Most people have to adapt to the new COVID-19 outbreak in less than ideal ways, but communities and groups have also been affected. Many communities of faith have been broadcasting their services online, using any digital communication the world has offered up, from Facebook live to email to Apple TV. Matt Hagee, the lead pastor of a church in Texas offered the idea that communities and places of worship are not so much about the structure, as much as they are about the people in the community and making sure they take care of each other and stay connected. Many places of worship provide more than just broadcasting their services though, and Mr. Hagee's church is checking in on the elderly, and providing support to people who need it, although in his area they don't have as strict of a quarantine as in other places.
Discussion Questions:
1. How will people with strict self-quarantine rules, and who rely on services provided by communities of faith be affected by the closure of in-person services?
2. What would be the most effective way of keeping a community in touch and connected, even throughout quarantine?
3. What are some challenges that could occur for people without computer/internet access? How can they be solved?
Source: https://www.jpost.com/International/Pastor-Matt-Hagee-to-Post-Community-of-faith-is-not-about-structures-622196
I believe that the internet is the best way for people to stay connected during this this unprecedented time. Through the internet and phones we can still connect in many different ways. For communities of faith, I know that they have begun to post things online to stay connected. I also know for my youth group we are doing a group conference call at the same time youth group would normally be so we can still chat and stay connected.
ReplyDeleteI think that people who are apart of these communities of faith are affected in a negative way. Though they have access to services online, they lose the ability to talk to people and meet new people when they stay at home. An effective way of keeping a community in touch would to have calls with each other and to do online activities with each other. A challenge that could occur for people without computer and internet access would be not being able to connect with other people. This is a hard issue to completely solve, because many people don't have computer or internet access.
ReplyDeleteSome challenges that could occur for people without internet access is that they won't be able to partake in any gathering of the members of that church/temple/mosque/etc, and this will not be the easiest to solve because of the fact that if you don't have access to a computer or internet, how do you find these streams? If religious groups provided their members with computers, or if internet costs were lowered for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, people of faith could continue their worship.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, we have the gracious power of the internet. Where would we be without it? These services, like religious ones, can survive from staying online. For example, one of the biggest groups of people suffering from this are those in food service. They depend on people going out and getting food, and many restaurants will close due to this. Those people will be affected by this, but for things like religion and most other things, translating it online will only be a speed bump and not the end of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe closure of in-person services will definitely affect church communities, by limiting the in-person effect of gathering as a community. However, people can still receive the same message every week through the power of the internet. It is a tough time for the church community, but we can luckily still stay connected.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has been helpful to those that have it and I know some communities are having drive by confessions. It is especially rough because many turn to their faith in times of struggle but church is closed.
ReplyDeleteThe implications of COVID-19 are not just the health issues and the actual spreading of the disease, but also so much more socio-emotional consequences, including for religion. Many people (including people at my synagogue community) rely on the social interactions or emotional support they are able to receive when with their religious communities, yet these times makes achieving this much harder. However, this does not mean it is impossible for a religious community to still connect. Services could be broadcasted, board members or other figures at the house of worship could call elderly and anybody else who may be struggling to check in with them, and any learning or connection that the community generally engages in can be switched to Zoom (for people who don't have easy access to this, even just a phone call could make someone's day).
ReplyDeleteThe people that receive help through the services of faith communities will face the issue of being cared for and receiving food, as it is now harder to do those things. Those people would now need food deliveries along with other essential items. Their housing in community homes will be a lot different than it was. Social media could be a good way or some online blog where people can talk with others. Some people that don't have access to the internet may not be able to do online learning or order food online, which now has become important in adapting to COVID-19. They also wouldn't be able to access Zoom calls.
ReplyDeleteWe are living in an extraordinarily unusual time, and I believe that there is no perfect way to keep a community together. Those with internet have a way to connect to people that is revolutionary, but those without internet may have a very hard time communicating. It is important to remember the importance of being kind to those around you, as we are living through a trying time.
ReplyDeletePeople without internet access are less likely to be informed immediately about current events. This does not mean that they are completely shut out from all news. Although information cannot be accessed as easily, word of mouth and cellular devices allow us to stay connected with one another. Making sure that we all stay in touch with our friends, family, and the news during this time is the only way we can prevent this from happening again.
ReplyDeleteIn times of crisis, social media provides a platform for people to communicate, and gives people the strength and warmth necessary to overcome hardship. Whether it be contacting a loved one from afar or attempting to reach a vast audience to disseminate crucial information surrounding the outbreak, social media is indispensable in times like these.
ReplyDeleteA most effective way of keeping people connected through a time like this would be things like social media, so many people at a time can see or hear about things happening. Also, calling friends and family and keeping in touch on what is going on in each other's lives.
ReplyDelete