It’s a biblical command for Christians to pray for those in authority. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
However, Paul also instructed to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” As a Christian, as a conservative, I’ve watched the federal government’s response to COVID-19. Light must be shed to expose the incoherence of its and our leader, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
Since the first confirmed case in the USA on January 21, 2020, about six million Americans contracted the virus. Over 183,000 people died. Survivors can also face likelihood of lingering health issues. A recent Mayo Clinic report says they can include heart, lung, and/or brain damage.
To paint a less grim reality, the President last week latched onto a Twitter follower’s link to a Center for Disease Control (CDC) report called by some “The Six Percent Narrative.” A few concluded since only six percent of people — 10,000 then — who succumbed to virus were without a preexisting health condition, those alone are considered COVID-19 deaths. Yet, the CDC states that when COVID-19 appears on a death certificate, it’s the fundamental cause for more than 95 percent of all deaths.
The “Six Percent Narrative” is just one of the various avenues the President has pursued to downplay the virus’ severity. Over the past few months, he asked his people to “slow the testing down.” In addition, he disregarded scientific expertise, deferred to fringe medical personalities, and extolled questionable therapies. He believed they would jumpstart the economy and bolster his chances for re-election.
Another recent report says he’s also considering a dangerous strategy of mitigating the virus through “herd immunity.” His latest adviser, Dr. Scott Atlas, a Stanford neuroradiologist who lacks a background in infectious disease research, encouraged the measure.
Herd immunity seeks to loosen physical restrictions in gatherings. The aim is to allow the virus to infect as many people as possible in hopes to build resistance. But research shows large assemblies, regardless of purpose, drastically increase the probability of spreading the disease.
The herd immunity concept fails to take into account the untold number of potential fatalities, especially in Black and Hispanic populations. The CDC notes a higher mortality risk among people of color due to discrimination, occupation, and disparities in healthcare, education, income, and housing.
In a July 28, 2020 interview, when asked about the death toll of 150,000 Americans at the time, the President’s response was “it is what it is.” It’s impossible to fathom the hurt felt by those families watching. They heard from their elected leader that a thriving economy has greater significance than a life of a relative. It has been widely said, and it’s true, “all lives matter.” That applies to those inside and outside the womb.
We humans are fallible, prone to error. If Christians, including me, herald any government official as a savior, if we are known more for our support of a politician or party than for our devotion to Christ, if we place a greater value on “our rights” than what’s necessary to protect those around us in this season, it’s clear we’ve lost our focus. We must quickly turn our eyes again toward Jesus, the only One who saves.
Some fellow conservatives within and outside the Christian community will take offense to this post. Nevertheless, your ability to live another day means far more to me than any disapproval.
I continue to pray for the President and his family. I respect the office he holds. Nonetheless, the choice to give cover — in regards to his woefully ineffective response to and insensitivity for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic — because it would shield his bid for a second term and secure quid pro quos is wrong. I refuse to defend the indefensible.
Sources:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - New Living Translation
Ephesians 5:11 – New Living Translation
Article: “Timeline: How coronavirus got started”
Study: “Health Equity Considerations & Racial & Ethnic Minority Groups”
Study: “COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects”
Study: “Provisional Death Counts for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)” – Updated August 26, 2020
Video: “#SixPercent narrative claims ‘real’ COVID death toll is only 10,000, not over 150,000”
Video Interview: Axios on HBO – July 28, 2020
