Christians, stop spiritualizing vaccines!

When it comes to the vaccines, it seems everyone has an opinion.  Christians, in particular, seem particularly divided on the issue. If you've seen any Christian discourse about this topic (on or offline), you've likely heard things like:

"You're not loving your neighbor if you don't get the vaccine!" 

"I don't need to get the vaccine, I'm covered by the blood of Jesus!" 

"I want to take a stand for my rights, just like persecuted Christians are standing up for their faith!" 

"God is sovereign and will protect me from covid!" 

"If you don't get the vaccine, you're not a Christian!" 

"If you get the vaccine, you're a cowardly  Christian or not even saved!" 

"The vaccine is the mark of the beast!" 

"Jesus would get vaccinated!" 

"The vaccine will brainwash you to deny Christ!" 

All of these, or perhaps more, are usually accompanied by some out-of-context Bible verses to support their points. 

Fellow Christians: there is nothing in scripture to either encourage or discourage vaccines!  This is a matter of personal conscience.  I see good arguments on both sides of this issue and understand the concerns people have, both about the spread of covid and the fear of government overreach. 

Please, whatever you do, don't equate getting the vaccine or not with salvation. I know many Christians who are pro-vaccine who are solid in their faith, and many who are anti-vaccine, who are also solid in their faith. This is needless division. And if you want to stand against the vaccine, God bless you, but please don't compare your stance to believers being martyred for their faith. That is not even in the same ballpark. 

Let us remember, especially in these days, to be united in truth, and not engaging are quarrels about things that have no eternal significance. 

"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." 2 Timothy 2:23 

And yes, this verse applies to Christians on BOTH sides of the issue.


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