Prayer, Medicine, and a Child's Death

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"If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and also the King who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God. If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the command of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your Fathers."

(1 Samuel 12:14-15)

In the Christan views there are no judge with a higher authority than God's. In the bible it tells us that God is the healer of all, and the first to judge before anyone. Their religion believes that consequences of God, by far, outweighs the law of the land made by man. They say spiritual consequences is more stern than physical conseuences; spiritual pertains to the permanent soul, which means eternity, where as physical consequences will only punish our temporary bodies.

Many arguements have been made on both sides of refusal of treatment due to religious beliefs. In addition, there is no question of whom is right, or wrong. The action of rejecting treatment for your child should never be permissible. For the people that may have done what you have done, or believes in Christian Science, may see no wrongdoing, that you have abided the rules of God. But for those who disagree may see everything wrong. There is no in between. Therefore, it would seem logical to permit the treatment for your child who is in need of medical help. What better gift could there be for a healthy, living son? I undertsand the moral implications of refusal of treatment is of great concern. I also understand that the two of you propably been turned away by friends and family members because of your decision. But, for the next person I have a few options that you may want to consider. First, I understand that completely rebellion against your religion could be scary, and you could sacrafice a lot. While I know that committing a sin, such as killing your son due to rejection of medical treatment is also rebellion against your religion and the Law made by man. Instead, now you are living your life knowing that blood of your child remains on your hands. Futhermore, I know this is not going to be easy. A second alternative would be to ask God for forgivness. After allowing the treatment on your child, and violating the Christian Science belief, ask God for forgivness, repent to the Lord. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteouness (1 John 1:9).

In all, I hope that you will consider the possible alternatives to prevent refusal of medical treatment due to religious beliefs. I understand that this is extremely burdensome. However, I do hope that your faith in God is restored and that you continue to put your trust in God.

I am remorseful of the passing of your son, and send all my condolences to you and your family. Your son is with God, and God will continue to look over you and your family, as he stays in your hearts. Asking for forgiveness balances out the sin and cleanses the soul. After all, the bible does say God forgives all.