A Conversation with Dr. Robert Jeffress
PROF CHANG: Hello. I'm Curtis Chang. I'm a theologian and former pastor. And we hear at Redeeming Babel have produced a series of videos to help Christians think about the vaccine. And one of the ways that God helps Christians think is through trusted leaders in our faith community. And one such leader is Dr. Robert Jeffress, an author, radio, television host, and perhaps most importantly, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. One of the most influential churches in the nation. Dr. Jeffress, welcome, and thanks so much for joining us.
DR. JEFFRESS: Well, thank you so much for having me.
PROF CHANG: So, Dr. Jeffress, we begin this by asking all of our guests this question which is simply have you taken the vaccine?
DR. JEFFRESS: I have. I got my first shot of the Moderna vaccine in the middle of January. I was so excited when I finally got that appointment. I was driving anxiously to the vaccination site. And, while I was driving there, president Trump called me from Air Force One. And I was so excited. Almost missed my exit to the vaccine site, but I got there on time, took the vaccine, and took my second one in early March. And, so I am fully vaccinated.
PROF CHANG: Well, my goodness. I think out of all the people we've interviewed, you're the first one that's able to say that you got your vaccine en route while interrupted by a phone call with the president. So, thank you for sharing that. So, tell us how did you reach that decision for yourself to actually go ahead and take the vaccine?
DR. JEFFRESS: Well, I have been praying like millions of Christians have been praying for a cure to this pandemic for an intuit. As a pastor, I saw it take the lives of many of my church members. I saw heartbreaking situations where families had to say goodbye to their loved ones, using FaceTime. We saw our church not able to meet for a period of time because of this. We were praying for an end of this pandemic, and I saw this vaccine as an answer to that prayer. And no vaccine is perfect, but I believe that looking at the odds, I would be much better off taking the vaccine than ignoring it. So, it was really a no brainer for me.
PROF CHANG: Dr. Jeffress, one of the important roles you play is that you are a teacher of God's word. And, so what are the important biblical truths for Christians to consider when they themselves are deciding what to do about the vaccine?
DR. JEFFRESS: Well, first of all, I think somebody who is as pro-life and outspoken on that, as I am, has a duty to be consistent with that. I believe if we are intent on protecting life inside the womb, which I am, we need to also be careful to value life outside the womb and do everything we can to preserve it. And I think certainly the controlling passage for me in Philippians chapter two is "Do not merely look out for your own personal interest," Paul said, "But also look out for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourself, which was in Christ Jesus, who gave himself was crucified for our sin payment." And I think that's something that the evangelical community needs to be reminded of. It's not just about me; it's about us. And, if we're really Christians, we need to think about the wellbeing of those we come in contact with spiritually and physically as well. You know, Jesus came to earth to die for us, not for his benefit, but for ours. And we're to have that same attitude toward other people as well. What really bothers me is the number of evangelicals I've heard adopt this mantra: my body, my choice. That's what the pro-abortion people say. It's not just about me; it's about us. And, so when I weigh that, it makes sense for me to encourage other people to have the vaccine. I might not need it. I may not need the vaccine. I may not contract the disease, or it may be a very low grade infection I have. But what about that person I come in contact with? I have no idea how I might affect and perhaps even harm them. And that's why I think Christians need to think seriously about taking this vaccine.
PROF CHANG: My goodness, Dr. Jeffress. That is such an inspiring explanation of a consistent pro-life ethic and value. Thank you for sharing that. In addition to being a teacher of God's word, you also are a pastor. And, so you must have encountered people in your own congregation who have expressed vaccine doubts to you. How did you respond as a pastor?
DR. JEFFRESS: Well, first of all, I want to be very careful not because I'm afraid of anybody. I'm not, but because I am a pastor, and I want to listen to other people and what they're saying. And to be honest, I believe there's some Christians who have perhaps a legitimate reason not to take the vaccine. I have a family member whose doctor has advised to wait for a while right now because of a specific instance. I respect that. I respect people's right to refuse the vaccine. There are other people who may feel, like, that this vaccine was rushed. Although I may not agree with that perspective, I respect that perspective. But what I don't respect are reasons that are based on bad theology. Ideas such as that this is the Mark of the anti-Christ. I've just written a verse by verse commentary on the Book of Revelation. I can guarantee you this is not the mark of the anti-Christ or other people who will use selfishness as a reason for not taking the vaccine. I think people who say that they've been vaccinated by the blood of Christ and they don't need the vaccine. Well, tell that to a lot of my great, faithful Christian church members who have died from this virus. I think they're legitimate reasons, but they're also illegitimate reasons for refusing the vaccine. And those are what I'm addressing.
PROF CHANG: Well, Dr. Jeffress, thank you so much for sharing your biblical and pastoral wisdom. This has been great. Thank you so much for your time.
DR. JEFFRESS: Well, thank you for having me.