In the rural part of Michigan where I live, there has been a great deal of denial about the reality of the coronavirus pandemic.

Unfortunately, it has become highly politicized, and people who live here tend to be very devoted Republicans. For now in the village where I live, and in surrounding towns, sentiment is very much running along the lines that this is some sort of a Democratic plot to hurt Donald Trump.

Sadly, the churches around here don’t seem to be very thoughtful about what’s happening. They are also very conservative and their leaders are pretty much in line with the idea that the virus threat is exaggerated.

My uncle’s church had record turnout last night, close to 150 people, something he doesn’t usually see except at Christmas or Easter. I asked him why he didn’t cancel services, and he told me he didn’t know any good reason why he should.

Churches are not closing around here, even though the governor of the state has ordered restaurants and bars to close.

I wish people would be more thoughtful about this.