1) Why is it embarrassing to state that beliefs impact actions and actions impact on others? Irrational beliefs lead to irrational actions and that is harmful. It shouldn't be ignored as merely they aren't harming people, the harm is to themselves and anyone their actions impact. It isn't harmless.
2) Pandemics just highlight a kind and loving all knowing God is an oxymoron. It is impossible for a deity to have all of those qualities as they conflict with each other.