Religious exemption.....but I'm athiest/agnostic......

[Treece]

Is it possible to claim that vaccination is against the teachings of my religion if i have no religion? I'm not really athiest, that's easier to explain here in the Bible belt than I am a pantheist. As a panthiest, I believe that everything is part of the universe/God. I also believe that we have all that we need to survive within us (I mean other tahn food, water, shelter). So, as one with no formal teachings, can I claim the religious exemption?

I live in Oklahoma and can choose philosophical. However, i don't really like explaining it out. I mean, I think the science of vaccines is shoddy at best.

[Turquesa]

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I’m not sure how current this is, but here is a copy of your state’s exemption form.

Here’s a little secret: You don’t HAVE to give them a reason.  There’s nothing in the state code compelling you to do so.

You’ll note from that link that you also don’t have to explain your religious beliefs or belong to an organized religion.

For my philosophical exemption, I simply wrote: “Pursuant to my legal right secured by State Code XYZ, I am claiming a philosophical exemption to the aforementioned vaccines.”

If you’re REALLY pressed to provide an explanation, keep it vague: “Philosophical disagreement over current vaccine schedule” or “Philosophical objection based on lack of adequately designed vaccine research.”  (We still don’t have that evil, unethical study of vaxed v. unvaxed children ). 

If you go the religious route, honestly, it’s their problem if they don’t understand pantheism.  Not yours. I think it would suffice to say, “Vaccination runs contrary to beliefs of pantheism.”  A woman in NY State didn’t have luck with this approach, but NYS is unique in how fascist it gets with this issue.

Other people here may have better advice or experience….

[zenmumajen]

I am also curious as I can identify with your philosophical views

[Treece]

Sometimes I just hate this whole vax thing. I mean WHY should the state be involved in personal health matters?

What really irks me, my children's doctor, speech therapist, and some of the daycares AGREE with me. No one here questions vaxing and thinks I am weird. Well, I guess I am. I don't vax, circ, and homeschool..... I know no one who does all that.........

So, back to my beliefs. I found the pantheism.net website and it states "Pantheist beliefs are above all statements of an emotional response of reverence and belonging to Nature and the wider Universe in all their power, beauty and mystery."

So, that sums it up. :)

[PenelopeJune]

We're atheists and we have a religious exemption. (there is no philisophical here)  Being in the Bible Belt, it's just easier to not tell people that we are atheists for a variety of reasons. And I don't give any reasons for my religious exemptions. It is against our religion. Period. I don't answer questions, I don't elaborate. If anyone were to ask (they never have so far) I would say that it's private and it's my right not to discuss it.

[Peony]

Originally Posted by PenelopeJune 

We're atheists and we have a religious exemption. (there is no philisophical here)  Being in the Bible Belt, it's just easier to not tell people that we are atheists for a variety of reasons. And I don't give any reasons for my religious exemptions. It is against our religion. Period. I don't answer questions, I don't elaborate. If anyone were to ask (they never have so far) I would say that it's private and it's my right not to discuss it.

Almost the exact same for me. I could file philosophical in my state but I choose to file religious. I never explain it, never been questioned on it and I have 2 in school.