OK, So. . . I have been thinking about some serious consequences of religion, and more so, specific churches. I have a couple of examples in mind. This thread is open to all.
Some people would sooner neglect or let a family member die than agree to a medication or blood transfusion. Do these people actually believe it is for the best? If they do, even so, how could one live knowing that a child or such died because of their actions, or lack of?
I have been thinking and two events came to mind:
A few months back, I was visiting a city and went out with my second cousins' wife and granddaughter for the day. We bought the girl some chocolate from the store, and she looked as if she'd never seen chocolate before. I asked if she did not like chocolate, and she said, "I do. I am just never given chocolate or candy at home; we also are not allowed to watch TV or go play with regular kids." At this point my eyebrow almost flew off into orbit. I asked her why not, and she replied that a couple of years ago her mother decided that her family would go to a Jehovah's witness church. I asked her what she thought of that, and she didn't say much for a moment, but a few minutes later, she said sometimes she worried. She said she learned in church that if she were in a car accident and lost blood, she would die and it scared her. She said she heard in church that blood transfusions were not allowed, and her mother told her it's because giving away blood is like accepting/giving part of a soul. She's a 10-year-old child and should not have to worry about things like that.
Then, in school several years ago, I knew a girl that was always sick. I told her she should go to the doctor, and she said her family did not allow that; they didn't believe in doctors, surgery, or medication because of their religious rules. I believe they were Christian Scientists, if I remember correctly.
So, these are my examples.
You always hear about these things to some extent, but speaking to people that it applies to - especially children - it really brings it to life and makes you think.
What is everyone's take on this? It is something I can't fathom, personally.
Some people would sooner neglect or let a family member die than agree to a medication or blood transfusion. Do these people actually believe it is for the best? If they do, even so, how could one live knowing that a child or such died because of their actions, or lack of?
I have been thinking and two events came to mind:
A few months back, I was visiting a city and went out with my second cousins' wife and granddaughter for the day. We bought the girl some chocolate from the store, and she looked as if she'd never seen chocolate before. I asked if she did not like chocolate, and she said, "I do. I am just never given chocolate or candy at home; we also are not allowed to watch TV or go play with regular kids." At this point my eyebrow almost flew off into orbit. I asked her why not, and she replied that a couple of years ago her mother decided that her family would go to a Jehovah's witness church. I asked her what she thought of that, and she didn't say much for a moment, but a few minutes later, she said sometimes she worried. She said she learned in church that if she were in a car accident and lost blood, she would die and it scared her. She said she heard in church that blood transfusions were not allowed, and her mother told her it's because giving away blood is like accepting/giving part of a soul. She's a 10-year-old child and should not have to worry about things like that.
Then, in school several years ago, I knew a girl that was always sick. I told her she should go to the doctor, and she said her family did not allow that; they didn't believe in doctors, surgery, or medication because of their religious rules. I believe they were Christian Scientists, if I remember correctly.
So, these are my examples.
You always hear about these things to some extent, but speaking to people that it applies to - especially children - it really brings it to life and makes you think.
What is everyone's take on this? It is something I can't fathom, personally.
