No, I’m not thinking about the lingering physical malaise that is sometimes called “long COVID.” I’m thinking about the lingering social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects caused by two years of social distancing, isolation, mistrust, and fear. We all went along with it; what else could we do without further isolating ourselves? Psychologist Jody Harrington … Continue reading The long-lasting effects of COVID
isolation
Are you feeling lonely?
“It is not good that the man should be alone.” This statement, found in Genesis 2:18 is often cited in the context of marriage, and it is very fitting in that context. But let’s consider the setting in which it was said. Got had placed the first man in an idyllic setting, the garden of … Continue reading Are you feeling lonely?
What went wrong?
Some reports say that 75% of the deaths from COVID-19 occurred in long-term residences for seniors. I don't find that hard to believe. Here is Saskatchewan there have been 130 deaths so far this year, 25% of those deaths occurred during one recent outbreak in one residence. I believe everyone did the best they could … Continue reading What went wrong?
Report on a drive-by shouting in our community
A newspaper in a small Saskatchewan city recently reported on a shocking rise in drive-by shoutings. That trend has now come to our tiny hamlet of Swanson. In this hamlet there is a seniors’ residence; yesterday two of the residents had a birthday. Melvin was 86 and Wilbert was 91. With no visitors allowed, a … Continue reading Report on a drive-by shouting in our community
This has happened before
A careful observer who escaped the plague at Florence in 1617 describes the barricaded houses and empty streets, forbidden to all but food suppliers. Florence was dead: no business activities and no religious services — except for the odd mass which the officiant celebrated at the corner of a street and in which the people … Continue reading This has happened before
What isolation?
The world has changed, due to modern speed of travel a virus that first infected a human being in China a few months ago has now spanned the world. We are all in a crisis situation; we are asked to practice social distancing and stay home as much as possible. But the world has changed in … Continue reading What isolation?
Five reasons Christian communes don’t work
1. They isolate members from other people Relationships with family and friends outside the community that do not further the goals of the community become suspect. 2. They disconnect members from the reality of the world around them People who don’t have to choose and pay for their own food, clothing and shelter can hardly … Continue reading Five reasons Christian communes don’t work
But that’s not what ships are made for
I once had a poster with a picture of a sailing ship at rest in a calm harbour. The caption read: A ship in a harbour is safe — but that's not what ships are made for. There have always been Christians who thought that the safest way to live a pure Christian life was to … Continue reading But that’s not what ships are made for
Flatlander Faith 