The line between truth and faith can be fuzzy.
Molly Jong-Fast wants you to know that she’s not a brave person. But right now she’s feeling like Joan of Arc — “except Jewish and without any of the actual fighting, and none of the fabulous armor.” |
In her Op-Ed today, Molly describes volunteering for Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine trial. It’s been more than 48 hours since she got the shot and so far, the main side effect is an incredible sense of pride that she’s done something to help bring this pandemic to an end. |
Many of her friends thought she was nuts; they wouldn’t risk taking an experimental vaccine. More and more people are saying they might not even risk taking an F.D.A.-approved one. |
In a CBS News poll, three out of every four Democrats said that “if a vaccine were to become available this year, their first thought would be that it was rushed without enough testing.” This may be understandable but it freaks Molly out. It could mean that when we finally have a vaccine, people might distrust the government so much they won’t get it. |
If people can’t trust the government, who — or what — might they turn to? |
That’s one of the questions behind another Op-Ed this morning, by Sarah Posner. Sarah reported on a group of evangelical leaders who are alarmed by the growing appeal of QAnon among their fellow worshipers. |
One of them, Seth Brown, is the executive editor of the Biblical Recorder. He recently wrote an editorial explaining the bizarro world of Q — in which deep state creeps split their time between sex-trafficking and coup-plotting — and calling on Christians to “reject the movement’s fanatical and dangerous messages.” |
I was moved by his words about truth — and how much his faith is rooted in the pursuit of it. “We believe God is truth and we believe his word is truth,” he told Sarah. “We can’t compromise those beliefs or that witness for some wacky conspiracy theory.” |
Whether you’re talking about vaccine-hesitant Democrats or Q-curious Republicans, the line between truth and faith can be fuzzy. You still have to choose to believe. |
Reddit AMA: Stop Expecting Life to Go Back to Normal Next Year |
Dr. Aaron E. Carroll will be answering your questions on his recent Op-Ed, on how to live with the pandemic, at 12 p.m. Eastern today on Reddit. |
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Here’s what we’re focusing on today: |
Times Event: The New Prognosis for High-Tech Health Care |
The pandemic has dramatically demonstrated the importance of technology in delivering health care remotely. From advances in telemedicine to wearables that can track vital signs 24/7, how can the industry build on these innovations — while protecting privacy and increasing access where it’s most needed? Can Washington keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape and changing consumer habits? Join us today, Sept. 17, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, as we explore these critical questions, as well as privacy protections, broadband expansion and the future of Medicare payments. R.S.V.P. here. |
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