Currently in the United States, forty-eight states allow people to use religious exemptions from vaccines. 2
Christians tend to be divided on the issue of vaccines. While some Christians support vaccinations as a scientific way to prevent disease, other Christians oppose them. These believers choose to trust God to protect them from diseases rather than turning to a scientific concoction of germs and additives. God created our immune systems and they should be perfect enough to protect us from diseases.
Many also cite scripture, including 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Others argue Judges 13:4 – “Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean” – and if you shouldn’t eat or drink anything unclean, then you certainly shouldn’t inject yourselves with something so tainted.
All are valid, reasonable points. However, the most appropriate Bible verse for this decision – and for every decision presented in Accidentally Green – is found in Romans 14:14: “As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.”
With vaccines, there is no right or wrong choice. Since vaccines are not included in the Bible, they are a gray area left to believers’ individual discernment. But a very important decision needs to be made. Should your child be vaccinated? Take the time to make a fully educated and prayerful choice. Then trust God with your decision. If it’s the Lord’s will for your vaccinated child to get a rare side effect or your unvaccinated child to contract a fatal disease, then it’s his will.
Talk back
It’s your turn to share. What have your family’s vaccine experiences been like? How have religious beliefs played into your vaccine decisions?
Sources
1. “History of Anti-Vaccination Movements.” The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
2. “Ethical Issues and Vaccines.” The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Photo credit
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I will say that there is one issue where religion (not just Christianity) does weigh in. It’s in regards to where the vaccines are grown. I personally will not have my children get the vaccinations that are grown in aborted fetal cells. Other religions oppose the mixing of animal and human blood/dna (which happens with some vaccines). I was surprised to learn about the aborted fetal cells. I learned about the mixing of DNA when my 2nd was about to get his rotovirus vaccine at 2 months. It had just been recalled for having random DNA that wasn’t supposed to be there inside. I do agree that it is important to make an informed decision, to pray, and to do what works for your family. You are right – there are risks on both sides!
This was what I wanted to mention as well. As a Christian, I have more of a problem with the use of aborted fetus cells, then any of the other arguments listed.