Overturning rules like these generally requires a time-consuming and complicated process. Successful litigation might give us a speedier result.

During the 1990s, the federal government and many states began aggressively promoting the idea that religious groups, backed by taxpayer funding, could serve as agents of the government in tackling various social problems such as poverty, substance use disorders, homelessness, chronic unemployment and others.

The decision by Christian nationalists to reject clear and compelling scientific evidence has consequences. When people attend large religious gatherings without taking any sensible precautions such as wearing masks and engaging in social distancing, they can become infected and then later spread the sickness in their larger communities.