US of A, the world's last Superpower

[Ken L]

I'd hardly say that religious belief (Christian or otherwise) was the "bedrock" upon which human progress has been made over the last 2000 years.

Certainly it was in the background but in almost every field of human endeavour, the church has actively held back progress.

Whether it's the Roman Catholic church's persecution of Galileo, the ridicule of Charles Darwin or the endorsement of slavery by the bible being used to argue against its abolition, it's constantly been a negative influence on human progress.

Yes, there is some astonishing art and music that has been commissioned by the church but only because the best composers and artists knew only to well that he church was where the money was at.

 

Edit: Actually, in one field of endeavour, you could argue that the church has encouraged progress and technological development. With so many wars over the last 2000 years inspired or prolonged by religious hatred, we’d be nowhere near as good at killing one another if it wasn’t for the bedrock of religion.

Edited May 17, 2008 by Ken L

[Sportsman]

Actually i do not believe, but again you have stated that people that do IMAGINE having a FRIEND which you have ridiculed their beliefs. since an awful lot of people DO believe and since Christianity is a bedrock on which humanity has progressed through the last almost 2000 years don't you think your comments are to say the least flippant?..... you are in effect calling believers crazy.

But back to this particular case my attitude is that the parents should be made by law to allow treatment to save their childs life So we agree, but I am sure the majority of Christians would also.

 

Rabbit

Can I just make the point that Christianity is ONE of the bedrocks.

There are quite a few other religions, all equally relevant to their believers, and some considerably older than 2000 years

[corydoras]

Christianity is a bedrock on which humanity has progressed through the last almost 2000 years don't you think your comments are to say the least flippant?

I don't accept the premise argument for one second. I reckon we would have progressed a lot more without it.

[corydoras]

corydoras, I haven't read a post on this thread that believes that parents should be permitted to refuse their children medical intervention, because of their religious beliefs.

Everyone seems to be agreeing that this situation is wrong, so you can ease back on the ranting.

 

Where I think you are wrong, is in the title of the thread.

This whole situation is not peculiar to one State in the USA.

You need to do a bit of reading about Wisconsin mate. In Wisconsin certain religeous groups, but especially Christian Scientists are IMMUNE to prosecution if they let a child die on religious grounds. IMMUNE from prosecution.

 

State statute 948.03(6), against failing to act to protect children from bodily harm. It contains an exemption for what it refers to as " Treatment through prayer." To wit: "A person is not guilty of an offense under this section solely because he or she provides a child with treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone for healing in accordance with the religious method of healing … in lieu of medical or surgical treatment."

 

http://bbsnews.net/article.php/20080328181553848

Edited May 17, 2008 by corydoras

[Guest Rabbit]

I don't accept the premise argument for one second. I reckon we would have progressed a lot more without it.

 

Progressed, to what / where?

[barry luxton]

Rabbit

Can I just make the point that Christianity is ONE of the bedrocks.

There are quite a few other religions, all equally relevant to their believers, and some considerably older than 2000 years

 

I recon that these bedrocks have been used as an excuse for more killing, maiming and causes of hatred than anything else i can think of. Used as a progession of humanity, i don't think so.

 

Bring back Dave Allen, may your god go with you.

[chesters1]

Progressed, to what / where?

progressed to an era where power hungry extremely rich organisations cannot control the masses with threats of retribution by an unseen unproved monster they refer to as a god.

as con tricks go its had a very long life

thanks for correcting my spelling as i have a spill chocker built in i knew very well how it should be spelt but its just a word after all ,you do though miss out on my lack of capitals thats my laziness i'l admit ,its far easier to type one fingered than two.

as for my "personal" malice ,i will quote a saying from a book that should be on the fiction shelves but seems to be some sort of "bedrock" to you."So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7

Edited May 17, 2008 by chesters1

[corydoras]

progressed to an era where power hungry extremely rich organisations cannot control the masses with threats of retribution by an unseen unproved monster they refer to as a god.

as con tricks go its had a very long life

You took the words right out of my mouth Chesters.

[chesters1]

trouble is equally power mad organisations do it with threats of jail ,its called the government

luckily blair was taken with religeous fervour after he went ,having the power to wage war and the power of the mass murdering catholics (historically) and the pope behind him would have us having wars with every state with oil

Edited May 17, 2008 by chesters1

[corydoras]

Bye the way folks, if somehow I gave the impression that this was a situation pertaining only to the State of Wisconsin, then let me assure you that there ar some 40 odd States where similar legislation applies.

 

This is a particulary sad case from Oregon

 

Of all the Oregon City cases, the ordeal of 4-year-old Alex Dale Morris stands out.The boy first complained of fever and congestion on Feb. 28, 1989. He was anointed with holy oil while church members laid their hands on him in an attempt to heal him through the spirit of the Lord. They prayed for 46 days.On April 14,1989, acting on an anonymous tip to state child welfare workers, an Oregon City policeman visited Alex's home. The officer noticed the boy was sick, but the child appeared well cared for and told the officer he was "all right."Alex Morris died 29 hours after that visit. An autopsy revealed an infection had filled one side of his chest with pus. Basic antibiotic treatment would have saved him, said Dr. Larry Lewman, Oregon medical examiner."It was a horrible thing," Lewman said. "The kid was getting sicker and sicker for days and days. At times, the child would have been overwhelmed with fever and pain."In this day and age, kids don't get this stuff."