E.T. (MOORE, OK.)

JESUS COULD HAVE CALLED TEN THOUSAND ANGELS BUT HE CHOSE RATHER TO SUFFER THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE FLESH AND IF YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW IN JESUS FOOTSTEPS. HEB. 11:6 BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM. 2THES: 3:2 FOR ALL MEN HAVE NOT FAITH. "IS IT A CRIME FOR THOSE WHO TRY TO HAVE FAITH?"

()

When someone is "cured" because of prayer, then all praise is given to god. If the same person were to die, then all blame is put on the family/patient/whatever who didn't believe enough. Let's get out of the dark ages and realize that god is a myth that we created to comfort ourselves when we were scared of sickness & death. If a child dies because a parent wouldn't seek medical treatment, the parent should be held liable for that death. Belief in god is no excuse. We have freedom of religion in this country, but that freedom does not usurp our basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mom & Dad's right to believe in faith-healing does not supplant a child's right to live.

carver (Council, Idaho)

I knew a CS lady that received a small cut on the bottom of her foot, the cut become badly infected. Anywhere from 6 to 12 CS people would come to her house and pray for and with her. All to no avail, the wound turned into gangrene and she died. Would you do this to your beautiful little child? I can't believe a merciful God would condone this action. Are the CS people trying to tell us that God didn't want us to use the healing herbs that He provided for us? I believe in God and his love, I also believe in the saying that God helps those who help themselves, meaning that He gave us the knowledge and ability to make modern day medicine and machines along with prayer to provide men, women and CHILDREN with ability to heal themselves.

JL Malson (Sacramento, California)

Denying medical care to another human being is the utlimate ego! To use religion as an excuse to refuse help to a sick child sounds medieval. Deny medical care for yourself, but when you start to infringe on the rights of others in the name of religion it becomes a misuse of religion as well as the medical profession.

Larry (Santa Rosa)

Margot (Cold Spring,NY)

God gave us the intelligence and opportunity to create the medical science which has far more success in just pure numbers than in all of CS's history. Spiritual well being is also an accelerator of healing - but get a hold of yourself. Call the MD first!

Margot (Cold Spring,NY)

God gave us the intelligence and opportunity to create the medical science which has far more success in just pure numbers than in all of CS's history. Spiritual well being is also an accelerator of healing - but get a hold of yourself. Call the MD first!

Chris Mannis (Wichita)

I am not a Christian Scientist, but for those of you who would like testimony of God's healing outside of CS, I can offer plenty. Our beliefs are similar to CS on faith healing and I have seen many things that were instantaneous miracles. I witnessed a lady have a stroke, all the classic symptoms. I then saw her walk under her own power 30 minutes later after prayer. There are far too many examples to list in 200 words. The Bible is clear: Not all men have faith. We do not persecute people who use medical care, and all we ask is for others to reciprocate in kind. I have said, and will stand behind it, that when someone can offer me a 100% guarantee that all will be well, no side effects, then I may consider using medical benefits. God does not "treat", HE HEALS!

Susan Peabody (Dallas, Texas)

I am blessed to have been raised by two loving parents who chose to rely solely on spiritual healing for their children and for themselves. Therefore I have over 40 years of personal reliance on spiritual treatment and zero medical treament. Not only is spiritual healing the most effective, reliable, and available treatment -- it costs no money -- only the cost of proper thinking. Parents should never be condemned for relying on spiritual treatment for their children. The best is always what parents want for their children.

Cindy (Springhill, LA)

If the child is sick, do what you can to treat the child. If this requires medicine, so do it. Along with prayer, will do no wrong.

Natalie Duffus (Redmond, WA)

People moved to the USA to have religious freedom. Parents who turn to God in prayer are doing what they know is best for their children because of previous proofs they had of God's care for his children not just in Biblical times but today. Asking such a question is outright ridiculous and is obviously meant to raise a question and place a doubt. God is Love.

PB (Iowa)

John (Rochester)

Claudia, As you can see, I tried see, I tried several times even though my original message was 200 words. I kept reducing it until I got to 162 words,or 813 characters or 987 characters and spaces.

