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My question is: If someone is willing to put the life of their child on the line, is the fact that they may get charged criminally really a deterrent? It seems to me that this would be seen as just one more obstacle posed by the "secular world" which "faith would have to overcome". It seems to me that those of us who think this is "abusive" behavior toward a child get comfort from the thought of "faith healing parents" being prosecuted, but from the inside of that belief system, it must seem somewhat irrelevant. These are parents who already have overcome ridicule and terrible consequences for their beliefs. If you are willing to put the life of your child on the line for your faith, it seems to me that a jail sentence is not likely to be further deterrent, but would emphasize the feelings of persecution and martyrdom already alive and well in marginalized religious communities.

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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