A portion of the unvaccinated population refuses to get vaccinated because of their religion. To know what these religions are that can validly claim that some people cannot be vaccinated because of their belief, continue reading below.
Reports from the poll organized by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) showed that most religions do not prohibit vaccines, but they have reservations.
Catholic officials once expressed their concern regarding Johnson & Johnson using cell lines from aborted fetuses. Ultimately, they said that Catholics could still get vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson if it was the only one available.
In a statement back in March, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.” By July, almost 80 percent of white Catholics accepted the vaccine, and in Hispanic Catholics, the group’s vaccine acceptance increased the most.
On the other hand, Christians were 77 percent accepting of vaccines by July, according to the poll by the PRRI. Christian denominations have no theological opposition to vaccines like the Amish, Anglican, Baptist, Eastern Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mennonites, Pentecostal Christians, Quakers, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is according to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center research. Vanderbilt University Medical Center added that the only Christian denominations who claim theological reasons for refusal to get vaccinated are the Dutch Reformed Church and the Church of Christ, Scientist.
The members of the Dutch Reformed Church, however, have opposing views. Some say the COVID-19 vaccines interfere with divine providence, while others accept it because it is a gift from God. As for the Church of Christ, Scientist, the denomination does not strictly prohibit vaccination. Members may request vaccine exemptions as the denomination teaches that prayer will alleviate and prevent disease. With this teaching, members can ask for the exemption from getting vaccinated.
For Islam, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) encourages people to get vaccinated and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Imam Mohamed Magid, former president of the ISNA and the executive imam of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center in Sterling, Virginia, released a statement saying, “One of the highest objectives of Islamic law is to preserve and protect human life.”
In Judaism, Jewish people support vaccination. They believe that protecting one’s health is a mitzvah or obligation.
On the other hand, Evangelical Protestants did not reach a majority when asked by the PRRI and IFYC poll if they believe they should get vaccinated as it helps protect everyone and is a way to live out the religious principle of “loving my neighbors.” Only 43% of white evangelical Protestants agreed with those statements.
