Items
Tag is exactly
faith
-
04/01/2020
Merinda Oral History, 2020/04/01
Calla interviews "Merinda" about how the pandemic has affected including religion. -
2020-04-17
Filming Online Church While Observing Social Distancing
A small church responds quickly to the threat of large gatherings. Despite not having a standing audio/visual team, a pastor quickly mobilizes volunteers to get church services online for parishioners while the production team observes social distance protocols. As a consequence, on the same day that the Los Angeles mayor announcing as ban of gatherings, the church posts its first online worship service. -
2020-05-01
The Danger of Being Essential
Everyone in the entire world has been affected in one way or another by the pandemic of COVID-19. The rapid spread and contagiousness of the virus has made the spread of the virus virtually impossible to contain, because of this, the virus has gone worldwide in a matter of months and has caused many casualties. My mother is a nurse working on the frontlines, and every day I am afraid for her. My family faces the constant fear of exposure. To protect the rest of the family, my mother has been quarantining herself on one side of the house and has been very careful about keeping clean and using disinfectants. I know that the work my mom does has taken a toll on her mental health lately. She seems more discouraged and less motivated than usual. Part of this is likely her isolation from her family, however, I think that working on the frontlines right now can be very stressful and I know that is it typical to lose faith in modern medicine at a time like this. My mother has mentioned how sad it is to see people on their deathbed, when there is nothing you can do to save them. She told me one of her patients was an elderly man who had no family except for his wife, and he could not contact her, and she could not visit him during his last hours of life. This made me realize how terrifying it can be to have the coronavirus. While I was discussing the virus with my mother, she told me about the supply shortages that many hospitals are experiencing at the moment. The main issue is with ventilators. Many coronavirus patients need to be put on a ventilator to facilitate their recovery, but without these machines, there are many more casualties. There is also a shortage in Tylenol and medical masks. Tylenol is used as a pyretic to reduce fever in patients and reduce pain from the symptoms. Medical masks are needed most in hospital settings because the healthcare providers need to be protected the most. Everyday Healthcare workers put their lives on the line by going to work and treating coronavirus patients, and every day they are helping to improve the statistics of the coronavirus pandemic. I worry for my mother every time she goes to work and pray that she stays safe and healthy despite the factors not in her favor. -
2020-05-02
COVID-19, Religion, and Public Life Reflection
Reflection -
2020-04-02
The Apocalypse as an ‘Unveiling’: What Religion Teaches Us About the End Times
This article discusses the different religious viewpoints in relation to how the epidemic and apocalypse can affect the livelihood of each religion and its following and how they continue to practice in such trying times. -
Sick woman in Church
A woman who is either sick or preventing by wearing a mask in sitting in church. We are made to need hope or look to a higher power/ God during times of hardship. To me, this photo represents a lot regarding what has been happening with Covid-19. This has been a hard and dark time for us. Religion and hope in God has brought me a lot of peace during this time. -
2020-04-13
sick in church
Photo of a woman in a church with a mask on her face. This signifies the need of a higher power during these times of hardship. We are humans who are in need of someone/ something to give us hope. This picture clearly shows that this woman is sick or trying to prevent sickness and looking for hope in a God. Photo time is unidentified. This photo signifies our absolute need for a higher power, God, in a time like we are going through with Covid-19. #REL101 -
2020-04-27
The Apocalypse as an ‘Unveiling’: What Religion Teaches Us About the End Times by Elizabeth Diaz
The article with the image by Elizabeth Diaz, compares the image of the apocalypse to the pandemic crisis. Human beings versus humankind,inequality. Events of destruction and the skies would become the heavens. (Diaz,202). Diaz, Elizabeth. The Apocalypse as an ‘Unveiling’: What Religion Teaches Us About the End Times. New york times, April 2,2020. “Death on the Pale Horse,” painted by the American artist Benjamin West in 1796. #REL101 Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/us/coronavirus-apocalypse-religion.html -
2020-04-13
Their Calling Was to Lay Hands on the Sick. Then Came the Coronavirus.
