This was hard for me to read.

soldier4242

Another MFP user post this link:

http://news.yahoo.com/2nd-child-pa-couple-dies-only-praying-111713837.html

I did not realize how much reading this would affect me. The article is basically about a couple that chose to use prayer to treat their children's illnesses instead of taking them to the doctor. They lost one kid trying this and later they did it again. At first I was just angry with the parents for their neglect but then I found myself thinking about the children themselves.

I thought about them laying in beds a home suffering and the people responsible for taking care of them were choosing not to because the believed that by using prayer that they were doing something. If the story was about parents doing nothing then everyone would be united in one voice blaming the parents. Since they said they were using prayer there are people actually speaking out in their defense.

What is it that separates the normal church going Christians that I have friendly lunches with and we debate each day but at the end of the day we all know the drill. They will go on an on about the power of prayer and they say they believe god will heal the sick but at the end of the day when their kids get sick I know they are going to take the kids to the hospital and let the kids get healing by actual effort put for by men and women of science.

I believe that most Christians would take their kids to the doctor. They would probably say that god gave us the science or something like that. I think that is a fine way of going about it. I honestly don't mind if someone simply says that they can pray a sickness away as long as they don't actually try to do it.

Does this couple have enough scriptural backing to actually support their claim? I can think of a few scriptures off the top of my head that might give that impression.

Matthew 17:20
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Since I am not a Christian I am asking for some insight from actual believers. I don't think this couple have any issues with faith so what is your take on all of this. Is their understanding of the scriptures wrong? I am making a real effort to step outside of my own point of view and listen to the perspective of a believer with regard to something like this. I do anticipate some vitriol and I am sure a good bit of it will be directed at me but I think this is something that deserves delving in to.

I know this is long and I am sorry for that but this is a heavy topic. I may not be able to respond to this till tomorrow. Some of you that wish to respond might prefer to send a private message and that is fine with me.

MelsAuntie

That was child neglect, pure and simple. The religious part is of no importance.

nicarey19

I read that story yesterday, heartbreaking. I too would like to know what other people's responses are as I am not a Christian either. I was growing up, but no longer. And I can tell you my parents/family always took us to the doctor. Very sad story:(

Flab2fitfi

I must admit I read the same news report and felt sick.

I wonder where the authorities were as they had previous history. I can understand people having faith but this goes way beyond that.

Tuffjourney

That was child neglect, pure and simple. The religious part is of no importance.

Yep, and I believe it was their second time they let a child die.

lina1131

I can't read anything that has to do with kids suffering. :sad: :sad: :sad:

m76b

That was child neglect, pure and simple. The religious part is of no importance.

this

you can believe and go to the doctor.... i take my kids to the doctor everytime they are sick... and I believe

that is crazy .. how can u see your child dying and ... do nothing???

pastryari

Reminds me of the book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, except it's more culture than religion.

Ivian_

Honestly, I'd love to contribute something more valuable to this thread...but I stopped reading that article when I read, "their seven other children" and my blood started to boil. :explode:

Jersey_Devil

kmbweber2014

I am a Christian and this is so wrong to me. I believe God gives people gifts and talents and the ability to use those gifts and talents to help other people. Bringing their child to the doctor could have answered their prayers, I'm sure there was a doctor or a nurse that had the ability to help them.

sunflowerhippi

That was child neglect, pure and simple. The religious part is of no importance.

Yep, and I believe it was their second time they let a child die.

Yes, both from minor things that are 100% cureable. Child abuse, no question about it.

surromom2010

When I read stuff like that all I can think of is hey, let's put the parents in a locked room, and let them pray they don't die of starvation, we'll see what fills their stomachs, faith or food. Maybe they'd think twice about neglecting a child and not giving them the treatment they deserve. Both of them deserve the death penalty, slow and painful, disgusting,

wick09

I think when it comes to children, then drs/medicine need to be used. A child can't tell you if he/she wants this or that religion.

lithezebra

I can't read this. The Christian thing to do, the human thing to do, is give that child, ANY child, the best that medicine has to offer.

lcharity79

I'm a Christian, and if I'm sick or if my child were sick...while we would definitely pray for healing, we would also use the good sense God gave us and go to the doctor as well. Do I believe that ultimately God provides the healing itself? Absolutely...the human body is an amazing creation. Even if you go to the doctor, and they repair what is broken and send you home with pain meds, antibiotics, etc..., as a general rule, the last thing they tell you is that now it is time to go home and wait for "it" (the wound, sickness, etc.) to run its course and HEAL. Doctors do wonderful things...and assist in facilitating that healing process...I personally am a big fan! ;-)

However, I can also attest to the fact that I have seen miracles happen...and healings take place. I've heard stories of doctors who said there was no more hope...only to see God perform a miracle and work things out...leaving those same doctors scratching their head trying to understand what happened! Life is mysterious...I believe we should always pray and seek God for healing...but also use the wisdome we are granted to make good choices.

Good post!

CallMeCupcakeDammit

Something similar happened to a young kid in Baltimore last year, maybe the year before. :brokenheart:

JewelsinBigD

all those kids should be removed and adopted out - this is just silliness. neglect on the part of the government as well as the parents. Freedom of religion is one thing - stupidity is something else.

kevinjb1

People can have all the faith in the world about the after life (I'm a Christian), but they can't forget that currently they are living beings in a physical world where sickness and death happens constantly. Using physical means to heal a physical body just makes logical sense.

riouxha

I think the best thing i've ever heard, was working on a medical unit once, we had a christian group come in and ask to give the us (nurses) a blessing. i was raised catholic, but am not a church goer or probably even a believer. But they did say 'let their hands be your hands and their healing touch be your healing touch'. is it not enough that if you believe in god, he provided those who are able to take care of your sick loved ones?

AnninStPaul

I am a Christian and this is so wrong to me. I believe God gives people gifts and talents and the ability to use those gifts and talents to help other people. Bringing their child to the doctor could have answered their prayers, I'm sure there was a doctor or a nurse that had the ability to help them.

^^THIS. When the answer to your prayers is down the street, you don't ignore it because it's too far away. It's like praying to win the lottery and being too dumb to buy a ticket.

The couples remaining children have been put in foster care.