Church receives complaint over God-heals leaflet

[Welsh cake]

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has stepped in after a Nottingham church claimed in a leaflet God could heal a range of named illnesses. Read full story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-not...e-13925399

Why isn't theophobia on the list if they wanted to include phobias? Oh well.

[Judas BentHer]

Why isn't theophobia on the list if they wanted to include phobias?

Come now, that's not something to heal. That's something that's an intrinsic part of the faith itself.

As to the article. How patently absurd on the part of the ASA. If they want to take issue with a leaflet based on those grounds, then one can certainly expect them to take issue with the Bible next, since it's chock full of examples wherein the reader may infer god heals, because throughout it's pages it relates stories of god doing exactly that.

Besides, the ASA's proclamation implies god doesn't exist, since the basic tenets of faith profess to the contrary. So unless there is no UK equivelant of separation of church and State, one would think the ASA is overstepping their authority.

I personally feel ASA has no right what so ever to claim a church or religious institution can not say god can heal, in the printing of their religious materials.

[Ace Otana]

The only thing that needs healing is their defective braincells. Their delusion is killing off any capability their brains may have in any kind of thought!
Can't help but feel sorry for them and their special needs. Had a couple of lunatics walking through town with bibles in their hands. Some how they escaped from the asylum.

[The Grand Nudger]

This is exactly the sort of thing that agencies tasked with policing the medical marketplace should take issue with. Hiding behind separation of church and state is extremely sinister. If someone wants to make a health claim, they need to back it up. Its not just semantics or a matter of belief, people in need of medical attention that do not receive the proper treatment are at risk of serious illness or death. Those individuals or groups who put people in this position should be litigated. What next, do we allow human sacrifice because it's an article of faith and the participants are willing? And can I sue a preacher for malpractice, because that's the position a physician finds himself in when he/she misrepresents treatment options or botches said treatment.

Personally, I think our reluctance to seriously hammer these people is spineless and reprehensible. So you want gather together every sunday and regurgitate bronze age myths, fine. The minute you get into medicine then you've crossed the line and lose that protection. Again, just my opinion.

[Minimalist]

then one can certainly expect them to take issue with the Bible next

What a great idea.