The pro-vaccination vs anti-vaccination debate has heated up quite a bit this last week and, if we are to believe the daily media reports, the whole nation is really polarised on the issue. I really don’t think that’s the case, but we’re being led to believe otherwise. Yes, some have strong views about whether or not everyone should be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, but I suspect the truth is there are extreme views at either end of the spectrum. The vast majority of Australians are in the middle, I reckon.
To be vaccinated or not is, in my view, a very personal decision for each of us. And it should remain that way. The extremists, if I may categorise the opposite polar camps, can only see one point of view – their own. But, as I said, most Australians in the middle, are much more accepting of the very different – and often unique – personal situations that can never sit comfortably in either camp, and for good reason. That should not be some kind of social crime against humanity. The debate, or argument (whatever we want to call it) is not as straight forward for every individual as we might think. Life is rarely black and white in terms of choices or personal realities. For example, there are some amongst us whose medical condition, or immune-deficiencies, or congenital conditions, make it extremely dangerous for them to be vaccinated. There are others who have become uncertain in their decision because of the overwhelmingly conflicting information coming at them from every direction.
So, for some, the decision to get vaccinated in this coming season is a straightforward, “yes”, for others it’s a definite “no” because of philosophical, ethical or legitimate health concerns, still others – quite a few, I suspect – are still a bit uncertain because of the suddenness of it all. In all of this all of us have to be patient and learn to happily accept another’s differing point of view and where they’re at in their personal journey.
The current debate has found some currency in the local church, too, with some similarly opposing views. Everyone is entitled to their views on such a matter as this. Biblically, there is silence on this issue. Doctrinally, it isn’t an issue and, theologically, there differing views – and I can understand the rationale for each of these. But here’s the thing: what is important here is our unity which should not be tested by views on whether, or not, getting vaccinated is the proper course of action. As I said, this is a very personal choice and our brothers and sisters around us should be free to make that choice without duress, criticism or feeling alienated – or labelled for their choice, or hesitancy. This is never right in the household of God.
Part of our membership/partnership covenant as a church is that we’ll do all we can to honour one another and keep unity in the bond of peace. As many will recall, we base our church life and conduct on three basic principles …
1. In the essential beliefs (for salvation etc.) we have unity.
2. In non-essential beliefs (disputable, arguable matters, matters of opinion) we have liberty.
3. In all our beliefs (absolutely everything) we show grace to one another.
The vaccination debate falls into the non-essential category and so is governed by the first and third injunctions. The apostle Paul nailed it when he said to the church at Rome,
“Accept him whose faith is less experienced than yours, without passing judgement on disputable matters ... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls ... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God ... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.”
Romans 14:1,4,12, & 22
This is the way of patient love. I, myself, have been fully vaccinated. But this was my conclusion for me. However, some, for legitimate health reasons don’t want to be vaccinated or, perhaps, are just plain uncomfortable about it right now. And that’s fine. Still others don’t want the vaccine as a matter of individual preference – that, too, is legitimate. But regardless of the reason – whatever that is - no one should be pressured, criticised or denigrated for their choice whether in conversation or social media posts. Especially, by their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Let’s be patient with one another as we work through whether or not we should be vaccinated without judging.
Everyone’s situation is different – but we are all one in Christ.
– Ps Milton