After 'faith-healing' death of 8-year-old girl, 14 Christians found guilty of manslaughter

The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 29, 2025
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/after-faith-healing-death-of-8-year

This tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of extreme religious beliefs, where a young girl, Elizabeth St, lost her life due to the refusal of essential medical care. Elizabeth's parents, guided by their Christian cult, chose to pray for her healing instead of administering insulin for her type 1 diabetes. Despite earlier warnings and a hospitalization scare, they continued their faith-based approach, leading to her death after six days without insulin. The court convicted 14 members of the cult for manslaughter, but many questioned why it wasn’t considered murder, as the parents' refusal to provide medical care was based on deeply held religious beliefs. The case has sparked outrage, especially given that the parents had already been warned about the dangers of their actions. Advocates argue that religion shouldn't shield harmful behavior, and the legal system failed to properly address the severity of the situation. This event raises broader concerns about the role of religion in medical decisions and the safety of children in similar faith-based communities. Some also feel the medical and legal systems failed Elizabeth, as her earlier hospitalization should have prompted closer oversight.

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