To The Editor

All other matters of the shutdown aside, are the current closures an infringement upon our religious liberties?For Christians, here’s a better question: is religious freedom promised in the Bible? No. Persecution is. And if we  feel we are being persecuted as Christians, I suggest looking at the New Testament (Acts with Stephen and everyone, Paul, Jesus?)  -it seems to be inevitable for followers of Christ. Now, is this persecution? I’ve been to a closed country where restrictions were placed on religion. FromwhatIsee-a government limiting all gatherings of 10+ people because of an easily communicable disease vs. a government locking people up  inprisons or burning down whole churches and homes - we are doing alright. It’s not persecution, it’s caution. Could it be affecting your religious practices? Of course.

However, instead of complaining and waiting on the government to come to the rescue, perhaps people with money could give generously to small businesses? Instead of be moaning the loss of personal meetings we once loved (which many usually arrived to late and left  immediately afterward anyway), perhaps we could start taking action in other areas of life; thanking those tirelessly working while we stay at home; actually calling up those we believe are depressed or in need of social interaction; and finding more creative ways to encourage those around us. Religiously we are free to love, pray and breathe. So, Ibeseech you, reader, to use this time to love the “least of these” and to truly recognize whom those people are.

 Brody Hed

 Becker, MN