The point of the two letters mentioned in the Rev. Tony Joseph’s letter “Fear God’s judgment more than coronavirus” (June 6, TribLIVE) was to be safe during a pandemic. Rev. Joseph, you state you are a “a conservative, a Christian patriot” and that you love “God, family and country.”

Great. The virus doesn’t care about you, your congregation or your beliefs. Why is it difficult to understand this virus is worse than the flu with a high death rate and high rate of illness? Large gatherings are fertile ground for spreading it.

You said “people would have the sense to stay home if they were ill, and they can stay home if they fear the virus.”

Not everyone has common sense, and many people are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic.

They don’t know they are infecting people, so your premise of staying home when ill doesn’t make sense.

You stated, “If the two letter-writers who are filled with fear are Christians, they better rethink their faith.”

First of all, I am not afraid. The virus is a medical health emergency. If you follow guidelines from the science and medical communities, your chances of getting sick are reduced.

Second, how arrogant of you to suggest I should rethink my faith.

Part of our Christian duty is to take care of others, and we do this by not putting others in danger (wear your masks, etc.).

You are right, the Constitution protects us to worship freely.

But it does not include putting people in harm’s way. Freedom comes with responsibility, which includes the responsibility to safeguard others.

Edna Martorell

Murrysville

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