Inoculation Theory

Today, once again, I was introduced to one of psychology's "theories" in which I was able to find some ecclesiastical significance. The theory was constructed by William McGuire in the 1960's. He penned the phrase "Inoculation Theory" or "Attitude Inoculation." When we hear the term "inoculation" we think of a shot given to us in order to "protect" us. If, for instance, the shot is given to protect us from the flu, you do realize what is in the shot? The flu!!! It's a basic and fundamental idea that most of us understand. When exposed to a pathogen, etc. in a very small and minute dose, the body is able to develop an immunity to it. Therefore, when the pathogen is introduced in it's ill-seeking form, the body has antigens to counter the attack. Well, McGuire believed that in life there are people who are more vulnerable to attitude adjustments because they have never been "inoculated" and are "empty" as relates to those beliefs. For instance, if parents teach a child "no drugs" and are emphatic about such. However, when the child ask "why no drugs," the parents respond by saying simple "just because, drugs are bad." Well, what has happened is that the child has not been given the opportunity to and equipment to defend the premise at a later time. So, when the child gets to middle or high school and Bad News Billy approaches the child and says "here try drugs," naturally the child will respond by saying "no, drugs are bad." Problem is, aside from the initial response, the child is "empty" on his position. The result is a low resistance to the attack of Bad News Billy, thus leaving him more vulnerable to trying drugs.

I believe this applies to Christians and our convictions. We need to be about "equipping the saints" in a way that they are able to Apologetically defend their beliefs. If we fill our preaching with a perpetual list of "just becauses" we threaten to leave a parish of people who are "empty" and therefore not "inoculated" against the attack of sin, satin, and antagonists.

A note here on P.K.'s (Pastor/Preacher Kids)- I saw a picture of the average P.K. in this theory. It has often been said that "Pastor's kids are the worse ones." Well, if McGuire's theory is valid, this could be quite possible. We as believers need to do more than ban hip hop, saggin pants, ear rings, and other cultural trends by dismissing them as bad "just because." We have to equip them with a biblical worldview and a true cognitive map and conscience as to WHY we choose to do/not do things the way that we do. If not we leave them "empty" and vulnerable to an attitude change once the world invades their position.

So, I am further challenged as a Pastor/Preacher that we are not just trying to "shout'em" but to "inoculate" the attitude of the listener.

Kevin L. Pullam