God and Nature Summer 2021
Need a booster shot? Reflections on immunization and salvation
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By E. Janet Warren
It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In some ways, not much has changed—my province is in yet another lockdown as I write; we are all fatigued mentally and emotionally; we continue to face uncertainty. But, in other ways, there has been change. The development of immunizations is one giant step forward. I have recently had the opportunity to help “get needles into arms” at local mass vaccination clinics. And, because I can’t help it, I have been thinking theologically about immunizations as an analogy for Christian faith.
It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In some ways, not much has changed—my province is in yet another lockdown as I write; we are all fatigued mentally and emotionally; we continue to face uncertainty. But, in other ways, there has been change. The development of immunizations is one giant step forward. I have recently had the opportunity to help “get needles into arms” at local mass vaccination clinics. And, because I can’t help it, I have been thinking theologically about immunizations as an analogy for Christian faith.
"Those who spread misinformation may offer simplistic and reassuring answers, which alleviate fear but may cause damage in the long run..." |
Let’s consider how vaccines work. When the substance that mimics an infectious agent enters our bodies, our awe-inspiring immune systems recognize it as foreign and immediately start constructing antibodies. Later on, if we’re exposed to the actual infection, our immune systems easily counteract the infection. Blood tests can usually detect antibodies and offer proof of our seroconversion (the process of making antibodies and strengthening the immune system). In the same way, when we accept an injection of Christ into our lives, we develop antibodies to sin, our inner being is reoriented, and we “convert.” This “vaccine” protects us from evil, infuses us with grace and forgiveness, and gives us strength, resilience, and resistance to infection from sin. And, just like some infectious agents that require periodic booster shots, we need continual spiritual boosters as we take up our crosses daily.
But what about side effects? Those from immunizations against infectious agents are usually mild and transient. However, conversion to Christianity often has unpleasant side effects: the pain of repentance, the feeling of weakness that comes from giving up bad habits, the indigestion caused by eating humble pie, the discomfort of thinking of others ahead of ourselves.
Next, let’s reflect on vaccine brand. I find it amusing that I have never before had anyone ask what brand of influenza vaccine they are receiving, but this happens frequently with the COVID vaccine. There is brand awareness and preferences, even though the similarities between them likely outweigh the differences. In our faith journeys, we may have experienced different varieties of “conversion,” but the effect is the same. Unfortunately, we continue to argue that one “brand” of Christianity is better than another; there continues to be division among and within our churches.
Another problem is that many of us base our conclusions on limited information, such as vaccine brand, church denomination, or personal experience. Some people have had bad experiences not just with immunizations but with the medical establishment in general, leading to mistrust and vaccine hesitancy. Sadly, this can occur with Christianity too—people develop negative opinions of this religion based on their interaction with, or knowledge of, hypocritical or judgmental church attenders.
This relates to the final issue: misinformation. Admittedly, it is challenging to stay abreast of the continually changing information on COVID vaccines. Science is not perfect; there will always be some elements that are not fully known. However, most people dislike the unknown. Confusion and misunderstanding are also often associated with fear. Those who spread misinformation may offer simplistic and reassuring answers, which alleviate fear but may cause damage in the long run (e.g., someone dying from a COVID infection because they refused a vaccine). Unfortunately, this can occur with Christianity too. First, those who criticize and belittle people of faith often do so because they are misinformed and/or paint all religions with the same brush. Second, within Christianity, many prefer a simplistic view of faith. They dislike the uncertainties and elements of mystery that are associated with being in relationship with a living God. Consequently, they may follow those who teach black-and-white versions of faith. They miss out on the rich nuances of Christianity, and the diverse, multicultural, 2000-year history of the community of believers.
Of course, all analogies have their limitations. Jesus, unlike vaccines, is freely available to all who ask: no appointment required, no waiting period. Grace takes effect immediately, cleansing us of iniquity and enabling us to see the way, the truth, and the light. However, giving up our sinful ways is often more challenging than receiving a needle. It is an active rather than a passive process. There is still need for spiritual practices, nurturing our faith, gathering together, and caring for our neighbors. In actuality, not analogy, the Spirit who leads us in all truth can guide us to make responsible choices with respect to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Bread of Life can sustain us during weary times. And the Comforter promises to always be with us.
The author would like to thank Patrick Franklin for his comments on a draft of this essay.
Janet Warren is a family physician and an independent scholar in theology who lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She is a fellow of the ASA and past president of the CSCA.
But what about side effects? Those from immunizations against infectious agents are usually mild and transient. However, conversion to Christianity often has unpleasant side effects: the pain of repentance, the feeling of weakness that comes from giving up bad habits, the indigestion caused by eating humble pie, the discomfort of thinking of others ahead of ourselves.
Next, let’s reflect on vaccine brand. I find it amusing that I have never before had anyone ask what brand of influenza vaccine they are receiving, but this happens frequently with the COVID vaccine. There is brand awareness and preferences, even though the similarities between them likely outweigh the differences. In our faith journeys, we may have experienced different varieties of “conversion,” but the effect is the same. Unfortunately, we continue to argue that one “brand” of Christianity is better than another; there continues to be division among and within our churches.
Another problem is that many of us base our conclusions on limited information, such as vaccine brand, church denomination, or personal experience. Some people have had bad experiences not just with immunizations but with the medical establishment in general, leading to mistrust and vaccine hesitancy. Sadly, this can occur with Christianity too—people develop negative opinions of this religion based on their interaction with, or knowledge of, hypocritical or judgmental church attenders.
This relates to the final issue: misinformation. Admittedly, it is challenging to stay abreast of the continually changing information on COVID vaccines. Science is not perfect; there will always be some elements that are not fully known. However, most people dislike the unknown. Confusion and misunderstanding are also often associated with fear. Those who spread misinformation may offer simplistic and reassuring answers, which alleviate fear but may cause damage in the long run (e.g., someone dying from a COVID infection because they refused a vaccine). Unfortunately, this can occur with Christianity too. First, those who criticize and belittle people of faith often do so because they are misinformed and/or paint all religions with the same brush. Second, within Christianity, many prefer a simplistic view of faith. They dislike the uncertainties and elements of mystery that are associated with being in relationship with a living God. Consequently, they may follow those who teach black-and-white versions of faith. They miss out on the rich nuances of Christianity, and the diverse, multicultural, 2000-year history of the community of believers.
Of course, all analogies have their limitations. Jesus, unlike vaccines, is freely available to all who ask: no appointment required, no waiting period. Grace takes effect immediately, cleansing us of iniquity and enabling us to see the way, the truth, and the light. However, giving up our sinful ways is often more challenging than receiving a needle. It is an active rather than a passive process. There is still need for spiritual practices, nurturing our faith, gathering together, and caring for our neighbors. In actuality, not analogy, the Spirit who leads us in all truth can guide us to make responsible choices with respect to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Bread of Life can sustain us during weary times. And the Comforter promises to always be with us.
The author would like to thank Patrick Franklin for his comments on a draft of this essay.
Janet Warren is a family physician and an independent scholar in theology who lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She is a fellow of the ASA and past president of the CSCA.