Poll #1: Perspectives Related to the Covid Pandemic

[Wayne in Maine]

While one group promotes obedience to Scripture and throws out maybe too much of the science, the other group does the inverse.

That’s a false dichotomy if I’ve ever seen one on Mennonet (or it’s predecessor, MennoDiscuss).

Of course it is... But it does explain several people on Menno to a Tee. Argue it all you want. The point of there being people who don't neatly fit into a category is well known. This is a generalized statement with a point which you fit on one side like a glove.

I feel sincerely insulted. But God will judge to what degree and to what extent I have gone to obey and to promote obedience to the scriptures.

[Josh]

That’s a false dichotomy if I’ve ever seen one on Mennonet (or it’s predecessor, MennoDiscuss).

Of course it is... But it does explain several people on Menno to a Tee. Argue it all you want. The point of there being people who don't neatly fit into a category is well known. This is a generalized statement with a point which you fit on one side like a glove.

I feel sincerely insulted. But God will judge to what degree and to what extent I have gone to obey and to promote obedience to the scriptures.

Step back from this personally; generally speaking, the plain world (and perhaps the rest of Christendom too) has people going in one of two directions:

- towards worldly-accepted wisdom and away from making Jesus and the Bible the centre of what they do

- sincerely trying to make Jesus and following the scriptures central to their life, but simultaneously running headlong into anything that is not conventional/mainstream, as this can feel less “worldly”

Unfortunately, both of these lead to a worldly dead end.

[Soloist]

I feel sincerely insulted. But God will judge to what degree and to what extent I have gone to obey and to promote obedience to the scriptures.

Yes, and perhaps I should have not singled you out. My goal was not to offend you and for that I am sorry. I likely would have been offended too.

[Robert]

Response to the Covid pandemic is tribal too. This comes down to "Whom do you trust?"

If you are not in my camp, you must be in that other camp, and thus evil.

I trust science, but not all the people who present the science. I trust Scripture, but not all the people who present scripture. There is so much interpretation that goes on. We also tend to be tribal and if someone is not a seen ally, we tend to look at them as enemies.

This is the core of many of Jesus' commands. We are called to love our enemies. Those in the other camp and treat them with kindness, not disdain. This breaks down the tribalism in this world that humans seem to naturally develop.

Doubting someone's faith because they do not align with your understanding of science or scripture is not what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to do. When we do it, we fall short of what Jesus wants from us; thus, we sin.

I have a lot of doubt of some of the science that gets distorted by the "interpreters" on both sides. I agree with Wayne, most are doing their best. Some are using it to promote their political desires, then they build their alliances and use that to support their political intentions. Confusion causes fear. There is enough fear of a severe virus. The confusion compounds and makes it real hard to sort through.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live by faith, not by fear. Yet, we are human and we can not always do that. I do understand the fear many feel. The challenge is one wrapped in fear can not really understand my lack of fear because of my faith. Then, on top of that, I am called to not live in stupidity, but in faith. I should utilize the wisdom and knowledge around me, as Paul did in Rome. We are called to be faithful followers of Jesus, not blind followers. We should protect ourselves and others around us out of a desire to be an asset and not a burden to others. We are called to serve, not to judge OR be a stumbling block.

As followers of Jesus, our response should be like the Amish at the Nickel Mines event. One of compassion, forgiveness and a deep faith that this world is not the end of things, but just a temporary place. We should not obstruct, but our faith in God should show us to be faithful enough that we do not hide in our homes while others need us.

[Ernie]

Poll Results: 11-6-2021

1. 20
2. 19
3. 19
4. 8
5. 7
6. 5
7. 2
8. 2
9. 1
10. 16

[Ernie]

Poll Results: 11-15-2021 | 7:14 PM ET

1. 22
2. 19
3. 20
4. 9
5. 11
6. 5
7. 2
8. 2
9. 1
10. 16

[Ernie]

Poll Results:
1. 22
2. 19
3. 20
4. 9
5. 11
6. 5
7. 2
8. 2
9. 1
10. 16

[RZehr]

I think people don't really change their poll answers once they've taken part of a poll. I think a more accurate way would be if one could make a new poll.