Get Involved

Receive the Newsletter

Enjoying our resources? Receive our monthly newsletter and more from BioLogos, tailored to your interests!

Join Now

Donate to BioLogos!

BioLogos relies on grassroots donors like you to help sustain our mission. Make a donation today, or contact donorsupport@biologos.org with donation related questions.

Give Now


BioLogos Voices is a speakers bureau featuring top scholars and communicators in the BioLogos community. Book a speaker for your next event!

Learn More
See All Events


Join the online community! We welcome you to be a part of the growing group of people who are seeing science as the study of God’s creation while upholding the authority of the Bible!

Join Now
About BioLogos

About Us

Our Mission
Our History
What We Believe
Annual Reports
Endorsements


What We Do

Conferences & Events
Speakers Bureau
Language of God Podcast
Insights Video Series
INTEGRATE Curriculum
BioLogos.org Resources


Our Team

Staff
Board of Directors
Advisory Council
Francis Collins
Careers

ForumsGive
https://biologos.org/series/should-christians-take-the-vaccine/resources/should-pro-lifers-be-pro-vaccine
Browse Common Questions

Biblical Interpretation

How should we interpret the Genesis flood account?

How long are the days of Genesis 1?

How should we interpret the Bible?

See All
Christianity & Science

What is Evolutionary Creation?

Should Christians get vaccinated?

Should We Trust Science?

Are science and Christianity at war?

See All
Scientific Evidence

What does the fossil record show?

What is the genetic evidence for human evolution?

Does the Cambrian Explosion pose a challenge to evolution?

See All
God's Relationship to Creation

Why should Christians care for creation?

What do “fine-tuning” and the “multiverse” say about God?

What created God?

See All
Human Origins

Did death occur before the Fall?

How could humans have evolved and still be in the “Image of God”?

Were Adam and Eve historical figures?

See All
Explore Faith & Science Resources

Get Started

Use the links below to browse content carefully curated for BioLogos beginners.

Common Questions
Insights Videos
Language of God Podcast
Integrate Curriculum
Resource Centers
Impact Stories
Recommended Books


Featured People
Francis CollinsFrancis Collins
Katharine HayhoeKatharine Hayhoe
N.T. WrightN.T. Wright
Deborah HaarsmaDeborah Haarsma
Praveen SethupathyPraveen Sethupathy

Resource Centers

K-12 Educators
Pastors
Youth Ministry
Campus Ministry
Small Groups


Explore All Topics

Bible
Science
Theology & Philosophy
Church & Culture
Views on Creation


By Type

Common Questions
Articles
Series
Videos
Podcast Episodes
Audio
Books
Impact Stories

What are you looking for?

  • Forums
  • Give

 
Part 6 of 9 in Should Christians Take The Vaccine?
Video

Should Pro-lifers be Pro-Vaccine?

Featuring Curtis Chang 
On March 10, 2021
  • COVID-19
  • Medicine & Bioethics

Before You Read ...

Dear reader,

A new poll shows that for young adults in particular, belief in God is plummeting. From research, we know a primary driver behind a loss of faith among young people is the church’s rejection of science. To put it bluntly: Young people aren’t leaving the faith because of science, they’re leaving because they’ve been told to choose between science and God. That’s why BioLogos exists—to show that science and faith can work hand-in-hand. And although the challenge is clearly daunting, our work is having an impact!

As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of grassroots donors like you to reach those who are being told, “It’s God or evolution!” or “It’s God or vaccines!” or “It’s God or science!” In this urgent moment, we need your help to continue to produce resources such as this.

Give Now

Why give to BioLogos?

If you’re new to BioLogos, we encourage you to learn more about our work and the impact of your gift, and watch our video below. Your gift to BioLogos is tax-deductible!


This content was provided courtesy ChristiansAndTheVaccine.com, a project of Redeeming Babel. For more information, visit ChristiansAndTheVaccine.com.

The Pro-life movement and Black Americans. The media tends to portray these two groups as very different. And they are. But there are some curious commonalities between the two groups. Most obviously, there are large numbers of Christians in both groups. More surprisingly, these two groups are by far the most suspicious of the COVID vaccine – although for different reasons.

Why do Pro-lifers and Blacks have this vaccine suspicion?

My name is Curtis Chang, and welcome to Redeeming Babel, where our mission is to provide Biblical thinking in a confusing world. In another video, I explained the history behind Black American distrust of vaccination. In this video, I turn to the Pro-life movement.

Pro-lifers fear that the vaccine is connected to abortion. And indeed there is a distant connection. But the consensus of leading Christian bioethicists is that this distant connection should not discourage pro life Christians from taking the vaccine. Pro lifers in fact have strong reasons to be pro-vaccine.

The cell line

To understand why this is the case, one must first understand what a cell line is. A cell line begins with some original cell taken from a human source, and then those original cells get replicated in labs over and over and over, often over decades. The cells that descend from that original cell make up the cell line. It is these descendant cells – the cell line – that gets used in biomedical research.

One of the most important cell lines used in COVID vaccine research is the HEK 293 cell line. No one knows the actual individual identity of HEK 293. The original cells were obtained in the Netherlands in 1973 by Dr. Frank Graham. Dr. Graham has reported that he cannot be sure whether the fetal remains came about through a miscarriage or an elective abortion. But it is quite possible – maybe even probable – that HEK 293 originated from an elective abortion.

For the sake of understanding the pro-life Christian’s worst fears, let’s assume this is the case.

This would mean that COVID vaccine research used cells that if you back far enough, can be trace an ancestry to a past abortion. Keep in mind that the vaccine ITSELF does not contain any fetal cells; it is the research PROCESS that used the cell line. And remember the cell line used today is not the actual original cell taken from a fetus. Those original cells are long gone. The HEK 293 cell line are the descendants of that original cell taken back in 1973.

The HEK 293 cell line has been used not just in vaccine research, but in most advanced medical treatments today. The biggest recent breakthroughs in treatment for diabetes, heart conditions, hepatitis, arthritis, lung disease, cancer and many other diseases all drew upon the HEK 293 cell line. In fact, if someone today did not want to touch the impact of the HEK 293 cell line at all, that person would almost have to disconnect from modern medicine entirely. If you have received any meaningful medical treatment in the past ten years, you most likely have already been impacted by the HEK 293 cell line. None of us can avoid this impact.

And this is where we have to make a key distinction: the distinction between impact and guilt. Impact does not equal guilt.

There can certainly be impact from a past sin. In fact, the Biblical concept of original sin is meant to say that none of us can avoid the impact of past sin. Sin originates a “cell line” of impact, if you will, that can extend down through the generations.  Anyone who has a family of origin where there was abuse or addiction knows that this is true. Past sin makes an impact on subsequent generations.

But impact that gets passed on is not the same as current guilt. Let’s say, God forbid, you had a grandparent who was abusive. This fact will impact your family of origin and probably even you. But this does not mean that you automatically are an abuser. Impact gets passed on. But guilt does not. In the same manner, an act of abortion back in 1973 had a huge impact on all biomedical research, including COVID vaccine research. But this does not automatically make the COVID vaccine guilty.

So, as we think about the COVID vaccine from a pro-life perspective, let me emphasize three key points:

  1. None of the vaccines contain any fetal tissue or offshoot
  2. No actual cell taken directly from fetuses were used in research
  3. None of the vaccines encourage more abortions for medical research

None of the vaccines contain any fetal tissue or offshoot

First, none of the vaccines contain any fetal cells or even any descendant cells. None of the vaccines contain the HEK 293 cell line itself. To repeat, the research process for the vaccine relied on the cell line, but the vaccine itself does not include the cell line. When someone gets injected with the vaccine, they are NOT getting injected with any fetal tissue or any cell line originating from fetal tissue.

No actual cell taken directly from fetuses were used in research

Second, no actual cells taken directly from fetuses were used in the research. When we talk about how the HEK 293 or other cell line were used in vaccine development, remember that we are not talking about the actual cells from an abortion that happened decades ago. The HEK 293 cells used today in labs are not the original cells. Those original cells are long gone. The cell line are descendants (usually modified at that) of those original cells.

The analogy I like to use is the railroad lines that connect my home state of California to the rest of the country. Most goods that we Californians import today from the rest of the country come to us on railroad lines that were originally laid down in the building of the First Transcontinental railroad. That origin story is filled with racist treatment of the first Chinese Americans, my ancestors. They were discriminated against horribly, given the most dangerous jobs, and were periodically lynched by mobs, like in the horrible Rock Spring Massacre.

Today’s transportation lines into California are like the fetal cell lines that developed the COVID vaccine. They are not evil in their current state and usage, but they run on tracks that follow lines first laid down by previous institutional sin. And none of us can avoid being touched by those lines.

None of the vaccines encourage more abortions for medical research

Finally, it is important to emphasize that none of the COVID vaccines encourage more abortions for medical research.

In fact, the fact that HEK 293 has been so widely studied and used for decades means that most researchers rely on it and other long established cell lines. They are not motivated to obtain new cell lines from new fetuses. And government regulations strongly discourage any researcher trying to do so, especially from aborted fetuses. This point is key to the difference between impact and guilt. Because it means that current vaccine research, while it has been impacted by past abortion, is not guilty of promoting current abortions.

All of these facts have led to a consensus among the leading Christian bioethicists. The consensus is that Christians – including pro-life Christians – are encouraged to take the COVID vaccines. The Vatican – which as studied this issue extensively – has given its approval. The president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has similarly approved. Leading conservative bioethicists, like those associated with pro life foundations such as the Heritage Foundation have also joined in the approval.

I agree with this chorus of thinkers. I believe that every pro-life Christian should take the COVID vaccine.

Imaging redemption

Indeed, I suggest that the COVID vaccine can serve as an image of God’s redemption. Redemption is God’s ultimate answer to the problem of original sin. Redemption is taking something that originated in a wrongful state, and reworking that thing into something good. The Bible tells us that in his death and resurrection, Jesus redeemed human sin.

1 Corinthians 15:22 puts it this way:

“For as all die in Adam, so also all shall be made alive in Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:22

In other words, Adam’s original sin had an impact on us all. We are descendants of his spiritual cell line, so to speak. But the origins of that spiritual cell line, that began in death, is not the final verdict. The spiritual line of Adam has been reworked by Jesus. What began as a story of sin and death has been reworked into a story of forgiveness and life. That is what it means to be “made alive in Christ.” That is redemption.

The idea that what began in death could be reworked into life is hard for the human mind to grasp. This is why we need images of redemption in the world. We need examples that can serve as metaphors of what Jesus accomplished, that show us, “Jesus’ redemption is kind of like that…”

I propose that the COVID vaccine is an image of redemption. Yes, the vaccine may have a distant origin story in abortion. But that past has been reworked and redeemed into something that saves life. We can point to the vaccine and say, “Jesus redemption is kind of like that.” And indeed, the production of a vaccine in less than a year is really a miracle. Something like this has never happened this quickly. I personally believe God’s redemptive power was present in the process.

My invitation to Pro-life Christians who distrust the COVID vaccine is this: please remember that the Christian story is the story of redemption. Every one of us has a origin story in sin. None of us can avoid this. Yet each one of us has had our story reworked by Jesus into new life. That’s what it ultimately means to be pro-life. To be pro life is to be pro redemption. And to be pro redemption, in my view, means being pro vaccine.

The vaccine is ultimately a redemption story. Let’s be part of that story.


Previous in Series

Is the COVID vaccine the "Mark of the Beast"?
Video
By Curtis Chang 

Is the COVID vaccine the "Mark of the Beast"?

If you are not familiar with all the different strands of Christianity, this may seem like a strange question to you.

Next in Series

Should Christians trust the vaccine when the system is flawed?
Video
By Curtis Chang 

Should Christians trust the vaccine when the system is flawed?

Anyone living in the world cannot avoid the reality that many of our systems are broken.


Related Videos

Should Christians take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Should Christians Take the Vaccine?
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Is the COVID vaccine a form of government control?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Is the COVID Vaccine a Form of Government Control?
How can Christians spot fake news on the vaccine?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

How can Christians Spot Fake News on the Vaccine?
Is the COVID vaccine the "Mark of the Beast"?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Is the COVID vaccine the "Mark of the Beast"?
Should Christians trust the vaccine when the system is flawed?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Should Christians trust the vaccine when the system is flawed?
Can Black Americans trust the COVID vaccine?
Featuring Curtis Chang 

Can Black Americans trust the COVID vaccine?
See all videos 

01/06

Related Resources

If you enjoyed this resource, we recommend you check out one of the following:

All Resources
  • Mother and daughter sharing a tender moment
    Blog Post
    By Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Mothers and Children: The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These

    The human body is wired for survival in the face of stress and trauma, and mothers who experience pre-term birth are a testament to this. We are called to care for and support mothers and their children.

  • Blog Post
    • By David Anderson 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Praying for Scientists and the Science of Prayer

    Prayer might be difficult to study scientifically, but that doesn’t mean that scientists don’t pray or that prayer doesn’t work. Dr. David Anderson invites us to pray for scientists, healthcare workers and researchers.

  • Video
    By Francis Collins 

    With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic

    Watch Francis Collins’s full talk from the Faith & Science 2022 conference, titled, “With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic.” In his talk, he reflects on the pandemic, vaccine development and how to find hope in dark times.

  • Iv pole on blue background
    Podcast Episode
    Featuring guest J. Todd Billings 

    J. Todd Billings | Good Servant, Tyrannical Master

    Todd Billings shares his depth of thought on healing, medicine and chronic disease, which is informed by his own experiences with cancer.

  • Tender moment between patient holding family's hand
    Article
    • By Terri Laws 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Terri Laws: Caring for the Humanity in Others

    For Dr. Terri Laws the Gospel cannot be decontextualized from our society and the lives that we live. It has very practical implications that compel us to care for others and love our neighbors well, especially the marginalized.

  • A trey of soil and baby plants
    Article
    • By Norman Wirzba 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Norman Wirzba: Sabbath, Soil and the Sacred Life

    What can soil teach us about God? How can the sabbath help us recover delight and find rest? What is sacred about our wounded world?

  • Mother and daughter sharing a tender moment
    Blog Post
    By Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Mothers and Children: The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These

    The human body is wired for survival in the face of stress and trauma, and mothers who experience pre-term birth are a testament to this. We are called to care for and support mothers and their children.

  • Blog Post
    • By David Anderson 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Praying for Scientists and the Science of Prayer

    Prayer might be difficult to study scientifically, but that doesn’t mean that scientists don’t pray or that prayer doesn’t work. Dr. David Anderson invites us to pray for scientists, healthcare workers and researchers.

  • Video
    By Francis Collins 

    With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic

    Watch Francis Collins’s full talk from the Faith & Science 2022 conference, titled, “With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic.” In his talk, he reflects on the pandemic, vaccine development and how to find hope in dark times.

  • Iv pole on blue background
    Podcast Episode
    Featuring guest J. Todd Billings 

    J. Todd Billings | Good Servant, Tyrannical Master

    Todd Billings shares his depth of thought on healing, medicine and chronic disease, which is informed by his own experiences with cancer.

  • Tender moment between patient holding family's hand
    Article
    • By Terri Laws 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Terri Laws: Caring for the Humanity in Others

    For Dr. Terri Laws the Gospel cannot be decontextualized from our society and the lives that we live. It has very practical implications that compel us to care for others and love our neighbors well, especially the marginalized.

  • A trey of soil and baby plants
    Article
    • By Norman Wirzba 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Norman Wirzba: Sabbath, Soil and the Sacred Life

    What can soil teach us about God? How can the sabbath help us recover delight and find rest? What is sacred about our wounded world?

  • Mother and daughter sharing a tender moment
    Blog Post
    By Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Mothers and Children: The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These

    The human body is wired for survival in the face of stress and trauma, and mothers who experience pre-term birth are a testament to this. We are called to care for and support mothers and their children.

  • Blog Post
    • By David Anderson 
    • and Ciara Reyes-Ton 

    Praying for Scientists and the Science of Prayer

    Prayer might be difficult to study scientifically, but that doesn’t mean that scientists don’t pray or that prayer doesn’t work. Dr. David Anderson invites us to pray for scientists, healthcare workers and researchers.

  • Video
    By Francis Collins 

    With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic

    Watch Francis Collins’s full talk from the Faith & Science 2022 conference, titled, “With All Your Mind: Finding Truth and Love in the Midst of a Pandemic.” In his talk, he reflects on the pandemic, vaccine development and how to find hope in dark times.

  • Common Questions

    Resources

    Christianity and Science
    Scientific Evidence
    Biblical Interpretation
    God’s Relationship to Creation
    Human Origins

    Getting Started
    Common Questions
    Resource Centers
    BioLogos Basics Videos
    Language of God Podcast
    Impact Stories
    Recommended Books

    By Type
    Common Questions
    Articles
    Series
    Videos
    Podcast Episodes
    Audio
    Books
    Impact Stories

    By Topic
    Bible
    Science
    Theology & Philosophy
    Church & Culture
    Views on Creation

    Resources by Audience
    Pastors
    K-12 Educators
    Small Groups
    Youth Ministry
    Campus Ministry

    Get BioLogos Resources


    About Us

    Our Mission
    Our History
    What We Believe
    Annual Reports
    Endorsements

    Get Involved

    Open Forum
    Homeschool Forum
    Attend an Event
    Donate

    What We Do

    BioLogos Conferences
    Resource Centers
    Events
    BioLogos Voices (Speaker’s Bureau)
    Language of God Podcast
    INTEGRATE Curriculum

    Social Media

    BioLogos on Instagram BioLogos on YouTube BioLogos on Twitter BioLogos on Facebook

    © BioLogos 2019  Terms of Use   Privacy   Contact Us   RSS

    It looks like your cart is empty!

    Subtotal: $0.00

    Sign up or log in to continue checkoutBrowse All Units