NeuroLogica Blog » Debating Faith Healing

"It comes down partly to which principle you value more, and partly to which philosophical ethical system you subscribe."

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The other day I posted concerning Idaho's push to counter the "recent" faith healing deaths. It seems that I am not the only one bothered by the statement of State Rep. Christy Perry, R-Nampa; "This is about religious beliefs, the belief God is in charge of whether they live, and God is in charge of whether they die," said Perry, whose district is not far from the Followers' Idaho church. "This is about where they go for eternity."

I have to admit though, Steve Novella does a much better job at defining the issue than I did, or it may be better to say he approached from a differing perspective.
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I’m not sure what she means by “this,” but let’s assume she is referring to the entire situation of children dying from treatable illnesses because of their parent’s religious beliefs. Being generous, the issue does involve religious freedom, but it also involves the duty of the state to look after those who are unable to look after themselves, which definitely includes children.

Saying that “this is” only about the first issue is disingenuous, to say the least.

It is sometimes difficult to resolve ethical dilemmas where one ethical principle is in direct opposition to another. In this case, we cannot simultaneously fully respect the parent’s rights to make decisions for their own children based upon their religious freedoms, and respect the rights of defenseless children not to die from neglect. It comes down partly to which principle you value more, and partly to which philosophical ethical system you subscribe.

In this case, I completely support that rights of the children over the religious freedom of their parents on ethical grounds. I think this is the only defensible position. I recognize the need for religious freedom, but I think it is clear that all freedoms, including religious freedoms, have their limits. I don’t think the government would allow me to argue that paying taxes is against my faith.

I also don’t think any reasonable person would accept the argument that it is OK to murder another person because it is required by their religion. The rights of the other person not to be murdered clearly outweigh any personal religious freedom.

NeuroLogica Blog » Debating Faith Healing