In advance of the likely approval and administration of COVID-19 vaccination to many younger children, it’s worth revisiting an important question in pharmacological research generally: How long does evidence gathering need to extend in order to deem an intervention “safe” or “effective”?
For those who have never had any serious reservations with conventional medicine or the prevailing public health pandemic response, prophetic encouragement to get vaccinated for COVID-19 seems obvious, non-controversial—even a no-brainer. But for those who have honest questions about our mainstream approaches to preserving healing and protecting against disease, following this counsel can feel terrifying—and go against everything they believe.
The intensity of feelings around vaccine mandates makes clear comprehension of what other people actually believe more difficult, and less likely across the board. Mapping out summary positions held on key questions might help a little, at least as a step in the right direction.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a once-in-a-century experience that should be reforming us at the soul level. Is it?
Did the pandemic year draw people away from religious community and commitments— or reinforce them? The answer is both—depending on who you’re talking about.
It’s understandable that many would have questions and concerns with the percentage of people declining the COVID-19 vaccine. But rather than make space for a human exchange about serious fears on both sides, incendiary rhetoric makes such conversation impossible, by insisting the only reason for dissent is selfishness or blatant ignorance.
Honest conversation about vaccination might be more challenging than any other issue. Why? And is it even worth trying?
If journalists had greater religious literacy, they could have predicted and addressed religious concerns that vaccine passports resembled the mark of the beast rather than resorting to ridicule.
Much sorrow is being felt in the wake of this pandemic, by so many. How can we better “mourn with those that mourn,” while also working through our own grief in healing ways?
With public health messaging now emphasizing how remarkably effective COVID-19 vaccines are, it’s reasonable to ask what exactly that means? Based on the published studies of the leading three vaccine candidates, I dove in to better understand that for myself.
If you’re eager to move on from 2020, join the club. Before we do, let’s do one thing first.
Covid is setting generations against each other. But it doesn’t have to. Latter-day Saint practices have helped prevent much of the present generational angst.
