The Power of Inoculation
In this issue of A Public Witness, we’ll consider our current context and what we might learn today from the rhetorical approach of an 18th century minister trying to save his flock from the ravages of an ancient disease.
‘It’s Not Satanism’: Zimbabwe Church Leaders Preach Vaccines
Apostolic groups that infuse traditional beliefs into a Pentecostal doctrine are among the most skeptical in Zimbabwe when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, with an already strong mistrust of modern medicine. But some members are trying to change that.
Anti-Vaxxers, Anti-Maskers, and Anti-Climate Changers Are Really Anti-Repenters
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy focuses on a biblical perspective concerning anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, anti-climate change, and anti-government Americans. At some level, we all know that the evidence of Scripture – from the Law to the Gospel, from the prophets to Paul – goes against our violent,
Many Faith Leaders Say No to Endorsing Vaccine Exemptions
As significant numbers of Americans seek religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates, many faith leaders are saying: Not with our endorsement. Various denominations are speaking out against such exemptions.
Post-Trump, Christian Nationalists Preach a Theology of Vaccine Resistance
Appeals to Christian identity were common during the Trump administration, but with Trump out of office and hundreds of Jan. 6 insurrectionists now facing federal charges, hard-line Christian Nationalists are increasingly fueling their movement with opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates.
Pope Questions Vaccine Skeptics, Including Cardinals
Pope Francis said Wednesday he didn’t understand why people refuse to take COVID-19 vaccines, saying “humanity has a history of friendship with vaccines,” and that serene discussion about the shots was necessary to help them.
What’s the Law on Vaccine Exemptions? A Religious Liberty Expert Explains
Douglas Laycock argues that under the general law of religious liberty — including the Constitution and state and federal religious freedom laws — the government has an easy case to refuse religious exemptions from vaccines against infectious disease.
Francis Collins ‘a Bit’ Frustrated with Evangelicals Amid COVID-19 Vaccine Push
Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, acknowledged Friday that he is “a bit” frustrated with fellow evangelicals who have hesitated or refused to get the vaccine, even as the delta variant has led to an average of more than 1,000 U.S.
IMB Adopts COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention announced Wednesday (Sept. 8) it will require “IMB missionaries and their children ages 16 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Amid COVID Surge, Loved Ones Worry for These Unvaccinated Evangelicals
The core issue runs deeper than simply vaccine hesitancy in certain pockets of White evangelicalism. At its root, evangelical vaccine hesitancy likely results from the acceptance of conspiracy theories and the ubiquity of far-right misinformation in certain corners of the evangelical world. Read full piece