news item

[DrSmellThis]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/28/....ap/index.html


Figured we'd get an interesting

comment or two. Cases like this have been in the news in Oregon for a while here recently (lots of "renegade" types

live up here).

[belgareth]

Now, there is a tough one. Did

the parents have the obligation to go against thier religious beliefs? Does the state have the right to charge them

with a crime when they were simply doing what their beliefs demanded?

[idesign]

This is sad and disappointing.

I don't think having faith requires checking your brains at the door.

[koolking1]

it's not a tough call for

me at all. "The Lord helps those who help themselves".

Should we suppose that when the car(s) of these

parents breaks down that instead of taking it to a mechanic that they pray over it?

[belgareth]

You know I do not believe in

religion but it is tough call for me. Under the constitution they have the right to practice their religion. If it

includes vodoo dolls and magic chants, it is still their right to practice. Just because I believe in science does

not mean that everybody else does or should.

It saddens me that an innocent child died on the alter of

religious belief but I have to ask how many others have died the same way? And where should the line be drawn?

[idesign]

To me its pretty obvious that

the welfare of a child should be paramount. Like you say, they're innocent. Religion, and the "free practice

thereof" should not allow such a thing to happen.

There must be some case law on this, but I've not seen or

heard anything in the media. It must fall under child endangerment or something, with religious belief not

allowable as a defense.

Anyway, the offending parents are being prosecuted, so there must be some

exclusion.

IMO, the parents were just stupid. There are plenty of smart people who believe God can, and does

heal "miraculously". Those same people will not presume upon God that he automatically will do such, just for the

asking. Until God acts, its incumbent on each person to do what they know can be done in their own strength,

including driving to the doctor's office.

[belgareth]

Fomr my perspective, I

completely agree. I would take my child to see a doctor. That doesn't mean that I can enforce that on another, as

much as I hate seeing a child hurt. They believe what they believe and I have no right to judge them on it.