The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the fact there are so many ignorant people choosing not to get vaccinated, has created the need to find a safer way to meet in groups. So services like Skype, Zoom have exited the office and made their way into the churches, mosques and synagogues of the world. We can now gather together safely from the comfort and privacy of our own homes.
Not only does group worship via the internet eliminate the unsanitary need for human contact and mind-numbing small talk, but also allows us to virtually join in some of the less pleasant aspects of organized religion. For example:
- Lent: Give up anything with confidence. Then sip that wine or door dash a cup of posh coffee from Starbucks. Who’s gonna know?
- Easter Sunrise Service, Catch it on YouTube later and not have to rise ridiculously early. You were there!
- Yom Kippur: Go ahead, grab a snack during Yizkor because fasting is hard (and a drag).
- The Hajj: It’s a long way to Mecca and only a small number of people will be allowed in this year. No need to delay your Pilgrimage when a 360° Virtual Tour can be viewed on your mobile device. You are there!
So from now on the answer to the questions “Are you fasting this year?” “Are you attending the Easter Sunrise Service” “Are you giving up anything for Lent” “Are you making the Pilgrimage this year?” will all be the same: “YOU BETCHA!”