Lived Religion in Religious Vaccine Exemptions

Area of Science:

• Religious Studies
• Public Health Law
• Sociology of Religion

Background:

• Current interpretations of "religion" in vaccine exemption cases are often narrow.
• Existing literature overlooks the significance of "lived religion" in these contexts.
• A broader understanding of religion is needed for equitable policy application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of "lived religion" from religious studies.
• To explain the importance of a lived religion approach for redefining "religion."
• To illustrate the application of lived religion in religious vaccine exemptions.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of "religion" in legal and academic discourse.
• Introduction and explication of the "lived religion" concept.
• Application of lived religion to case studies of religious vaccine exemptions.

Main Results:

• The concept of "lived religion" offers a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of religious beliefs and practices.
• Applying lived religion to vaccine exemptions can reveal sincere religious objections previously overlooked.
• This approach supports a more equitable assessment of religious exemption claims.

Conclusions:

• Broadening the interpretation of "religion" through "lived religion" is crucial for fair vaccine exemption policies.
• An inclusive approach to religious exemptions respects diverse religious expressions.
• This framework can lead to more equitable public health policy implementation.