergy.
Regardless of all the opinions, no one should ignore the preventive measures, remember Noah built an arch and survived the floods. Kenyans should do everything within their means to ensure that the spread of the virus is halted.
COVID -19 has proved to the world that it is not a respecter of age, gender, religion, race, or status. We have witnessed pastors, priests, sheiks, and imams who have been victims of the virus and some succumbing to it. Vigilant and obedience is what will see us through this pandemic.
On many occasions we have experienced conflicts between the government and some religious sects which due to unknown reasons warn their congregants against immunization or even seeking medical attention when sick, instead, members are urged to seek divine intervention for healing. Faithful’s ought not to follow their religious leaders blindly as the creator gave each person a will, intellect, and emotion. Therefore, an individual should make the best decision rather than being swayed by the irrational beliefs advocated by the clergy.
It is obvious that when it comes to matters sickness, many believers will turn their hope to verses like Isaiah 53:5-6, in which they are assured healing through the stripes Christ endured, but then the same holy book teaches that Faith without actions is dead. Therefore, in this CORONA pandemic let us accompany our faith in God with actions of washing and sanitizing our hands regularly, wearing masks, refrain from touching the mouth, eyes, and nose as well as observing social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.