Vaccines are an essential tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health. However, some Christians have expressed concerns about vaccines, leading to vaccine hesitancy and a reluctance to get vaccinated. These concerns range from religious objections to aborted fetal cells, skepticism about vaccine effectiveness, and a lack of trust in institutions involved in vaccine development and distribution.
This article will explore these concerns and discuss potential ways to address vaccine hesitancy among Christians, such as through education and outreach efforts. Why are some Christians against the use of vaccines?
1. Their Trust in God vs the “Fallen World”
Christians who decline vaccines often cite their trust in God as a major reason for their decision. They believe that faith in God is sufficient to protect them from harm, even in a fallen world. This perspective is based on the belief that God is in control of all things and that His protection is sufficient, regardless of the circumstances.
However, this belief can be misused to support conspiracy theories and misinformation, such as the idea that vaccines are a form of the “mark of the beast” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. These misconceptions can lead to a fear of vaccines and a reliance on false teachings rather than scientific evidence and expert advice.
It is essential to understand that trusting in God does not mean disregarding the importance of preventive measures like vaccines. In fact, the Bible encourages believers to take care of their health and prevent illness when possible, as it is part of honoring God’s gift of life.
2. Religious objections to aborted fetal cells
It is possible for Christians to object religiously to vaccines that are produced using aborted fetal cells. In particular, this concern exists for COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed using fetus cells.
Concerns have been raised by the Catholic Church regarding the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccines. According to the Vatican, vaccines made from aborted fetal cells are morally acceptable if there is a serious need and no alternative. However, the Church also encourages Catholics to express their opposition to the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccine development and to advocate for alternative methods.
Evangelical Christians have also expressed concerns about the use of aborted fetal cells for vaccine development. It was found by the Pew Research Center that those who identify as Evangelicals are more likely than those who identify as other religious affiliations to affirm that science sometimes conflicts with their religious beliefs. This may be due to the belief that vaccines interfere with God’s plan or that vaccine development and manufacturing involves aborted stem cells.
3. Vaccines don’t eliminate infections or transmission of the virus
Some Christians are skeptical about vaccination because they think it doesn’t prevent infection or virus transmission. Vaccines only prevent symptoms from being severe, not preventing the spread of disease.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some Christians argued the vaccines are ineffective because they weren’t effective in preventing the spread of the virus. They point to the fact that hospitals and morgues are still filling up with unvaccinated individuals, while vaccinated individuals are walking around free of blame.
However, it’s important to note that vaccines are not a guarantee of complete protection against the virus. Instead, they are designed to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious illness or death. This is why vaccines are still recommended even if they don’t completely eliminate the risk of infection or transmission.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that vaccines are an important tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This is because vaccinated individuals are less likely to develop severe symptoms and are therefore less likely to transmit the virus to others.
Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that vaccines have been a critical component of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They show high effectiveness in reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing hospitalization and death.
4. Fetal cell lines
Some Christians believe that vaccines are morally wrong because they are developed using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. This belief stems from the idea that taking a human life is wrong and goes against the biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).
For example, the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is developed using a cell line derived from the lung tissue of a fetus that was aborted in the 1960s. Similarly, the rubella portion of the MMRV vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox, is developed using a cell line derived from the kidney tissue of a fetus that was aborted in the 1960s.
The use of these cell lines in vaccine development has been a source of controversy and ethical debate. Some Christians argue that using these cell lines is morally wrong and goes against their religious beliefs. Others argue that the use of these cell lines is not a violation of the sanctity of human life because the cells were taken from fetuses that were already aborted.
The Christian Reasons to Avoid Vaccination document, published by a group of Christians with religious objections to vaccines, states that “American vaccines have a serious moral issue with cell lines taken from aborted babies” and that “the Bible teaches that ‘thou shalt not kill’ (Exodus 20:13). Biblically, murdering another person is a serious offense which brings the need for redress.”
However, it is important to note that the use of these cell lines in vaccine development does not involve the direct killing of a fetus. The cell lines were created from fetal tissue that was already available, and their use in vaccine development has helped to save countless lives.
The Catholic Church has also weighed in on this issue, stating that while the use of these cell lines is not ideal, it is not a violation of the sanctity of human life. In a statement regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said that “being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good” and that “Catholics may in good conscience receive vaccines for COVID-19 that have been produced using these cell lines.”
