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I've declined from commenting, mostly because I find that my reaction is based on two factors.
1. My Belief and Faith in God.
2. My Culture.
Taking #1--I find beauty in all of God's Creation---but I know that Man was made in the image of God, and therefore at the outset we were perfect. Sin marred that perfection, and allowed Satan to rule over this created world until cast down in at the final appointed time. Heaven and Earth will be remade into perfection, and believers will reign and serve for all eternity.
Taking #2--Culturally, I am appalled at this behavior. This child obviously needs medical attention, and (much like AIDS is so rampant in Buddhist countries) will not receive it because of flawed religious beliefs. I don't see 'deformity' but rather a pretty serious medical problem; a co-joined twin that was mostly reabsorbed. Who knows what future medical issues this child will have, but certainly there are psychological issues to be considered.
That's it, in a nutshell; my reaction. I'm not going to debate it, because it doesn't merit debate.
Taking #2--Culturally, I am appalled at this behavior. This child obviously needs medical attention, and (much like AIDS is so rampant in Buddhist countries) will not receive it because of flawed religious beliefs.
It's somewhat what I was expecting (although I thought more people would pipe up) and I'm not going to argue the who's religion is "right" on this one.
What I would like to ask, however, is given your statement above - what is your opinion on those few Christians (even here in the USA) that make the news every year or so that refuse to allow medical treatment on their children by instead opting for faith healing? (I think CNN had a headline about one recent child that died from such a situation just a few weeks ago.) Is it that much different?
What I would like to ask, however, is given your statement above - what is your opinion on those few Christians (even here in the USA) that make the news every year or so that refuse to allow medical treatment on their children by instead opting for faith healing?
Simple..it's child abuse. Nowhere in the Bible does it say not to seek medical treatment; in fact one of Christ's parables outlines medical treatement (See Luke 10:30-37). In this parable, the Samaritan pours oil and alcohol on a wound to soften, cleanse, and provide antiseptic. He then bound the wound in bandages, and paid the innkeeper to keep watch over and continue the treatment. In Matthew 9:11-13 Jesus even honors physicians. Timothy used medicine, there are numerous passages in the Old Testament referring to the use of medicine.
The big argument toward faith healing is James 5:13-20. Yet this passage clearly is indicative of a spiritual sickness causing a physical ailment; not a mere physical ailment. As an example: Animals do not sin, they always do the perfect will of God. Yet, Animals become ill, and die. Illness is a symptom of this fallen world, and is used to show us the Light of Christ. Thorns will grow in the fields and gardens of the righteous and even the most faithful will grow old and die.
It is not much different than this child in India--but here we have laws that protect the children. There is a lot of 'gray area' and proverbial lines in the sand where faith is concerned--but the one thing most fail to remember is that the rights of one individual end where another individuals' rights begin. Children who are left in need of medical care are, for the most part, not able to make an informed, intelligent decision; they have to depend upon their parents to protect them. If that parent fails to care for them properly, then they have done that child harm; and should be punished.
Note, these are my opinions--my feelings on the matter. I've read the theology from other sources, and frankly I find I agree with it. I'm not arguing 'right or wrong', just calling 'em as I see 'em..YMMV
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Goddess Worship
The discussions on this site have proven that most of the readers have a heavy Christian background. As such, that makes me wonder about the response to an event like Lali.
The girl is being deemed a re-incarnated diety - this is directly at odds with the nature of your religion. Any problems with that?
Where the West sees abnormal deformity, a town of less educated and deeply devout polytheists finds divinity. If this were occurring in a small American town, would you have a different sentiment on the medical issue? Or because it's a distant culture on the other side of the world - is it merely a case of, "oh, how quaint."
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