Leslie (Raleigh, NC)

ATTENTION TO THOSE WHOSE POSTS ARE NOT SHOWING UP: Posts must be under 200 words or it will truncate some words or leave message out entirely. Try again and check word coun

John (Rochester)

I was raised by a mother who was a nurse. She provided us with the best medical care. While I thought I was healthy, I caught whatever childhood disease was going around, including measles, mumps, appendicitis, and the like. All were treated medically and after the lapse of time, I was healed of most of them. Two exceptions were severe hay fever and regular debilitating migraine head aches. I then married a Christian Scientist and we raised our children relying on Christian Science. Our daughters were much healthier than I had been as a child, and when they faced challenges, they were healed more quickly. I then turned to Christian Science myself, and my long-standing hay fever and migraines were healed, never to return. I have seen both systems of health care, medicine and reliance on the demonstrable Science by which Christ healed. Although both systems were lovingly administered by caring individuals, I chose Christian Science for a simple reason. It works.

Problem: Message Sent not showing up (Tyler, Texas (Claudia) Tried 3 Times)

Don't understand why so many messages are not being posted. Polling is inaccurate when opinions may not be included with others.

Claudia (Tyler, Texas)

Jenna (Orlando)

I think that if the parents and child want to turn to God and pray, that they should not be punished. If the child is too young to make to choice, the parent should not be punished for believing in God!

linda lou (deerfield, IL)

Christian Science has healed me and my family for 4 decades through prayer alone. It is non-invasive, no side effects, no appointment necessary healing. It rejuvenates the soul in addition to bring physical relief from pain and suffering. It works. No doubt about that. We as a group do not call for legislation demanding parents use spiritual means along for healing! Even though this is the most effective way FOR US. Why should the medically minded be able to force their ways upon us? Should we incarcerate all the parents and doctors who have witnessed tragedy in a hospital setting because they DIDN'T pray???

Duane C. Skelton (Columbus Ohio)

Patti (Bothell, WA)

We all should have the right to choose. It's a big responsiblity to be a parent. Praying for our childrens well-being is a moment by moment choice and right and responsibility. There is great gratitude in our family for all the healings that have occured because of metaphyiscal treatment instead of medical means. The statistics about medical care are not too appealing, when so many children have died under their care. The dear and glorious physician, God is the most trusting way to go, for us. That's the thing it should be the individuals choice. Thanks.

Lori Baker ( Amarillo, TX)

I am not a Christian Scientist but based on what I'm reading I think I would like to be. The numerous healings being shared are not unlike the ones I've read about in the Bible, so there must be some truth to them. I can't imagine a God who only wanted a limited number of people to be healed for a limited amount of time. The Christian Scientists seem to be contributing the most and are sharing with such a sweet sense of confidence that feels so peaceful and loving. Others, although in the minority, are more condemnatory of them. I wonder if they've read this "Science and Health" as I intend to. I'm convinced it should be the other way around, considered a crime to withold spiritual treatment from innocent children. Besides, I never met a child, or an adult for that matter, that liked going to the hospital.

Joan (Mystic, CT)

Believe it Patty!

Barb W. (Mesa, Az.)

To Mary in Boston-OK-if you want to talk about "real kids who die", how about the 13 year old girl who died here in Phoenix a few days ago because the hospital refused her care because her family had no insurance. This past winter, the hospitals in this town were turning children away because they had no more room for all the kids that the medical can't keep healthy. It's no wonder people seek other means.

Dan Powell ( Solana Beach, CA.)

To Michael in Pittsburg: You have taken an important first step by being receptive to healing through the power of God. I find it helpful to read the healings of the followers of Jesus. One that comes to mind is when Peter takes the man that was lame from birth by the hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. From "The Acts of The Apostles", Chapter 3.(The Bible). God is good. You are his child. He loves you. Call me if you like. I would be happy to pray with you.

Cheri (Fountain Valley, CA)

To Michael from Pittsburgh. Jesus said that it takes faith the size of a grain of mustard seed. You have that! Jesus also said, "your faith hath made you whole" in referring to a person healed. God loves you and is right with you. You are His spiritual child, not a mortal body that can be sick or healthy. Identify yourself as God's loved child. Get the book Science and Health from Amazon.com or a bookstore in your area. Many, many people have been healed just by reading this book along with the Bible. You deserve to feel God's peace and healing presence right now! God speaks to us in our hearts. Be still and you will feel His presence and His love with you whereever you are.

Cheri ()

Eddie (Cardiff-by the-Sea (California))

To: David Young (Orlando, Florida) Your sarcasm seems misguided if it is directed towards loving parents. There is a new start-up company in the neighboring town of Solana Beach which produces a medicine delivery system (together with computer software) which has been sold to a few hospitals (it uses the bar code technology seen at supermarket checkouts.) Interested in the product, I asked the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) how big a problem does his company's product solve? He stated that "human error alone in the administation of drugs in United States hospitals is responsible for the deaths of 270,000 people per year. That is the equivalent of a 747 crashing every day with no survivors" If you somehow think you are safe because you get treated in a hospital, then a dog isn't the only thing that's goofy in Orlando.(That was sarcasm, but you probably knew that, seeing as how you are so brilliant.)

