Dangerous Theology: Arguments Against Social Distancing

The coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the outcome for our society in the weeks (or months) ahead, will undoubtedly be marked as one of the pivotal times in American consciousness, much akin to the 2008 financial meltdown or the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Schools and universities are closed, businesses are shut down, and most houses of worship have completely digitalized their services for the house-locked and quarantined. With calls from political leaders like Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to cancel church services across his state, and articles in The Atlantic about the legality of the government to enforce COVID-19 closures of houses of worship, the actions of religious organizations and people of faith regarding worship practices are being scrutinized by those outside of faith communities.