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Sharon Foster (CT)'s avatar

Is anyone else besides evangelical non-denominational Christians who belong to a denomination of one -- or perhaps two -- asking for a religious exemption? Can we assume they have also never been vaccinated for measles, mumps, chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, smallpox, etc.? And why aren't they visiting the ICUs and healing people? Is it because those people on ventilators are in a coma and can't talk? God forgive them for all the innocent people they are going to take down with them. These are probably people who don't believe in the harm of second-hand smoke, either, and still get mad about not being able to smoke anywhere and everywhere.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

It's confounding. It really, really is.

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Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

I live in Colorado, where there are plenty of people who sign papers stating religious or ethical exception to vaccination in order to enroll their unvaccinated children to school and childcare. :( While I'm definitely not an expert on All the World's Religious Traditions, I have no idea of any official doctrine objecting to immunization. (You never know about idiosyncratic groups, though, unless you're in them.)

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Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

Whoops, aside from the pork-derived gelatin thing mentioned by Jac.

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Jac's avatar

The use of pork-derived gelatin in some vaccines is an issue for Orthodox Jews and Muslims. However, here in the US, the major COVID vaccines do not contain pork products. However, elsewhere, some do. What's happened, however, is there is debate & consensus opion on such issues among religious scholars. (See link) And then people follow accordingly. Unless fear/conspiracy ideas are inserted, religion isn't used as an excuse to follow a political leaning like it is with far right Christians.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/concern-muslims-halal-status-covid-19-vaccine-74826269

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Joan Sheehan's avatar

Great column as usual, Susan.

I agree with Jac too. It reminds me of my years as a social worker when parents would state that the Bible allows the to hit their children.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

Good Lord. No. It doesn't.

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Jac's avatar

Sincerely held beliefs allows for religion to be contorted to justify almost anything. There is no judge. It's says being delusional or making up lies is good enough. I think it's BS.

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Susan Campbell's avatar

It really is. But that's the government trying to respect freedom of religion, I think.

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Jac's avatar

I think you are right though I think they are doing a poor job of it. And they certainly favor Christianity and Christian leaders who sway voting blocks. Allowing freedom of religion should not ever permit any particular religion to encroach on the rights of others outside of that religion. A religious view should not be a basis for law or policy. I know that's a difficult thing to unwind for some. What should be is usually not what is so it is super frustrating.

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Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

Yes, there aren't any limits at all, are there? It's as if acts and their effects are irrelevant and only putative intentions count.

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Tim Sullivan's avatar

I am appalled that the welfare of these children is not being discussed. Where is the input from Family Services? We, as a society, will be forced to have to deal with them for years to come.

I admit not knowing much about the regulation of home schooling, but the parents are enough to deal with, I do not want to have to do it fror another generation

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