Overheard (May 2020)

I had done a tour in Gitmo, in Guantanamo Bay, and that really kind of sealed the deal for me. I decided, yeah, I don’t believe in [religion] anymore.

Arlene Rios, a former military service member, who started a LatinX atheist support group in El Monte, Calif.

Spectrum News 1, 3-3-20

I have been hearing the argument that we do not have a right to close or restrict places of worship. I disagree with that legal analysis in all respects.

Sunrise, Fla., Mayor Mike Ryan, in April 3 email to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Chief of Staff Shane Strum, after getting mixed messages from DeSantis on whether local authorities have the right to restrict gatherings.

Politico, 4-7-20

Downplaying the threat and refusing to comply with social distancing measures require an indifference toward the common good, a certainty that the ends will justify the means and a brash confidence that God will be on one’s own side.

Kristin Kobes Du Mez, in her op-ed “Some evangelicals deny the coronavirus threat. It’s because they love tough guys.”

Washington Post, 4-2-20

If Texas is any indicator, the rise to power of Christian Americanists may not mean an immediate shift to conservative Christian theocracy. Instead, church-state separation and religious freedom may die a death of a thousand cuts.

David R. Brockman, in his column, “New study of Christian Nationalism in Texas should be a warning for the whole country.” 

Religion Dispatches, 4-2-20

Belief in the Rapture should disqualify anyone from holding public office.

Actor Michael McKean.

Twitter, 4-8-20

Our behavior has stopped the spread of the virus. God did not stop the spread of the virus. And what we do, how we act, will dictate how that virus spreads.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a press conference.

CNN, 4-14-20