This article is about how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the lives and ministry in total for 8 Manhattan Friars. The brothers are used to doing things in common. They pray twice a day, eat, and do everything together. With social distancing being put into effect in the NY area, all their normal routines are being challenged. What gives them faith is that the Catholic Funeral Liturgy says, “Life hasn’t ended, it has changed.” -
2020-04-10
See religions around the world adapt in the age of coronavirus
Due to the mayhem following the coronavirus pandemic that has been occurring worldwide, “religious leaders have had to find creative ways to bring their services and communities together” according to Adam Jeffery with the CNBC. Throughout the article, Jeffrey displayed how all around the world religious leaders have thought of very innovative ways to keep their followers still involved in the church and to try to keep communities as together as possible. In Austria, the catholic priest Johannes Laichner is “circulating incense over the photographs of members of his congregation” (Jeffery, 2020). In places like Bowie, Maryland, Rv. Scott Holmer risks his life to go outside and “make the sign of a cross while holding confession in the church parking lot” (Jeffery, 2020). In Israel, Ultra-Orthodoc Jews still show their faithfulness to their house of worship as they “pray along a street outside their closed synagogue while respecting the social distancing regulations'' (Jeffery, 2020). Places all over the world are still keeping their faith in the higher power they believe in during such a sad and crazy time that we’re living in. Both the people as well as the religious leaders all around are displaying their support for each other in various ways to convey the message that regardless of what may be going on in the world, the higher power is still the answer and we’re in this together. -
2020-04-01
'It's Like a Lifeline.' How Religious Leaders Are Helping People Stay Connected in a Time of Isolation
This article does a great job detailing how religious leaders in Christianity and Judaism are aware of the major problem of Covid-19. They have shut down their temples for prayer, but they will still get their message of unity and faith across to the community. The article also details the major changes to usual rituals in churches and temples. -
2020-04-11
Hospital Chaplains Try to Keep the Faith During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This article goes into detail on how many “Chaplains” are keeping faith/ religiosity alive during the Corona Virus pandemic. Many individuals in the hospital who are ailing or have the Corona Virus are unable to have access to their religions, or any type of contact with religiosity. There are a select handful of individuals who will go into the hospitals infected with the coronavirus and bring religiosity to the sickly. Not only the sickly, but also bringing religiosity and faith to medical professionals or anyone who takes care of the sickly in the hospitals. This article outlines some of the work done by these people in the hospitals and what it means to them, and the people they are providing help for. -
2020-04-09
The Three Equations for a Happy Life, Even During a Pandemic
This article by Brooks says, how during the coronavirus is great time to make arts and crafts. In time religion have always encouraged the pursuit of happiness and well being along with science books. Brooks tells that in three equations is a formula to help oneself to contrast their life into an art form. Then magnify what we draw from the activity to help us see and think from a subjective view. This activity worth thinking about during the bad times we are all going through (Brooks,2020). -
2020-04-24
Church donations have plunged because of the coronavirus. Some churches won’t survive.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches are being hit hard. They are facing a decrease in donations, making it difficult for them to stay afloat. This is due to their masses being cancelled or moved online. Congregations are beginning to make difficult decisions of whether or not to close their doors or cut the work of their staff. #REL101 -
2020-04-25
Observations on Catholic Prayer Groups
I recently had the chance to observe a Catholic prayer group, done remotely due to COVID-19. The meeting lasted about an hour. The group was made mostly of women and they performed the rosary, as a devotion to Mary. After this was complete the women went into discussion. What I found was that many of these women were struggling due to recent events. Unemployment, anxiety, and sickness were all cited as problems for them. They asked each other to pray for them. This sort of group therapy, creates a sense of security, belonging, and hope. Many expressed how important the meeting was to them, as they needed an outlet to express their fears. The talk therapy, coupled with the ritual of rosary, helped these women during a difficult time. It is a testament to how many religious people may cling to their faith in times of distress. Karl Marx famously called religion “the opium of the people”. This experience showed me that in a way this is true; it did place these women at ease with their situation. Marx expressed this in a negative light, but what I saw was a necessary attempt to seek out community amidst an ordered isolation. To these women, it seems not an opium but rather a medicine for mental and spiritual well-being. #REL101 -
2020-04-23
Faith Over Fear
The coronavirus has taught me something important. It can be difficult to see God in a world that is fraught with confusion, despair, hopelessness, and uncertainty. When I first found out that the second half of my freshman year of college was taken from me, my world was rocked. My faith was rocked. Before COVID-19, I felt like my faith was on a firm foundation, and more importantly, I felt close to God. All of that changed as soon as I arrived home. That firm foundation was now one of uncertainty and disappointment. The closeness I felt like I had with God was now gone. In reality, I never felt farther from God in that moment. I was overwhelmed by disappointment and confusion after realizing that I wasn’t going to get the dream ending of my first year in college. I wasn’t going to see my closest friends for a while. All I could see and focus on was everything that I lost. As the days passed, I started to see glimmers of hope and joy. I started to work on being intentional about looking for God in my day-to-day. Now, I see God working in me with the unexplainable peace I now carry that everything will eventually work out. I see God in the