Lamenting Another Senseless Death

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I’ve not said much about Covid-related controversies. But today I lament yet another senseless death – Christian broadcaster Marcus Lamb (not that I was a fan of his) -- and I lament the bad theology that contributed to his death, and bad theology being used to “explain” it. Namely, that Lamb was spiritually attacked because he opposed vaccines, masking, and lockdowns. Because Lamb was diabetic, he of all people should’ve been first in line to get vaccinated.

Lamb headed the Daystar Television Network located here in the Dallas area -- daily reaching more than 108 million U.S. households and 2 billion people worldwide. Rather than use this weighty platform to preach against vaccines, castigate Fauci, and tout unproven Covid treatments, he could’ve used his power in winsome ways to convince followers to get vaccinated. Possibly he could’ve helped save some lives -- and helped children not be left as orphans, and spouses be left widowed.

For followers of Jesus and his teachings, how we deal with Covid is a theological matter. The biblical notion of the shalom God intends for the world includes our bodily wellbeing, and how we use resources to equitably foster and safeguard wellbeing, on the notion that we’re our sisters’ and brothers’ keepers, especially the most vulnerable ones.

I’m wondering if the Gospel writer Mark’s warning against causing vulnerable people to stumble (Mark 9:42) might be applicable to Marcus Lamb’s role (and that of other naysayers) in the number of adults who’ve mocked vaccines then ended up contracting the virus and dying, as happened to him. I reject sneering and saying that 'karma' was visited on such folks – but rather invite us to mourn the senseless death of any child of God.

Dr. Susanne Johnson serves as Associate Professor of Christian Education at United Methodist-related Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. This post is republished with permission from her Facebook page.