Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Progressive Christian
Why Fear Of Coronavirus Is Worse Than Coronavirus

Why Fear Of Coronavirus Is Worse Than Coronavirus

Last updated on: March 16, 2020 at 8:48 pm by Keith Giles

Why Fear Of Coronavirus Is Worse Than Coronavirus 2020-03-16T20:48:51+00:00 Keith Giles

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The way our media portrays the news about Coronavirus may be more dangerous than the actual virus, at the moment.

In other words, the tone of fear that pervades every news story about this virus is creating more harm than the virus itself.

For example: We read about the NBA shutting down all games, and the NCAA playing to empty stadiums; Disney closing their theme parks; certain states have shut down restaurants and bars; movie theaters are closing down, airlines are cancelling flights, Church services cancelled, etc.

All of these facts should make everyone feel one thing: Safe [not Fearful].

Why?

Because these proactive steps are all how we work together to defeat this virus and keep it from spreading to the most vulnerable among us.

So, these closures should create feelings of protection – like a big warm blanket wrapping around our shoulders to add yet another barrier between us and the this virus.

Instead, the media reports this news with a tone of fear. They broadcast with glaring headlines that put us into “End of the World” mode, rather than assuring us that these measures keep us safer than we would be otherwise.

And the people most impacted by this media fear frenzy? Those who wrestle with emotional and psychological issues on a daily basis. People who struggle to get through an ordinary Tuesday afternoon without having a panic attack or anxiety issues are especially paralyzed right now. Not by the virus, but by the way our media has weaponized their reporting to accentuate the dangers and downplay the appropriate measures we’re taking to keep everyone safe.

Simply put: Fear sells, and make no mistake, our media outlets [Fox, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, etc.] are selling fear 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you’re fearful, you’re easier to manipulate. If you’re afraid you’ll keep your eyes glued to the screen for constant updates of your impending doom and rely on them for life-saving information that might help you survive this surreal apocalyptic doomsday we find ourselves in right now.

But, this is not a doomsday. Not yet. [And I’m not trying to downplay the dangers here at all. Believe me.] I know this virus is potentially deadly. I understand that we have to take these things seriously. One hundred percent.

However, the news media is acting as if we are already at Defcon 5 and we really aren’t.

Just take a step back and ask yourself: “How many people do you know who actually have been diagnosed with Coronavirus?”

I asked this on my Facebook page yesterday. I received 136 comments. The majority of answers were “No”, but surprisingly, there were about 15 people who said “Yes”.

Now, my point [once again] wasn’t to say “See? This isn’t really anything to worry about” as much as it was an attempt to put our situation into perspective.

Is this something to worry about? Yes.

Is this something to freak out about, yet? No, it’s not.

Should we take these warnings seriously – to wash our hands, avoid large crowds, cover our mouths when we sneeze or cough, stay home if we’re sick, etc.? Yes. Absolutely, yes!

And having said all of this, let me also stress: We need to stop and realize that this pandemic pandemonium has created a lot more toxic stress for those who are struggling with emotional anxiety than we could ever know.

If you have a friend who wrestles with fear or anxiety, please take some time to check in on them, often. Let them know it’s going to be ok. Talk to them. Help the keep their minds off of the endless news cycle which only stirs up their fears and increases their anxiety levels.

Also, please remember to take a step back whenever you read something on social media or hear something on the news. Ask yourself if what you’re hearing is true. [That’s step one]. Then ask yourself if it’s really something worth sharing with others or not. Consider how it might impact those who wrestle with anxiety or struggle emotionally. [Not everything is worth sharing]. Are you adding to the fear-storm? Or are you actually helping to share helpful information?

Most of all, try to keep in mind that whenever you hear about closures, these are positive stories, not negative. Regardless of how the media wants to portray it, these things are how we’re all going to survive this thing.

Of course, we should also do our best to keep an eye on our neighbors, [you know, the people who actually live next door or across the street from us?], because at this early stage of the game, the more we can show our faces and smile and offer to share what we have with them, the easier it will be to maintain this smiling, sharing, “how can we help each other out?” tone if and when things ramp up to the next level.

In other words, it will be better for us tomorrow if we start sharing what we have today.

If anything, this global pandemic may actually turn out to be an exceptional opportunity for us to “be the Church” in our communities [especially since “going to Church” isn’t much of an option anymore]. And this is what will matter the most: Are we truly Ambassadors of Peace and Reconciliation?

This is the time to prove it. This is where we get to find out whether or not we love God – by loving one another as we have been so loved.

Remember: Perfect love casts out all fear.

And, I don’t know about you, but I really think we need a lot more love right now, and a lot less fear.

Don’t you agree?

Deconstruction is painful. Reconstruction isn’t easy. If you need someone to help you walk through it step-by-step, this 90 Day Online Course is for you.

Save 50% on Round 3 of Square 1 for a limited time. Course starts April 6. Only 15 seats available.

Learn more and Register HERE

Keith Giles was formerly a licensed and ordained minister who walked away from organized church 11 years ago, to start a home fellowship that gave away 100% of the offering to the poor in the community. Today, He and his wife have returned to El Paso, TX after 25 years, as part of their next adventure. They hope to start a new house church very soon.

Keith’s new book, “Jesus Undefeated: Condemning the False Doctrine of Eternal Torment” is available now on Amazon.

Want Keith to come speak at your church or in your home town? Send an invitation HERE

Can’t get enough? Get great bonus content: Patreon page.

Deconstruction

Following Jesus

Preemptive Love

Previous Post

March 11, 2020

Beware Christians Imposing Shekina Law

Next Post

March 19, 2020 Uncovering Hidden Secrets Of The Lord's Prayer

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Biblicism Christian Politics Cosmic Christ Deconstruction Discipleship Dispensationalism Divine Unity Ekklesia End Time Stuff Eschatology Evergreen Following Jesus Gender General Christian Topics Gnostics God's Love Gospel of Judas Gospel of Mary Gospel of Philip Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel of Thomas Gospel of Truth Hell Historical Jesus Inner Circle Investigative Reporting Islam LGBTQ Issues Marriage Mental/Emotional Health Mystery Non-Duality Philosophy Podcast Poetry Politics Poverty Preemptive Love Prophecy Psychology Quantum Theology Racism Reconstruction Satire Sex Technology Theology Uncategorized Universalism

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the primary light source in Biblical times?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Bonfire Oil lamp Torch Candle

Books by This Author Books by Keith Giles

See All Titles »