We are made in God’s image, which means we are created rational beings. But The Fall made us lazy thinkers, and we love short cuts. So instead of patiently gathering relevant data and connecting the dots, we may tend just to accept what we find by clicking a link.
Web sites and videos abound theorizing not only how COVID-19 originated and spread, but also about cover-ups and how the virus was spawned as a way to control people. Before you imbibe these theories, consider the aphorism Hanlon’s Razor, “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence and/or folly.”
We are learning more about this disease every day, but so far, the simplest explanations are easy to believe. A super-contagious lab virus escaped, and spread quickly. Because humans are prideful and slow to accept blame, we were misinformed both about its nature and origin.
Because elected officials tend to err on the side of caution, they proposed the most draconian measure of quarantining everyone. Unsurprisingly, unintended consequences abound and compound. Nothing I’ve read so far better explains the data. Remember that any story sounds plausible before there is a cross examination. Proverbs 18:17
Human nature being what it is, power hungry leaders will abuse their positions and attempt to expand their influence and control. Others will seek to profit from any crisis via patents or price gouging. But those are age-old sins of corruption which need no conspiracy to explain.
Let’s not be naive. There are many haters both of our nation and the Gospel. But please think twice before forwarding an unproven story. We never want to gossip, nor cause unnecessary fear. Proverbs 28:1
“Father, grant us your wisdom, the ability to reason critically, and the patience to gather information. We pray you will help us think clearly and not give way to fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”