To the editor:

We are now in the second surge of the COVID-19 virus. Unfortunately, the United States, at approximately 3.3%, leads the major countries in the percentage of cases relative to the population. Some other countries with high percentage cases are Brazil (2.3%), France (2.9%), and the UK (1.9%).

Compare this with Russia (1.3%), Mexico (0.77%), Denmark (1.0%), Norway (0.5%), and Finland (0.35%).

We seem to be our own worst enemy. Most mainline churches follow the recommended guidelines for holding religious meetings, but many self-righteous fundamentalists and evangelicals scoff at government interference and ignore Romans 13:1: “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For their is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained by God.”

There is excessive emphasis on individual freedom inculcated in our capitalistic system that tends to disregard the need for a cooperative society. Too many people think, because of their self-centeredness, that their right to ignore restrictions supersedes the right of others not to be infected.

It’s all about ME!

Our lame-duck president acerbated the problem by his criminal negligence in not properly handling the approach to contain the virus. Approximately 250,000 fatalities is unconscionable. He also set a bad example by having rallies full of mask-less true believers. But behind the curtain, pulling some strings, we have the Dominionists.

Dominionism means that Christians have a God-given right to rule all earthly institutions. Originating among some of America’s most radical theocrats, it’s had influence on religious-right education and political organizing. What makes the Dominion movement so potent is its growing fascination with infiltrating politics and government. Its members believe Christians are destined to not just take dominion over government, but stealthily take over the media and the arts and entertainment world.

Dominionists refer to Genesis, where God tells Adam to assume dominion over the animate and inanimate world. When Adam fell, control over creation was forfeited; but the saved, who are born-again, can claim again the rights given Adam. For believers in Dominionism, Christians have an obligation, a mandate, a holy responsibility to reclaim the land for Jesus — to have dominion in every aspect of life and godliness. It is dominion they are after — world conquest. A reading of history shows what results when religion has absolute power: inquisitions, book burnings, death or imprisonment for heresy, same-sex relationships outlawed, the death penalty for adultery, etc.. Welcome to the 16th century.