Explainer: How masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19

Currently, more than half of U.S. states have statewide mask mandates in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The governors of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Montana and Ohio all announced statewide mandates last week, bringing the total number of states requiring masks to 30. In addition to statewide mandates, some states and cities have placed certain areas under mask orders, as have many churches and businesses. On Monday, Walmart became the largest retailer to require customers at all of its stores in the U.S. to wear masks.

How do masks prevent the spread of the coronavirus?

Medical researchers have clearly established that viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens can be transmitted when respiratory droplets escape from a person through such actions as breathing, coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing. Surprisingly, the small particles released through breathing, talking, and singing are potentially more infectious than the relatively larger sneeze or cough-generated droplets. Smaller particles persist in the air for longer time periods and can have a larger probability of penetrating further into the respiratory tract of a susceptible individual.

This Week at the ERLC

Russell Moore penned a moving reflection at The Gospel Coalition on losing a former student and was interviewed by a local TV station in Texas. He also remembered the legacies of John Lewis and J.I. Packer at Christianity Today.

Jason Thacker presented a lecture on faith, ethics, and AI for the Chautauqua Institution.

What You Need to Read

We believe that pastors and churches can be trusted to love their neighbors and their brothers and sisters in Christ during this pandemic. And so, we have repeatedly said that when it comes to houses of worship, the government should issue guidance and guidelines rather than mandates and threats. Religious leaders and civic leaders are co-equal partners in the fight against COVID-19, and when the government issues mandates without engagement with the faith community, we believe the spirit of that partnership is eroded.

The fight against racism is a fight against demonic forces and an act of spiritual warfare. In this way, it is fitting to compare it to Gandalf’s fight against the monstrosity in Tolkien’s novel. But the act of war against racism is not something that will end because of simple words or a reenacting of a moving scene. It will end because the people of God, empowered by the Spirit and driven by the Word, recognize the truth of their own story and work to make “justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

In our fallen world, we can’t be too surprised at the outpouring of emotional and angry responses. Yet in the midst of all of the turmoil, do followers of Christ appear any different than our unbelieving neighbors? Have we considered how our responses affect those watching and listening to us? All it takes is a quick look at Twitter or Facebook to see the mud-slinging between the body of Christ when there is a difference of opinion.

News From Capitol Hill

As summer continues to heat up in the nation’s capital, so too does the advocacy work of the ERLC policy team. This week on the Capitol Conversations podcast, Travis Wussow, Chelsea Patterson Sobolik, and Jeff Pickering discuss the wide range of policy issues the ERLC is currently engaged on in Washington, D.C.

The team talks about the latest developments on immigration policy, including a recent win on international student visas and our continued call for Congress to pass a permanent solution for Dreamers. The group also highlights the ERLC’s priorities for churches and the rest of the charitable sector in Congress’s Phase IV COVID-19 relief negotiations. The end of summer also brings about the appropriations process on Capitol Hill and with it a range of pro-life policies to protect and advance among the bills.

Finally, the Leland House team talks about how a viral video shared on Twitter is sparking new attention on China’s human rights atrocities.

You can listen to the episode here. You can also stay up to date on the ERLC’s advocacy work in Washington by subscribing to the team’s policy newsletter.

Featured Podcasts

On the WeeklyTech podcast, Trillia Newbell joins Jason Thacker to talk about parenting in this technological day. They discuss Moxie, a forthcoming robot companion for children; the need for wisdom in teaching our children about interacting with technology; and discuss the importance of not simply handing over a tool but taking the time to learn with your child. Listen here.

On this episode of Signposts, Russell Moore sits down with one of his favorite novelists, Leif Enger. They talk about his writing, identity, and the what has influenced his writing. Enger worked as a reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio for nearly 20 years before leaving to write fiction full-time. He is the author of Peace Like a River, So Brave, Young, and Handsome, and Virgil Wander. He lives in Minnesota with his wife Robin. Listen here.

From The Public Square

Planned Parenthood's New York chapter disavows founder Margaret Sanger over racist eugenics
Caleb Parke, Fox News

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is removing the name of Margaret Sanger, the founder of the nation's largest abortion provider, from its New York City clinic due to her "harmful connection to the eugenics movement," the group said Tuesday.

Tennessee governor signs, court blocks 6-week abortion ban
Jonathan Mattise, Associated Press

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed one of the strictest abortion bans in the country and a federal judge quickly blocked the measure that includes a ban as early as six weeks into the pregnancy.

China’s Disturbing Disregard for Religious Freedom in Xinjiang—and Beyond
Katrina Lantos Swett, Public Square Magazine

We have seen these abuses play out over decades and span many faith communities, with persecution heaped upon Tibetan Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and religious movements such as the Falun Gong.

Marine Corps under fire after canceling training session amid concerns about speaker’s Christian background
Sam Dorman, Fox News

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is facing backlash from both sides of the religious liberty debate after it planned a training session that was later canceled over the speaker’s background in Christianity -- fueling Congressional scrutiny of both the military and the nonprofit which appeared to prompt the cancellation.