An interesting observation from Robin Givhan in The Washington Post:
And, at least for now, without an infusion of politics.
Because the cameras don’t follow him into the sanctuary, the broader public doesn’t have the opportunity to observe Biden in prayer or devotion. And so the performative nature of the outing is reduced. Instead, one sees a man walking into a building that at its best is meant to be a place of solace and comfort, enlightenment and introspection. Politics remains outside, where it continues to grind and tear at the soul.
Those pictures of Biden headed to church often show him alone. Certainly there are bystanders cheering from the sidewalks, as well as protesters. This is the nature of the presidency. Biden has a phalanx of security and a trailing brigade of press. But there’s a ring of stillness that surrounds him. He’s not at a constant boil.
Politics has overheated religion. At a time when scripture should be at its most profound and when its grace should shine, religion is scalding. At a time of grave sickness and fear, religion could be a balm for believers and nonbelievers, too. But instead, it’s just another political hand grenade …
She offers a few examples and concludes:
The politicking is loud. Religion has become a grudge match between neighbors. One man’s salvation is another’s doom.
Biden goes to church. Quietly. Calmly. The politics is outside. Peace, Lord willing, resides within.