Vaccinations and vaccines are a complex and often controversial topic for Christians. There are various perspectives within the faith on whether vaccinations should be accepted or avoided. Ultimately, Scripture does not provide definitive teaching on this specific issue. Christians seeking wisdom on vaccinations should thoughtfully consider Bible principles, pray for discernment, and make a decision based on their conscience before God.
Vaccination Supporters
Some Christians view vaccinations as a blessing from God that should be embraced. They point to verses about using medicine and science to alleviate suffering (Matthew 10:8; James 5:14). They also highlight Biblical principles like loving our neighbor (Mark 12:31) and submitting to governing authorities (Romans 13:1) as reasons to get vaccinated for the sake of community health.
From this perspective, vaccines are seen as a gift from God provided through human ingenuity. Just as we thank God for the knowledge to perform surgeries, create medications, and do other medical interventions, vaccinations can also be seen as a merciful provision God has allowed mankind to develop through intellect and creativity. Their use prevents disease and death, which are not part of God’s perfect will. Therefore, accepting available vaccines is prudent to prevent suffering.
In addition, vaccines protect the vulnerable who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Choosing vaccination can be an act of loving our neighbor. We may not fear the consequences of disease for ourselves, but we ought to consider how refusing vaccines might harm others. As an act of self-sacrificial love, Christians should be willing to get vaccinated for the physical protection of children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
Christians in favor of vaccinations also point out that we are called to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Vaccine mandates, while imperfect, are aimed at securing public health and safety. As citizens, we must thoughtfully consider when civil disobedience is justified versus situations where we ought to honor ruling authorities even when personally inconvenient.
In summary, those who support vaccinations do so because they view them as a gift from God, an act of loving others, and a matter of submitting to those in positions of power for the well-being of society. With wisdom and guidance from Scripture, reason, and prayer, they accept vaccinations as a morally good choice.
Vaccination Skeptics
Some faithful Christians have sincere reservations about accepting vaccinations. These may be driven by objections to vaccine development, concerns over ingredients, disputes about efficacy, or uncertainty about potential long-term side effects.
Many point to fetal cell lines involved in some vaccine development and manufacturing processes. Some believers take issue with any medical advancements derived from abortion. Others may feel uncomfortable with levels of connection to abortion that are difficult to define. This gives them pause about consenting to certain vaccines.
Additional concerns for some involve objectionable vaccine ingredients. For example, some vaccines contain very small amounts of aluminum. Others may have minute traces of egg protein or porcine gelatin from pigs. Those with conscientious sensitivities regarding dietary restrictions view these ingredients as biblically prohibited.
Skepticism also arises regarding the effectiveness of vaccines. While many are highly effective, others are more limited. Some believe acquiring immunity naturally is preferable. The effects of combinations of vaccines raise questions. The long-term impact of annual boosters is unknown. This leads them to refrain until they believe vaccines are safer and more proven.
Finally, some prefer to trust God over vaccines. They believe God designed the immune system and naturally provides protection through His common grace. Illness can strengthen faith and reliance on God rather than human solutions. There is hesitation about anything that could be construed as not fully trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision.
Those who refuse vaccines have thoughtful biblical rationale. They desire to honor God and His word. Out of love, the church should seek to understand their perspectives and extend grace in disagreement.
Principles for Deciding
When making complex decisions without direct biblical command, Christians should seek wisdom, be led by conscience, and give grace to others with differing views. Several principles can help in determining one’s position on vaccines.
First, study Scripture to gain all the insight God provides related to health, medicine, authority, morality and wisdom. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in properly interpreting and applying God’s word.
Second, consider whether meaningful objections to vaccines exist. Do certain manufacturing processes violate conscience? Are ingredients prohibited by biblical command? Is there reason to doubt efficacy or safety compared to alternatives?
Third, ask God for discernment. Weigh risks versus benefits. Which decision seems most wise and prudent? Is there a clear argument in one direction over the other?
Fourth, check motives and make sure the position does not stem from politics, social pressure, fear, lack of faith or tenacity. Make sure the choice is grounded in spiritually robust rationale.
Fifth, consider how the decision will impact others. Does one choice better display God’s command to love our neighbor? Which seems to contribute most to societal flourishing?
Sixth, determine if the decision shows proper honor for governing authorities God has placed over us. Is there adequate reason for violating mandates from civil institutions?
Finally, hold the position with humility and grace. Recognize that faithful Christians will land differently. Extend love and patience with those who decide differently.
Additional Considerations
Beyond personal vaccination choices, there are additional angles to consider regarding vaccines and the Christian faith:
First, while individual choice is paramount, church leadership may make institution-wide decisions about requiring vaccines for employees or attendees. Christians should graciously comply with policies of their place of worship.
Second, vaccine advocacy or avoidance should be done gently and respectfully. There is room for discussion and disagreement without animosity. Compassion and patience should be maintained.
Third, any temptation to look down on other Christians for their decision should be rejected. Whether choosing vaccination or refusal, neither should be connected to spiritual superiority or made into a litmus test of faith.
Fourth, Christians should take appropriate precautions based on their vaccine status. Those avoiding vaccines may need to take extra measures in order to protect neighbors from potential exposure.
Fifth, believers who recover from serious illness after refusing vaccines should humbly acknowledge God’s mercy rather than assuming divine validation. Illness is not always prevented by vaccination nor caused by its lack.
As with many complex issues, faithful Christians will reasonably arrive at different conclusions on vaccines. Maintaining biblical truth, ethics, love, and unity in diversity is paramount.
Conclusion
There is no definitive teaching in Scripture either for or against vaccines. Faithful Christians after careful study and prayer may in good conscience come to different positions. Regardless of one’s own decision, believers should show grace, patience and compassion to those who landed differently. As in all issues not addressed explicitly, humility, civility and Christlike love should be maintained while seeking wisdom together. God is honored when His church prioritizes right doctrine and right relationship even in disagreement.