To the editor:

Today many Fundamentalist and Evangelical Christians refuse to get vaccinated or wear a mask, ignoring the Biblical mandate to obey the authorities.

Hebrews 13:17: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, … ”

Romans 13:1-2: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

The police are to serve and protect. Since some police officers refuse to get vaccinated or wear a mask they betray their creed: “As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property, to protect the innocent against deception, the -weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all … .”

Even a few physicians and nurses are not getting vaccinated. Consider:

The Hippocratic Oath: Modern Version (excerpt)

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

“I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow. I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures that are required, avoiding those twin traps of over-treatment and therapeutic nihilism. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug. I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.”

And all other people that refuse a vaccination may have slept through civics class when in school, for with freedom comes responsibility and obligation — to yourself, your family, and all members of society. Be thankful that your parents had you vaccinated when young, and be thankful for all the scientists that created the life saving vaccines that we enjoy today.