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Coronavirus pandemic
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Why some Americans resist Covid-19 vaccines, ‘mark of the beast’

  • Some in US religious circles link Covid-19 vaccines to the Antichrist
  • Reluctance to vaccinate is undermining efforts to beat the disease

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Peer-reviewed data has deemed the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines safe. Photo: DPA
Tribune News Service
Covid-19 vaccines have been scientifically proved to save lives, but for a select group of Americans in the religious realm, a more important matter is at stake – eternal salvation.
As the Delta variant of the coronavirus spreads, many Americans resist Covid-19 vaccines, some citing the uncertainty of long-term side effects, others lacking trust in the medical field. Some vaccine resisters have been galvanised by the idea that the shot is the “mark of the beast”.

The “mark of the beast” in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation signals an allegiance to Satan or those who reject God.

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“Studies show that any conflicts between religion and science are not about facts, they are more about values and morals,” said John Evans, a professor of sociology and religious studies at the University of California, San Diego.

What does Revelation say?

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The apocalyptic biblical term comes from Revelation 13: 16-18. According to the Apostle John in the New International Version Bible, a pair of beasts will rule the Earth with cruelty. Their evil reach – which can be interpreted as hidden manipulation – will require all people who engage in commerce to wear the mark of the beast. The Apostle John did not identify what the mark looks like, although some theologians translate Scripture to associate the number “666” with it.

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