Prayer, Medicine, and a Child’s Death Essay Example
Prayer, Medicine, and a Child’s Death Essay Example

Prayer, Medicine, and a Child’s Death Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (965 words)
  • Published: June 21, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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I express sincere remorse for the passing of your child as a result of medical treatment inadequacy caused by faith-based convictions regarding a blocked bowel. The principle of autonomy, which is among the four central tenets of healthcare ethics, should be taken into account.

Based on your religious beliefs as a Christ Scientist, it is evident that you chose prayer over medicine. Your faith teaches that God and the mind are the ultimate reality and that illness and sin are mere illusions to be overcome through prayer and faith. As a result of these convictions, you have been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by the court, which was ironically located near the Mother Church in Boston. However, your conviction for neglecting medical treatment and relying solely on prayer to heal your 2-year-old son was later overturned by The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts.

My

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aim is to offer reflections for those who possess knowledge or are affected by their religious beliefs. I hope they will carefully consider these musings in light of any similar events that may arise in the future. Christian Science presents ethical challenges concerning adherence to natural laws and whether God truly exists, or if having a strong belief in Him leads to actions resembling His omnipotence. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and petition while forbidding Congress from favoring one religion over another or limiting an individual's religious practices.

The court reversed your conviction for manslaughter as it infringed upon an individual's constitutional rights, specifically their religious practices. Thomas Jefferson championed universal human rights such as the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Denying medical care to a

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child and making life or death choices breaches human rights irrespective of age, skin color, language, ethnicity, nationality or family background. It is illogical to presume one can play God and end a life out of dread for divine retribution since every person has inalienable rights.

Despite your son having a lifetime ahead of him, you chose to end his life due to fear of eternal punishment from God instead of facing temporary punishment under the law. Although your religion emphasizes prayer and faith as ultimate power, I disagree with prioritizing prayer over potentially life-saving medication. It is distressing that your 2-year-old son's death was not an isolated incident, considering he had human rights and deserved to live.

KidsHealth states that intussusception, also known as intestinal obstruction, is the primary emergency in children under two years old. Proper medical care can prevent this condition and only one week of recovery is typically necessary. Although some may believe God communicates with Christ Scientists through prayer to heal those who are ill, it's important to remember that taking a child's life goes against God's Law. The seventh commandment prohibits killing (Exodus 20:1-17), and failing to provide medical treatment for a child constitutes a violation of this commandment or sinning. Regardless of any prior decisions made, someone's rights have been violated.

According to their religious beliefs, Christian Science practitioners can reject medical treatment for their children, regardless of whether the law is man-made or divine. They believe in God's ultimate healing power over medical interventions and offer aid through prayer.

The decision to allow a treatable illness to cause the death of a child must be consistent with moral principles that require

leaving the outcome in God's hands, even though it may be wrong to refuse medical treatment for children. Samuel argues from a theological perspective that disobeying God's commands will result in His wrath, and serving and following God is of utmost importance according to Christian beliefs where there is no higher authority than God.

In accordance with their faith, the Bible asserts that God is the ultimate judge and healer whose consequences transcend human laws. Their belief maintains that spiritual repercussions are graver than physical ones as they impact the immortal soul instead of merely the temporary body. The decision to decline medical treatment based on religious convictions remains a contentious issue with supporters and opponents, lacking a definitive answer of morality.

Those who strongly disagree argue that rejecting medical treatment for a child should never be allowed, despite some followers of Christian Science believing they are following God's laws.

Opting for medical assistance is a wise and advantageous decision that can have positive effects on both the physical and mental wellbeing of an indigent child. Even though rejecting treatment may create moral predicaments, it may also result in social seclusion and detachment from family members. Those confronted with this issue are encouraged to consider other options. Although completely abandoning one's religious beliefs can be intimidating, some concessions might be necessary.

Rejecting medical treatment and causing the death of one's child is considered a sin that violates both religious doctrines and human laws. The outcome of this deed is living with the burden of guilt for taking the life of their offspring. Although it is acknowledged that managing such a circumstance can be challenging, seeking pardon from God presents

an alternative solution.

If you allowed medical treatment for your child, despite conflicting with Christian Science beliefs, ask God for forgiveness and repent. Admitting our faults leads to forgiveness and purification, as stated in 1 John 1:9. I encourage exploring alternative options to avoid rejecting medical care due to religious convictions. Although this decision may be difficult, may it strengthen your reliance on God and maintain trust in Him. My deepest condolences as you grieve the loss of your son.

Regardless of whether or not your son is in your hearts, God will always be watching over you and your family. The Bible assures that seeking forgiveness can purify the soul and restore balance, as God forgives everyone.

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