The Corona pandemic offered the church a unique opportunity to return to its original tasks and reflect on its core values. But instead of seizing this opportunity, the church remained mired in ideological discussions and missed the opportunity to strengthen its central role in society.
Missed opportunities and ideological entanglements
At a time when people were seeking answers to existential questions, the church could have spoken about issues such as life, death, resurrection and the meaning of life. Instead, it remained largely silent and became entangled in discussions about structural reform, gender issues and social justice. These topics may be interesting to some, but they distract from the central tasks of the church.
The role of the church in the pandemic
The church should have exercised prudence and caution during the pandemic. Instead, it stoked fear and contributed to the division of society. While Christ touched the sick and exposed himself to the wrath of the authorities, the church harassed even the healthy and relied on strict hygiene measures.
Trust in God and health care
Trusting in God does not mean carelessly ignoring dangers. But the church should have found ways to continue to care for its believers without betraying its principles. For example, open-air services could have been a way to offer believers a safe space even in times of pandemic.
Division and exclusion
The church should have remained open to everyone, regardless of their opinion on the corona measures. Instead, it contributed to division and participated in the denigration of those who think differently. This contradicts the principles of reconciliation and love that it preaches.
The necessity of desecularization
In order to regain its credibility, the church must focus on its core tasks and stay away from political discussions. It does not need new ethics or structural reforms, but a return to its original values and tasks.
The future of the church in Germany
The de-Christianization of Germany cannot be stopped, but the church can, small but fine, offer a real home for Christian life. To do this, however, it must concentrate on its core tasks and stay away from politicized discussions.
Overall, the church has failed miserably in the Corona crisis and further undermined its credibility. It remains to be hoped that it will learn from these mistakes and return to its central tasks.
