Off Stage

Greg and RD discuss the Covid-19 Delta variant as well as the debate around vaccines through the lens of Christianity.

Show Notes

In today’s episode, Greg and R.D. discuss a wide range of issues regarding Covid, vaccines and ways we have to think about moving forward.  This episode was recorded weeks ago so some of the information has been modified. We wanted to provide some examples of information that we discuss. 
 
The Delta variant is a large percentage of the new cases  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2021/08/24/tennessee-surpasses-one-million-covid-19-infections-amid-delta-surge/8250606002/  
 
The alpha variant was the first identified variant of Covid-19, not the original virus. 
 
The contagion level of the Delta variant was considered possibly the most infectious respiratory virus known to us.  As information grew, it settled to a position in the most contagious ones.  https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/08/11/1026190062/covid-delta-variant-transmission-cdc-chickenpox 
 
The Lambda variant of Covid-19 is causing researchers to wonder if it will be resistant to vaccines.  https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2021/08/10/it-is-time-to-pay-close-attention-to-the-lambda-variant-now-devastating-south-america/?sh=2407d2c84348 
 
Greg mentions stories about Russian intelligence operations pushing false information about vaccines into the American culture before 2019.  Here is an example of one- https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/23/health/russia-trolls-vaccine-debate-study/index.html 
 
The CDC has been asked by the press on several issues about ways it was reporting false or misleading information.  Here is an example- https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/cdc-and-states-are-misreporting-covid-19-test-data-pennsylvania-georgia-texas/611935/ 
 
Another 
https://slate.com/technology/2021/07/noble-lies-covid-fauci-cdc-masks.html 
 
The vaccine controversy began with a false claim linking autism to vaccines.  https://time.com/5175704/andrew-wakefield-vaccine-autism/ 
 
The show note writers were kind enough to provide a link to a google search for "Russia Anti-Vax" as Greg suggested.

"Man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols"- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

What is Off Stage?

Through biblical teaching, engaging discussions on current events and cultural issues, and a balance of humor and wisdom, Off Stage explores how theology shapes our lives today. Hosted by Greg and Brittany, this podcast reflects their deep passion for helping people think biblically and live faithfully in a rapidly changing world.