Logan Reed
Christian Scientists have been revealed as the only group able to object to vaccinations on religious grounds, under a new plan to restrict conscientious objections to immunization. While Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal, they do not fit neatly into the anti-vaccine, vaccine-hesitant, or pro-vaccine categories. The Christian Science website states that its adherents are free to choose the healthcare that meets their needs, and some Christian Scientists have chosen to get vaccinated, while others have not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christian Scientists' beliefs about vaccination | Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal and that prayer is more effective than medicine. They do not fit neatly into the anti-vaccine, vaccine-hesitant, or pro-vaccine categories. |
| Religious exemption laws | In the U.S., 48 states allow children to attend public school without being vaccinated if they have religious reasons. In 19 of those states, philosophical exemptions are also allowed. In Australia, Christian Scientists are the only group with a religious exemption to the "no jab, no pay" policy. |
| Christian Science Church's position | The Church of Christ, Scientist, or Christian Scientists, does not have a theological prohibition regarding vaccination. The church has stated that members are free to choose whether or not to vaccinate themselves and their families. |
| Health risks of non-vaccination | Non-vaccination can increase the risk of children getting sick and contribute to outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. |
| Vaccine safety concerns | Some parents fear that the risks of vaccines outweigh the benefits due to concerns about side effects and ingredients. However, vaccines are proven to be effective and safe for most people, with rare cases of serious side effects. |
| Sources of information | Parents can consult doctors, official websites (CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics), and scientific studies to make informed decisions about vaccination. |
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What You'll Learn
Christian Scientists' beliefs about healing
Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices associated with members of the Church of Christ, Scientist, whose adherents are commonly known as Christian Scientists or students of Christian Science. The church was founded in 1879 in New England by Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote the book *Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures*, which outlined the theology of Christian Science. The book became Christian Science's central text, along with the Bible.
Christian Scientists subscribe to a radical form of philosophical idealism, believing that reality is purely spiritual and that the material world is an illusion. This includes the view that disease is a mental error rather than a physical disorder and that the sick should be treated not by medicine but by a form of prayer that seeks to correct the beliefs responsible for the illusion of ill health. Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal and that prayer is most effective when not combined with medicine. However, the church does not require Christian Scientists to avoid medical care, and many adherents use dentists, optometrists, obstetricians, and physicians for broken bones and vaccination when required by law.
Christian Scientists are not compelled by the church to practice faith healing, and they generally employ the services of medical professionals for issues such as dental and optical care, setting broken bones, and delivering babies. The church also encourages members to obey public health laws, including quarantine regulations and immunisation requirements, when religious exemptions are not provided. Christian Scientists needing nursing care are encouraged to go to a Christian Science sanitarium or to seek home care from a Christian Science nurse.
Christian Scientists believe that systematic study and prayer are basic to the life of the church and its readiness to meet the challenges of Christian healing. All Christian Science churches maintain reading rooms for this purpose. The "Bible lesson-sermon" forms the core of the Christian Scientist’s life of prayer and study. Composed of passages from the Bible and *Science and Health* on 26 subjects, it was designated by Eddy in 1895 as the church’s dual “pastor”. The lesson-sermon is the basis for both daily study and the Sunday service, where it is read by a first and a second reader elected by the congregation.
Christian Scientists believe that by following Jesus’ teachings and understanding the spiritual laws he practised, they can achieve spiritual healing that includes both physical cures of disease and dysfunction, as well as the reformation and restoration of lives. In *Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures*, Mary Baker Eddy states that Jesus “maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing”. Christian Scientists believe that the practice of this system of Christian healing has resulted in significant cures of physical and mental problems for over a century.
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Religious exemptions for vaccination
In the United States, vaccination requirements are established by governmental entities, but exemptions are often available based on religious beliefs. Every state has laws requiring children to get certain vaccines before they can go to school or daycare. However, parents may be able to opt out of some or all vaccines for medical, religious, or personal reasons. These vaccine exemption laws vary from state to state, and some states make it easier to avoid vaccines than others.
Forty-eight states in America have laws allowing children to attend public school without being vaccinated if they have religious reasons. In 19 of those states, children can also avoid vaccination if their parents have philosophical objections. In states with all three types of exemptions (religious, philosophical, and personal belief), personal belief exemptions are most common. Several legal cases have been tried involving the constitutionality of religious exemptions to vaccination, and courts have generally upheld the right of states to mandate vaccination despite parents' religious beliefs. However, requiring parents to belong to certain religious groups to qualify for religious exemptions has been found to violate the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.
Christian Scientists, who believe in the power of faith in God to heal over human-created cures and treatments, have a unique perspective on vaccination. While they have opposed vaccine mandates in the past, Christian Science's North Carolina Committee on Publication has stated that the church has "made a point to let its members know there is no pressure or judgment for whichever decision one makes." The Christian Science website emphasizes that its adherents are free to choose the healthcare that meets their needs and offers resources to help with the logistical and spiritual challenges of the pandemic.
