Love and truth, regardless of vaccination status

One of the duties of a pastor is to speak the truth of God’s word in love. It’s not to distort the Scriptures to make a political point or misconstrue a parable to make it seem like Jesus somehow condemns those concerned about personal liberty.

I take no issue with anyone’s sincere concern for the health and safety of people, especially when it comes to the risk posed by COVID-19. However, I object to overt partisan political rhetoric interwoven with allusions to Scripture to appeal to a higher authority.

The truth is Scripture does not set a precedent for masking or the COVID-19 vaccination — to imply otherwise presents a disingenuous overreach of the text.

Although I hold no authoritative biblical position concerning the COVID-19 vaccine, the Bible clearly states that we should love our neighbor as ourselves – regardless of vaccination status. I believe our elected officials should respond in kind.

How can one uphold the command to love one’s neighbor while at the same time forcing them to abandon their liberty of conscience?

The COVID-19 vaccine reservation extends beyond any political party, religious affiliation, ethnicity or gender in Alaska. Most are acutely aware of the risks posed by COVID-19, and everyone should have the freedom to choose whether to be vaccinated or not. Taking the vaccine and wearing masks will not rid the world of this virus. According to the American Council of Science and Health, the virus is here to stay.

For the last year and a half, our community, state and nation bore one collective burden after another to keep this threat at bay. We forfeited our ability to see loved ones in the hospital, comfort dying family members, attend births or celebrate weddings – the events of a worthwhile life.

We, collectively, masked, social distanced, displayed patience and exhibited compassion.

We also surrendered our unalienable rights, placing an indeterminate pause on our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It’s time we see past the counterfeit biblical guise of “doing the right thing” and allow our neighbors the freedom to choose what’s best for them - regardless of vaccination status.

Ron Hoffman is the senior pastor at Anchorage Baptist Temple and Anchorage Christian Schools.

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