encouragement and intentionality shown by my friends during a time where it’s easy to hide. I see God in the joy I feel as I write hand-written letters to my friends, even though they aren’t with me anymore. I see God in the laughs that my family shares as we enjoy the most heavenly chocolate chip cookies that I make for dessert. These examples may seem insignificant, but I have found rest in these moments because I have faith that God is working in and through them. The coronavirus taught me that it can be difficult to see God in our world right now. But God taught me that He is right in the middle of all the pain, uncertainty, and loneliness I am feeling. He has taught me to be gentle with myself. That it’s okay to feel sad. That it’s okay to feel lonely. That it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. And that it’s okay to not be productive all the time. But even in the midst of all of those feelings, He is right there with me, and I trust that He is going to redeem all of the pain I am experiencing and turn it into something beautiful. I may not be able to see it right now, but I have faith that I will see it, and I’ll be so thankful for it. As a result, my faith will come out stronger than it ever has been before. -
2020-04-22
Poarch Creek Tribal Chairwoman Addresses Her Community at the Height of Pandemic Preparations
Asks for everyone's patience and faith in getting through the pandemic. Announces that the tribal offices and facilities will be closed until further notice and that the tribe has committed to continuing to pay employees. #IndigenousStories -
04/04/2020
New Coronavirus Limits Bring New Religious Freedom Tension
This article discussing that though many states are on lockdown, that has not stopped churches from holding services and continuing their faith. Many church's have held online services, or even allowed people to "come to church" while remaining in their cars and holding services outdoors. Though most in person meetings have been prohibited until further notice, pastors and religious leaders all around the United States have found ways to continue their faith with their communities. -
2020-04-07
Coronavirus Florida: Lockdown exemption for religious services not expected to be widely used
This aritcle describes how the churches and synagogues will conduct services virtually or parking lot services with the members remaining in their cars. It also describes how the governor of Florida considers attending religious services exempt from the stay at home order. Dispite the governor's directive most religious leaders will choose to not hold public gatherings and stay within the social distancing guidleines to help with midigating the spread of the virus. This article also describes what happened when a leader of faith decided to move forward with public church services despite the local stay-at-home order. Rev. Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested for violating this order. -
2020-03-30
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for breaching Covid-19 health order
This article is about the arrest of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of Hernando County, Florida. The Pastor was arrested for holding two or more large church services after the social-distancing order was put into place. The services had more than 100 attendees who were all in close proximity to each other. Howard-Browne was criticized heavily for being “reckless” and putting many individuals in danger of contracting the virus. The article also states that there are a couple states throughout the United States that have decided to make an exception to the stay-at-home orders for faith and religion. Although Pastor Rodney states that his church was cleaned and all staff were taking precautions it still goes against the Hernando County order of having any gathering be less than ten people. -
2020-04-13
Online prayers
For the past 22 years, Indians in Ghana have performed a weekly prayer meeting. Popularly known as the "Vishnu Group", each family used to book a slot a year in advance to conduct this prayer at their house. The gathering consists of nearly 60 people who gathered at the host family's house every week. During this puja, the gathering recites the traditional Vishnu Sahasranamam, Hanuman Chalisa, and prays to Lakshmi and Shiva. The group then proceeds to an hour long bhajan. After this, they proceed to the potluck dinner made up of traditional items. However, due to COVID-19, the group can no longer meet and have instead shifted their prayers online. The picture shows the prayer area in Mrs Gomati Mohan's house. Garlands are seen decorating the pictures and the host couple is seen performing the traditional aarti. In this new, modern form of praying, each member of the group performs the prayer in their own house and updates the other members in a common WhatsApp group. -
2020-03-26
Darkest Before Dawn
Darkest Before Dawn Our world is being ripped apart by a virus, Covid-19, which is causing illness and death. Many are fearful for their own safety, that of their families, their loved ones and for the world’s people. At times we feel helpless in the struggle to return to our old lives but we are not helpless! Inside all of us is an army that can help in the fight. This floral creation symbolises our struggle and hope for a return to health on our planet. In the centre you see Covid-19, spreading its tentacles of disease throughout the world. Standing physically apart but socially joined in a common struggle are the armies inside us. Love (Red Rose) Faith, Hope and Wisdom (Blue Iris) Strength (Gladiolus) Peace and Calm (Lavender) When we all unite our armies we will see the rebirth of a healthy world symbolised by Easter Daisies and a butterfly in flight. Jackie Annable Stage two lockdown. Floral art classes cancelled. -
2020-03-18
Stay Connected with our Online Services and Programs
Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia, started holding services and programs remotely on March 16, 2020. The move was made for general public health reasons, and in particular to protect the many vulnerable individuals who are part of the synagogue community. -
2020-03-18
Message from Rabbi Josh at Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia
This message was posted by Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia, a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by LGBTQ+ Jews in the 1980s, during the AIDS epidemic. The message offers spiritual guidance and grounding in the synagogue's history of compassion toward people who were marginalized during the HIV epidemic that ravaged and stigmatized the Gay community at the time of the synagogue's founding.