Covid-Related Confusion Sparks Bible Searches for “Sorcery”

“Searches at @biblegateway for ‘sorcery’ jumped 193% after some made a connection between the Greek root word pharmakeia and the Covid-19 vaccine.” - Lifeway

Related: Vaccine Debates Are Responsible for 2021’s Fastest-Growing Bible Search Term: Sorcery

Discussion

I wonder how much of this stemmed from so many being forced to provide a dissertation in order to get a religious exemption. In the past it was just check a box for religious exemption, but I have heard that now many companies are asking for multiple pages in order to grant such an exemption.

Although I would disagree with the use of the sorcery argument, I would not be surprised that some people would go there. I had heard of that argument for not using any prescriptions long before I had ever heard of Covid-19.

BTW I can disagree theologically and still understand why they should be granted a religious exemption. For example we have people here on SI who view it as religiously wrong to drink alcohol and others who think their arguments are not theologically sound. I would not want those who disagree with the no alcohol position to be able to force the others to drink simply because they disagree with that position. Unfortunately many are approaching the vaccination religious exemption in just such a manner.

[JD Miller]

I would not want those who disagree with the no alcohol position to be able to force the others to drink simply because they disagree with that position. Unfortunately many are approaching the vaccination religious exemption in just such a manner.

One is viewed solely through the lens of personal choice. The other is viewed through the lens of our responsibility to obey government and a personal choice. They are not exactly the same.