_edited-1.jpg)
The Unvaccinated as "God Offenders"?
- Fr. Deo Camon, LPT, PhD
- Oct 2, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 9, 2021
I know that it will inevitably come to this sooner or later. A toxic debate has now arrived at our doorsteps.
The question is regarding vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos. Rappler (May 21, 2021) reported a Social Weather Station survey conducted from April 28 to May 2, 2021, showing that 32% of Filipinos are willing to receive the vaccine while 33% are unwilling, and another 35% are uncertain.
While the Philippine News Agency or PNA (July 12, 2021), based on Pulse Asia, reported that 43% of Filipinos are willing, 36% not inclined, and 16% undecided.
Comparing the Rappler and PNA reports, we can see that 35% “uncertain” was reduced to 16%, which increased the number of those willing to be vaccinated from 32% (Rappler) to 43% (PNA).
Those who are unwilling, 33% (Rappler) increased to 36% (PNA), which can be attributed to the margin of errors. Statistically, it means that it remained steady.
From this comparative data, the majority of the "undecided" will eventually become convinced to take the vaccine.
As of now, I do not know what the statistics are.
If the PNA report is an indicator of the trend, then it is hopeful that after four months since the survey, the percentages of those who are "willing" might be higher, especially with the fear of the Delta variant.
What troubles me is those vitriolic accusations against those who are hesitant to take the vaccine.
Instead of convincing those who are “unwilling,” they are being accused of “not loving their neighbors,” “conspiracy believers,” “virus spreaders,” among many other name-callings.
I understand that this would inevitably happen because that is how public discourse has become in this era of “fake news” and “misinformation.”
I am not a medical doctor, so I cannot give an informed medical stance. I would leave it to the experts. I have already expressed my opinion on this issue in a previous article. Kindly read the article "Get your vaccines" here.
However, I am troubled when “God” is dragged into the arena of public discourse unnecessarily to suit a narrative.
Why is God invoked against “vaccine hesitancy,” but God is not mentioned in abortion issues?
Those pro-abortion would shout the mantra “my body, my decision” for abortion issues would now shout that you are violating God's will if you did not get the vaccine!
It is double standards.
Furthermore, why are those hesitant to take the vaccines being called “unloving persons” and “God offenders”?
How about those who are willing to receive the vaccines but they cannot due to medical reasons?
Are they also “offending God?”
This name-calling is uncharitable.
Why the mean accusations against those who are hesitant to receive the vaccines?
Instead, it is better to try harder to effectively convince those who are hesitant rather than accuse them of being offenders of God. Or even drag God into this debate.
Additionally, endorsements of any medical procedures or therapy is not within our own individual competence.
Telling that people should receive the vaccines is a tacit affirmative evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. Good if it is, indeed, safe and effective.
Hypothetically, if it turned out that it is not so, since the verdict on this matter is still a matter of debate among experts. Are you willing to accept the responsibility for all the damages that may happen?
Even the vaccine manufacturers are unwilling to accept this responsibility themselves hence the waiver every person needs to sign before receiving the vaccines.
Thus, ever since, the Church has avoided endorsing any medical procedures, medicines, or therapy. This is left to the “prudential judgment” of individuals.
As I mentioned in my previous post, my personal opinion on this issue is that you consult your doctor regarding your medical conditions, ask these doctors about the pros and cons of receiving vaccines, then decide according to your conscience.
Suppose you decide to have the vaccines. Good! If you choose not to take the vaccine, then take the necessary precautions.
In the end, whether you decide to take the vaccine or not, I do not think that this will make you less of a Christian or make you an offender against God’s providence.
To do so is mean, infantile and limp-wristed.
I have many friends who are vaccinated and unvaccinated as well and everyone has their own reasons and stories why they agree to be vaccinated or not.
And thou we have these differences, we do not judge or condemn, we still pray to the same God and respect the opinions of each other
I agree being vaccinated is a personal prudential judgement on the part of the individual. Whatever is the result of your decision you face the consequences. Thus this issue of vaccination should not be the cause of division in society by condemning either party as culprits or be called with uncharitable name calling. Whatever your :Prudential Judgement" is, should not be imposed on other people. The problem is when those in positions of leadership will start shaming the unvaccinated as offending God for refusing the vaccine. In the same the unvaccinated should not shame the vaccinated.
My being vaccinated is a personal decision. I am responsible for whatever consequence it brings in the future. My decision is the result of my deep searching of an answer that comes only from the ONE whom I trust fully my life. He leaves me always to choose according to the dictate of what I learn from Him.Though He gives me the freedom to find the path I know at the end He will not forsake me. In my mistakes He uplifts me. In the wrong turn I make He redirects me. He is God, my creator whose love never last and His mercy limitless.