When considering religious exemptions for vaccination, it is essential to weigh the potential risks to public health. High exemption rates have been linked to outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and pertussis (whooping cough). In the first half of 2025, there were 884 confirmed measles cases and three measles-related deaths reported by 30 states, a significant increase from 2024. While vaccines can rarely cause serious side effects, they are generally safe and effective in preventing serious diseases.
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Vaccine safety concerns
Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal. They believe in divine healing power over human-created cures and treatments, emphasizing prayer instead of medicine. While the church does not officially forbid medical interventions, it has been associated with opposition to vaccine mandates. However, the church itself claims to take a neutral stance, stating that its members are "free to choose for themselves and their families the kind of health care that meets their needs." This has resulted in a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals within Christian Scientist communities.
In the context of COVID-19 vaccines, several medical professionals, including Dr. Francis Christian, a Canadian surgeon, and Dr. Byram Bridle, a prominent immunologist, have expressed concerns about vaccine safety for children. They advocate for informed consent, arguing that parents and children should be fully aware of the risks and benefits of the vaccine before making a decision. Dr. Christian stated that he had not encountered a single vaccinated child or parent who felt adequately informed about the COVID-19 vaccines. He and other physicians urge caution in recommending vaccines for all children and emphasize the importance of patient autonomy and ethical medical practices.
It is important to note that vaccines, like all drugs, can rarely cause serious side effects. However, the benefits of vaccines in preventing serious diseases generally outweigh the risks. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program allows individuals to seek compensation if they believe they have been harmed by a vaccine, and the statistics from this program provide valuable insights into the rarity of vaccine-related injuries.
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The role of prayer in Christian Science
Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal. They believe in divine healing power over human-created cures and treatments, emphasising prayer instead of medicine. However, the church does not officially forbid medical interventions. This belief system has led to some Christian Scientists refusing medical treatment for their children, including vaccinations, on religious grounds.
Consistent prayer is regarded as the desire to do right and to walk in the light, even through challenges and sorrows. It is about surrendering to the divine control of Spirit, where Soul is the master, and material sense and human will have no place. This is further emphasised in the Lord's Prayer, which teaches that rising above material sensuousness and sin leads to spiritual consciousness and healing.
Audible prayer, while impressive, is questioned for its lasting benefits. Christian Science teaches that zealous praying without knowledge can hinder spiritual growth and a wholesome perception of God's requirements. Instead, the focus should be on spiritual sense guiding emotional utterances, leading to a higher experience and a better life with more devout self-abnegation and purity.
Additionally, intercessory prayer, or praying for others, has been scientifically studied for its potential impact on health outcomes. While the results are complex and vary depending on the specific circumstances, some studies suggest that intercessory prayer can have a positive influence, provided it is understood and applied properly.
In summary, the role of prayer in Christian Science is deeply significant. It involves a commitment to spiritual growth, purity, and faith in God's healing power. Christian Scientists view prayer as a means to connect with God, seek guidance, and find healing, all while striving to live in accordance with their beliefs and principles.
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The impact of unvaccinated children on public health
Christian Scientists believe in the power of faith in God to heal. They emphasize prayer instead of medicine, but the church does not officially forbid medical interventions. The Christian Science website states that its followers are free to choose the kind of healthcare that meets their needs. This means that some Christian Scientists may vaccinate their children, while others may not.
On the other hand, some people argue that vaccine safety is a concern and that the risks of vaccines may outweigh the benefits. While these worries are often based on misinformation, it is true that vaccines can, in rare cases, cause serious side effects. Some studies have found associations between vaccination and increased odds of developmental delays, asthma, ear infections, and allergies in children. However, the medical community acknowledges that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and vaccines have prevented millions of illnesses and deaths.
The issue of unvaccinated children is further complicated by vaccine exemption laws, which vary from state to state in the US. Almost all states allow children to attend public school without being vaccinated if their parents object for religious reasons, and some states also allow philosophical exemptions. These exemptions can make it easier for diseases to spread and can pose a risk to the health of unvaccinated children and those around them.
Overall, the impact of unvaccinated children on public health is significant. While there are valid concerns about vaccine safety, the benefits of vaccination in preventing serious diseases and reducing hospitalizations and deaths are well-established. The spread of misinformation and the ease of obtaining exemptions in some states contribute to the impact of unvaccinated children on public health.
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Frequently asked questions
Christian Scientists are not mandated to vaccinate their children. In the US, 34 states offer various levels of exemption from liability for parents who refuse medical treatment for their children on religious grounds. In Australia, Christian Scientists are the only group able to object to vaccinations on religious grounds.
The Christian Science Church emphasizes prayer instead of medicine, but stops short of officially forbidding medical interventions. The church has stated that its adherents "are always free to choose for themselves and their families the kind of health care that meets their needs."
Unvaccinated children are more likely to get sick and spread diseases. High exemption rates have been linked to outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Vaccines, like all drugs, can in rare cases cause serious side effects. However, vaccines are proven to be effective public health tools, and the risks associated with the diseases they prevent are typically much higher than the risks of the vaccines themselves.
