Finally, someone from our community called it: the Muslim world is assuming the superior western “experts” know it all. Ha! We were discussing idol worship just last night with my 9 and 12 year old kids. When I pointed out that idol worshipping isn’t limited to statues, my daughter said: yes, some today are worshipping the FDA and the CDC. A 12 year old gets it. Too bad most supposedly learned imams do not. And the few who do get it are not speaking up.
I have not had any support as a Catholic when making a similar claim. Disallowing the faithful to participate in the necessary praise and worship of Almighty God and then introducing the mediation of hysteria driven paraphernalia into Mass constitute a superstitious violation of the true worship which we owe to God. Such idolatry cries to Heaven for vengeance.
I agree. I was appalled and still am at the ridiculousness of the last 2 years. My church had signs on every door saying “you will be asked to leave if you don’t wear a mask.” Mask police at the door, An announcement at the beginning of mass on wearing the mask and wearing it “correctly.” All this after being completely shut down for several MONTHS. All the church staff high giving each other in masks or giving a thumbs up in the pictures on the website. Just appalling. Now priests have to wear the mask while walking up to the pulpit and while handing out communion. Otherwise no masks. It is so stupid. Shutting down when they were most needed. Faith was out in masks, the government, vaccines, and social distancing, instead of God. I also had a had very little support when I pointed this stuff out.
Same experience here. On Christmas Day 2021, our priest had a sermon about letting go of your 'security blanket' and putting your trust in God but the only woman in the Church who did that by not wearing a mask was immediately escorted out of church. I think the irony was lost on many.
Sadly, there will be many people who will wear that mask for several years to come, if not forever. It is even more sad that the church had an incredible opportunity to evangelize and be a voice of reason in a time where people were very scared and they chose to go along with the insanity instead of teaching faith in God. Instead, is was faith in man and “science.” Many have been lead astray.
Thank-you for the Muslim perspective. Your explanation was fairly clear. I think I will need to re-read to understand the minor shirk better. I loved the common sense guidelines outlined towards the end, comparing then to now and why it did or didn't make sense. Thank-you again for the time you took to describe things in detail.
Very interesting. ÑMy knowledge of Islam is limited to solo readings of Quran and Ibn Arabi books I got after Ertugrul. ( I watched it many times. ) I appreciate reading your perspective of current events, utilizing a Muslim cultural lens. Thank you for sharing on Berenson’s substack.
Great article. The Bishop in my city in Canada wanted to show his support of vaccines and put out a poster with his picture beside the words 'I have faith in the vaccines'. Many of us were in disbelief of his comments including most priests in the diocese for reasons exactly as you describe. We use different terms, but the 'shirk' idea is the same.
I encourage you to take a look at Douglas Farrow, a theologian & ethicist from Quebec, Canada who also writes on substack.
Finally, someone from our community called it: the Muslim world is assuming the superior western “experts” know it all. Ha! We were discussing idol worship just last night with my 9 and 12 year old kids. When I pointed out that idol worshipping isn’t limited to statues, my daughter said: yes, some today are worshipping the FDA and the CDC. A 12 year old gets it. Too bad most supposedly learned imams do not. And the few who do get it are not speaking up.
I have not had any support as a Catholic when making a similar claim. Disallowing the faithful to participate in the necessary praise and worship of Almighty God and then introducing the mediation of hysteria driven paraphernalia into Mass constitute a superstitious violation of the true worship which we owe to God. Such idolatry cries to Heaven for vengeance.
I agree. I was appalled and still am at the ridiculousness of the last 2 years. My church had signs on every door saying “you will be asked to leave if you don’t wear a mask.” Mask police at the door, An announcement at the beginning of mass on wearing the mask and wearing it “correctly.” All this after being completely shut down for several MONTHS. All the church staff high giving each other in masks or giving a thumbs up in the pictures on the website. Just appalling. Now priests have to wear the mask while walking up to the pulpit and while handing out communion. Otherwise no masks. It is so stupid. Shutting down when they were most needed. Faith was out in masks, the government, vaccines, and social distancing, instead of God. I also had a had very little support when I pointed this stuff out.
Same experience here. On Christmas Day 2021, our priest had a sermon about letting go of your 'security blanket' and putting your trust in God but the only woman in the Church who did that by not wearing a mask was immediately escorted out of church. I think the irony was lost on many.
Sadly, there will be many people who will wear that mask for several years to come, if not forever. It is even more sad that the church had an incredible opportunity to evangelize and be a voice of reason in a time where people were very scared and they chose to go along with the insanity instead of teaching faith in God. Instead, is was faith in man and “science.” Many have been lead astray.
Yes. I felt my church was worshipping the government, and masks, more than God.
Thank-you for the Muslim perspective. Your explanation was fairly clear. I think I will need to re-read to understand the minor shirk better. I loved the common sense guidelines outlined towards the end, comparing then to now and why it did or didn't make sense. Thank-you again for the time you took to describe things in detail.
Very interesting. ÑMy knowledge of Islam is limited to solo readings of Quran and Ibn Arabi books I got after Ertugrul. ( I watched it many times. ) I appreciate reading your perspective of current events, utilizing a Muslim cultural lens. Thank you for sharing on Berenson’s substack.
Great article. The Bishop in my city in Canada wanted to show his support of vaccines and put out a poster with his picture beside the words 'I have faith in the vaccines'. Many of us were in disbelief of his comments including most priests in the diocese for reasons exactly as you describe. We use different terms, but the 'shirk' idea is the same.
I encourage you to take a look at Douglas Farrow, a theologian & ethicist from Quebec, Canada who also writes on substack.
Yes. I am in Korea, masks are their religion here.