When Faith Kills - Guilty? Or NOT Guilty?

You may think that the above picture has nothing to do with this post, but it does. Whether it's belief that someone will be healed by prayers, or a suicide because a person feels like a pariah, "Faith" kills.

I won't go into the implications of Faith killing by means of war. That's for another time (and a lot of posts), but to willingly let someone die because you think your prayers will heal them is: arrogant and stupid. To disciminate against someone knowing full well that such discrimination can cause the ultimate harm is also arrogant and stupid.

Faith Healing Parents Assert Religious Rights They Want Charges Dropped in Faith Healing Death of Their Toddler Daughter

By DEAN SCHABNER Dec. 10, 2008

A Clackamas County, Ore., couple accused of letting their infant daughter die by relying on prayer, rather than medicine, today asked that the charges be dropped, arguing that they infringe on their freedom of religion and their right to raise their children in their own way. Carl Worthington, left, and Raylene Worthington of Clackamas County, Ore., were charged with second... Carl Worthington, left, and Raylene Worthington of Clackamas County, Ore., were charged with second degree manslaughter and criminal mistreatment charges March 28, 2008, after their 15-month-old daughter died from what the state medical examiner said were easily cured illnesses. (KATU.com)

This is going to be an Oregon cause celeb. These people are part of a church whose members have been similarly charged. Children as well as adults have died because of their "faith". Oregon passed a law against such treatment partly because of this "church." The Worthington's case is testing that law.

Did their daughter die simply to test the law? Only the Worthingtons (and possibly some church members) know for certain. If you were on a jury, how would you vote?

Just a thought.