Editorial June 23, 1962 Issue

Christian Scientists and Vaccination

Ralph E. Wagers

The attitude of Christian Scientists toward so-called infectious and contagious diseases is consistent with their concept of disease as primarily mental rather than physical. For this reason, they prefer to find their immunity from disease through spiritual means. They wish to depend upon and prove that spiritual means are adequate for their own protecion, and their reliance on such means does not jeopardize others.

Christian Scientists have no objection whatever to the method of prevention or cure others may adopt. They simply ask to be granted the freedom to meet every challenge confronting them through complete dependence upon the power of God, taking literally the statement of Isaiah (26:3), "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." This freedom is usually recognized as a fundamental right rather than a special privilege. As law-abiding citizens, Christian Scientists are careful not to abuse this right.

It is only when the law demands submission to vaccination or inoculation that Christian Scientists feel obliged to yield, and this is not through choice. It is a concession which they recognize is necessary in the interest of good citizenship. Christian Scientists do not deny that in the thought of many people germs and viruses are associated with certain diseases. They do deny, however, that these are the primary cause of disease. They look upon disease as a product of mortal mind, or the mind of mortals.

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