5. Lack of trust in institutions
Some Christians and others have expressed a lack of trust in the institutions involved in the development, distribution, and promotion of vaccines. This lack of trust can stem from various factors, including historical injustices, misinformation, and conspiracy theories.
For example, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where African American men were deliberately denied treatment for syphilis by the U.S. Public Health Service, has contributed to a deep-seated mistrust of medical institutions among some communities, including within the Christian population.
Additionally, the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines and the dissemination of conflicting information about their safety and efficacy have fueled skepticism and uncertainty among some Christians. Misinformation spread through social media and other channels has further eroded trust in the healthcare system and government agencies.
Furthermore, conspiracy theories that suggest vaccines are part of a larger agenda to control the population or contain harmful substances have led to fear and suspicion among some Christians. These unfounded claims can create a barrier to accepting vaccines and following public health recommendations.
6. Influence of Politics
Some Christians may be hesitant to get vaccinated due to the influence of politics on their beliefs and attitudes towards vaccines. Political affiliations and ideologies can play a significant role in shaping individuals’ views on vaccination, leading to polarization and misinformation.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, political leaders and parties have taken varying stances on vaccination, which can influence their followers. This political polarization has led to conflicting messages about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, contributing to vaccine hesitancy among some Christians.
Moreover, conspiracy theories and misinformation related to vaccines have been perpetuated through political channels, further deepening distrust in the healthcare system and government institutions. This politicization of vaccines can create barriers to acceptance and uptake among certain groups within the Christian community.
It is essential to address the influence of politics on vaccine hesitancy by promoting accurate information, depoliticizing public health measures, and emphasizing the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities. By fostering a more informed and science-based approach to vaccination, we can work towards overcoming political barriers to vaccine acceptance among Christians and the broader population.
7. Political ideology and vaccine hesitancy
A person’s political ideology can have a significant impact on vaccine hesitancy, with conservative ideologies resulting in higher vaccine hesitancy rates. There have been numerous studies observing this phenomenon, including those relating to COVID-19.
For example, a study conducted in the United States found that counties with a higher percentage of votes for the Republican party had lower vaccination coverage and higher rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths Similarly, in Brazil, municipalities that supported the right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential elections of 2018 and 2022 had lower COVID-19 vaccination rates.
These findings suggest that political ideology can influence vaccine hesitancy, with individuals who lean towards conservative ideologies being more likely to express hesitancy towards vaccines. This may be due to a variety of factors, including distrust in government institutions, a preference for personal freedom over collective responsibility, or a belief in conspiracy theories related to vaccines.
8. The Role of Pastors and Community Leaders
A pastor’s influence on his congregation and his role in encouraging vaccination are both significant. A study by the National Council of Churches found that church and faith leaders can successfully encourage people to get vaccinated.
The “Christians and the Vaccine” project, initiated by Francis Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, and Curtis Chang, a theologian and founder of the Redeeming Babel site, is an effort to persuade mostly white born-again and evangelical Christians to get vaccinated. The project emphasizes that Christians have a moral responsibility to take the vaccine, as it is necessary for herd immunity and the success of the vaccine in bringing the pandemic under control.
Many prominent pastors have already been leading by example, encouraging their massive flocks to get vaccinated. The Pastor’s Toolkit on the Christians and the Vaccine project’s website provides answers to common questions and concerns about the vaccine, such as its safety, side effects, and how to spot fake news.
In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, pastors and community leaders have been actively involved in encouraging vaccination among their congregations. For example, the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, Illinois, has been preaching about the importance of getting vaccinated, sending out newsletters, and using their app to inform users on how to get vaccinated.
Conclusion
Christians decline vaccines for a variety of reasons, including their faith in God, religious objections to aborted fetal cells, skepticism about vaccine effectiveness, concerns about fetal cell lines, distrust of institutions, influences of politics, and ideologies. Even though there are serious health risks, vaccine hesitancy can result from these concerns. To address vaccine hesitancy among Christians, it is important to provide accurate information and education about vaccines, address concerns about fetal cell lines, and build trust in institutions involved in vaccine development and distribution.
Furthermore, pastors and community leaders can play an important role in encouraging vaccination by providing accurate information, addressing concerns, and setting an example. A more informed and science-based approach to vaccination can help overcome barriers to vaccine acceptance among Christians and others. It is essential to promote accurate information, depoliticize public health measures, and emphasize the importance of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities.