A Christocentric Theology of Vaccination: A Pastoral Resource for Navigating Science and Faith

This study aims to provide a Christocentric theological and pastoral framework for understanding vaccination, offering a theological and epistemological tool (Theological Epistemology) that distinguishes observation and reason (OR) from beliefs inconsistent with biblical doctrine, thereby enabling trust in the veracity of scientific OR. This study is motivated by two pressing concerns within the Christian community: a growing mistrust of scientific observation and reason (OR), particularly regarding vaccination, and a theological gap in understanding how vaccination aligns with Christ’s redemptive mission. The study critiques existing theological literature on vaccination, identifying gaps in either scientific or theological rigour. In response, this study proposes a balanced integration of theological and scientific reasoning (Theological Reflection), presenting vaccination as participation in Christ’s redemptive mission to “destroy the works of the enemy” (1 John 3:8). Public health successes, such as smallpox eradication, are framed as missional acts, supported by scientific observation and reason (OR) that reinforce the theological argument. The paper responds to common objections (Systematic Theology), including concerns about aborted foetal cell lines, bodily sanctity, divine healing, and moral implications of certain vaccines, through biblical reasoning and pastoral sensitivity. Thus, the method is a three-step process: Theological Epistemology, Theological Reflection and Systematic Theology. This Christocentric framework enables church leaders to guide congregations toward informed, compassionate vaccination choices, aligning with their missional and pastoral responsibilities. This significance lies in its potential to foster faith-informed public health engagement and promote life-affirming theological reflection.