When I read that President Trump had declared churches to be "essential services" and threatened to override any Governor I was reminded of Trump's recent of claim of "total authority" over the states. It also reminded me of his desire to have "packed churches" on Easter Sunday. In both instances, Trump had to back off.
However, in this instance, I suspect Trump will bear this cross a bit longer. His support among both Evangelical Christians and Catholics is softening. With 38.6 million Americans having lost their jobs over the past two and a half months, it would be impossible for Trump to boast about the economy. And "Obamagate" is only going to appeal to his most ardent supporters. So the only card Trump has left to play is to be a culture warrior. Trump thundered, "Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship. It's not right."
While this could lure some Evangelicals and Catholics back into Trump's fold, his statements ignores two crucial points.
First, Trump ignores the fact that churches, synagogues and mosques have been conducting virtual services for weeks. If Trump attempts to overrule a state edict I'm not sure how a court would agree with his argument as long Americans who wish to worship can do so online. In communities where internet access might be limited there is also the option of drive-in churches. Thus it is not necessary to have a packed church for Americans to worship.
Second, Trump ignores how rapidly COVID-19 can spread in mass gatherings. When I wrote about my experiences in learning about contact tracing earlier this week I cited an example of a person who attended a Mother's Day service at a church near Sacramento, California, tested positive for COVID-19 and exposed 180 people to the virus. If Trump's edict is implemented this will happen all over the country. Keep in mind that Americans over the age of 65 attend religious services more frequently than any other age demographic. This same demographic is also the most susceptible to dying of COVID-19 with an estimated 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States are people 65 years of age and older. By bringing pressure to bear upon houses of worship to reopen there is a grave risk in a spike of COVID-19 infections and deaths among older Americans. Mind you, the COVID-19 death toll in this country is nearing 100,000.
Given these facts one can only conclude that Trump deeming churches to be essential services and to be immediately reopened while threatening to overrule Governors who may wish to proceed with more caution demonstrates his motives are political, not spiritual.
I dare say President Trump's edict is downright Unchristian.
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