Does the Catechism contain anything that would be for or against childhood vaccinations?
ByQuestion by abc123: Does the Catechism contain anything that would be for or against childhood vaccinations?
I have a Catechism book and looked up “vaccines” in the back, but nothing was there. But obviously sometimes there are things in there that pertain to a subject that don’t come right out and say it (like non-therapeutic amputations can apply to circumcision). So just curious if anything in there would pertain to it. I don’t have the time to sit and read the whole thing…. lol
It is important and I wouldn’t mind reading the whole thing to get an answer but my son’s checkup would be before I could complete reading it. I also read yesterday that there are aborted fetus’ cells in some vaccines. I don’t know if thats true, I”ll have to research it, but if so I would think it would be wrong to get that vaccine and support abortion that way?
I did further research on the aborted fetus cells thing, and it looks legitimate. They are used as “cell lines” to develop the vaccine. Here’s a link on it….
http://www.rtl.org/prolife_issues/LifeNotes/VaccinesAbortion_FetalTissue.html
Best answer:
Answer by chamoruboi015
I don’t think so. Most of those kind of books that describe modern things are usually straightforward.
Also, I’m Catholic and I’ve gotten vaccinations.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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9 Comments
June 10th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
If the subject isn’t important enough for you to read the whole thing, why do you care? f it’s important, read it. If it’s not, don’t worry about it.
In fact, though, the Catechism doesn’t cover issues like vaccinations.
June 10th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
If you mean the Catholic Catechism, there is no teaching of the Catholic Church regarding vaccinations or other standard medical care. But any responsible parent will be certain that their child receives all standard vaccinations. Young parents today were not around when hundreds of children a year were dying of measles and other common childhood illnesses. That whole scene is foreign to them, and it is foreign to them for just one reason – vaccination!
June 10th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Assuming you are speaking about the Catholic Church – there is NOTHING WRONG WITH VACCINATIONS.
There is also nothing wrong with organ donation as long as you are not killing someone for the purpose of harvesting organs.
Medical technology used to save lives is generally acceptable. Killing babies in the womb because the mother isn’t ready or doesn’t want to ruin her figure, etc. is NOT right.
June 10th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
There are lots of catechisms – it would be helpful if you specified which one.
Heidelberg Catechism
Westminster Large & Short Catechisms
Luther’s Large & Small Catechisms
etc.
June 10th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
I don’t think there would be anything that would pertain very directly. 2288 – 2296 deal with the 5th commandment regarding the respect for health and respect for the person in scientific research.
Maybe the closest would be 2288,
Also the 4th commandment section particularly 2221 – 2231
But what boils down to in my opinion is a personal judgment of risks and benefits regarding possible severe side effects.
In terms of the origins of the vaccines if derived from experiments on fetuses or produced from aborted babies that is a bit of a different issue, but again it involves applying several aspects of Moral theology. I don’t think it is addressed directly in the CCC but the above 2221-2231 will be one main area. Combine with the principle that no matter how good the intention you can not do direct evil.
IMO – vaccines that were once connected with illicit experimentation or sources, but are currently produced ethically – I’m queasy, but will go with the experts that say we don’t have to abandon knowledge just because of the source. On the other hand, any medication or procedure that is actually produced using aborted tissue etc – I will not be party to in any way.
UPDATE – Went out and got some links
http://www.ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=434
http://www.ncbcenter.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=251
June 10th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
You don’t need the catechism for Godly answer to your questions…just the word of God.
God loves you…..God bless
June 10th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
I understand you not wanting to read through the entire Cathechism for this one issue. It is a THICK book.
The fact that you even THOUGHT to seek it out, is commendable and perhaps is a prompting of the Holy Spirit.
FYI… “Paul” nailed it by referring to specific sections and mentioning Fetal embryos.
There is nothing wrong with Vaccines in and of themselves… however, if you are interested in the morality of them… than you owe it to yourself and your family to find out if the vaccines your son is getting use aborted fetuses as their base OR were tested on embryos.
Morally, we should not benefit from abortions or extra embryos from IVF procedures. We, as Catholics shouldn’t be making a secondary market for human beings.
In most cases there are OTHER vaccines from other companies which were not developed or used embryos at all, which are just as effective. Sometimes you just have to ASK for these Vaccines ahead of time.
If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to ask this question.. perhaps you shouldn’t ignore it. At the very least use Google to find out more about this controversial issue.
I think the American Council of Catholic Bishops has some links on this topic.
God Bless and Shalom! (Hebrew for Peace)
June 10th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
there are uses of aborted babies in womens facial creams. it is called neocutis
the health of your child is your responsibility , so take care
June 10th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
I highly doubt vaccines have stem cells in them, what the hell are they used for? They aren’t going to preserve anything. So I think that’s a total lie (a stupidly made up one as well).
I personally am very sceptical about vaccinations. I know for sure my child will NOT get the MMR. That MMR is the most dangerous vaccine. Your child has a higher chance of getting a severe reaction (not a reaction period, a severe reaction) to the MMR vaccine than they are to get the actual measles.
Many kids have had issues with it.
I know my child will also not get more than one vaccination in a 24 hour period. I can’t believe doctors actually are okay with giving a small child THAT many vaccinations at once.
I don’t think there is anything in vaccinations against the Catholic Church (but if you are that religious then your sons life is in God’s hands anyways so a vaccination isn’t going to help him as he’s going to die when God says so anyways when you think about it) So if you are going to vaccinate go ahead. Just do the research on all vacines including the MMR and I would make sure he doesn’t get more than one vaccination at a time.
-Connor