COVID-19 has strengthened social distinctions and has disrupted schedules. People are trying hard to overcome the COVID-19 crisis at the expense of many inconveniences. Nevertheless, some religious groups are calling for cooperation in social distinctions a violation of "religious freedom" stipulated in the Constitution. On the contrary, some groups actively cooperate with the government's guidelines, showing mixed views in the same religious community. The Pharos would like to hear what Kyonggi University students think about this.

Please introduce yourself.

Woo-rim: Hello! I’m Ahn Woo-rim, a senior majoring in physical education at Kyonggi University. The Pharos is familiar as it is my second time interviewing.

Anonymous: Hello. I'm a senior at Kyonggi University. Nice to meet you.

Do you have any religion? If so, what is it?

Woo-rim: My religion is Christianity. I went to church with my parents since I was young, but I have been going alone since I moved to another province after becoming a university student.

Anonymous: I used to be a Christian, but now I don't practice it for many reasons.

What is your opinion of churches enforcing face to face worship during the pandemic?

Woo-rim: I think it's something we should be careful about. I think these actions are a little far from the teachings of Jesus who told me to love my neighbor. "Loving one's neighbor with sincerity" is actually thinking about how the actions I've performed will affect others.

Anonymous: I don't have a religion now, but I did study some religion. The commonality of most religions you find is usually "love your neighbor” and “don't be greedy." But I don't think it's love for the neighbors to go ahead with the face-to-face service. Also, I think the churches seem to be greedy during this serious situation. The Republic of Korea is a country with religious freedom. However, freedom comes with responsibility. They seem to be only trying to enjoy rights and freedom without being held responsible for the face-to-face service. This behavior of religious people is one of the reasons why I don't practice any religion.

Do you think only face-to-face worship represents true faith?

Woo-rim: I think it's important because there are certain things you can get from face-to-face worship. However, in this situation, I think we should be considerate and dedicated to each other to protect the world that God loves as one. Therefore, I also think non-face-to-face worship is acceptable.

Anonymous: I don't know about the importance of face to face worship because I don't practice a religion. However, if God exists, will God be angry about non face to face worship in this dangerous COVID-19 situation? If God gets angry and punishes us, can we call God a merciful god as many people say?

What do you think is the proper way to express faith during the COVID-19 situation?

Woo-rim: I think the purpose of faith is not just expression but behavior that reveals inner value. In one's own place, doing one's best can give glory to God.

Anonymous: I think God will be satisfied with just thinking, appreciating, and praying to God at home or in our daily lives without going to church. And religious people don't have to go to church. If they are confident in front of God, I think that's enough. Is it really God if God hates and punishes a human being for not going to church even though they pray and thank God sincerely in their daily life?

Is there anything else you want to add?

Woo-rim: God loves you more than you love yourself. God has a plan

for you and leads you to the holy road. Bless your journey in life!

Anonymous: Everybody has freedom of religion. But freedom comes with big responsibility. If you really want to enjoy your religious freedom, don't forget that you have to respect other people's freedom from religion.

Many people suffer from COVID-19. When the number of confirmed people is decreasing with hope, the situation shows no sign of improvement because of selfish religious groups. Because of a small number of religious groups, believers who follow government guidelines with pure intentions should no longer be harmed.