Mary (Boston, MA)

Christian Scientists think everything is about them. What about children in other faith healing sects whose parents deny them medical care? They don't get medical treatment or Christian Science "treatment." All Christian Scientists do is whine about being persecuted when someone brings up the idea that parents should be held accountable for their childrens' welfare! We're talking about real kids who really die! In all the messages from the Christian Scientists here, I see no compassion for the kids who have died needlessly.

Jan Mathewson (Clarkston, Michigan)

I believe you have to react and teach your children as life changes... there are so many aspects, how can you ever take a stand and think is will work through a life time.. Maybe what worked when the child was 2 years old and had a cold may not work when the child is 18 and has depression or other problems. There is never just one solution.

Beth (Long Beach, CA)

Amy Hermanson. Ian Lundman. Andrew Wantland. These are real names of real children who died horrible, painful deaths from juvenile diabetes because their Christian Science parents refused to seek medical treatment for them. We must not sacrifice our childen upon the altar of religious freedom! Christian Scientists should be ashamed that they put their "rights" above their own childrens' lives. (For more information on the tragic deaths of Ian, Amy, Andrew, and, unfortuately, many other children, go to www.childrensheathcare.org)

David Young (Orlando, Florida)

Well, this has certainly brought the Christian Science "Committee on Publication" to life--they're doing a full-court press on this website. But they're as wrong as wrong can be. There should be no religious exemptions to child abuse and child welfare statutes. PERIOD. Such exemptions are patently unconstitutional. An adult can believe whatever idiocy he or she wants to, but an adult has no right to impose that idiocy on a child at the risk of that child's life. And don't give me any of that "my child was healed of an undiagnosed illness" garbage. Yeah, every other week I'm healed of an undiagnosed cancer! (That's sarcasm--just wanted to make that clear to the feeble-minded CS'ers out there.)

Barbara W. (Mesa, Az)

Dear Patty from Ct.-I was in my 30's when I learned of Christian Science. It has been 18 years now and I have witnessed and experienced healings that many people might not believe possible. I pray every day that others will find what I have found.

Patty (Wallingford, CT)

I am not a Christian Scientist, but am a religious person. I have read some of the notes above, and find some of the claims hard to believe, especially the healing of broken bones, and car accident victims being healed "overnight". I do feel it is a crime to withhold necessary medical care to a sick or injured individual. This does not infringe on anyone's right to worship. Worship and PHYSICAL wellbeing are two different things. When the spiritual healing does not work, does the Christian Scientist "resort" to medical treatment, or do we just let the patient suffer and die?

Jennifer (Nashua,NH)

Since when is a parents religon the wishes of the child? Freedom of religion applies to the kids as well. How could you refuse medical treatment to a child who wants to live when they may not believe in their parents religion?

Julie Allen (Fountain Valley, CA)

I strongly think that parents SHOULD NOT be punished for using spiritual means to heal their kids. I'm 15, and am grateful to have been raised in Christian Science, relying on God to heal. I have choosen this way because I have experienced firsthand many healings because of my understanding and reliance on Christian Science. This is proof to me that it's God who heals and that healing spritually is possible. In fact, I not only use Christian Science when dealing with physical problems. I use it constantly when I'm doing track, club soccer, when I'm afraid, in relationships with family and friends, and at school. It offers assurance and answers to my many questions. When our relationship to God is understood, healing is actually a divine right!

Ken Cheezem (Clearwater, FL)

Why should a parent be prosecuted if he/she acts responsibly and provides the best care he/she knows how to provide for their child? If it is their sincere belief that spiritual treatment is best for their own children, why should medical advocates be given the right to force a solution on a family which they have no faith in?

Ken Cheezem (Clearwater, FL)

Why should a parent be prosecuted if he/she acts responsibly and provides the best care he/she knows how to provide for their child? If it is their sincere belief that spiritual treatment is best for their own children, why should medical advocates be given the right to force a solution on a family which they have no faith in?

Roderick Tatom (Ocala FL)

Im 14 years old I have never taken medicine in my whole life . I have the choice to take medicine,but I won't. It has not proven to work better for me.I have been healed meany times much faster than any of my friends who do take medicine . And I know I am Healther than most of my friends I go to the Jym every other day, Im not in bed all the time ill.When I have kids they will be brought up like me. So what are you going to do throw me in jail now!

Jeannie McDonald (Gainesville, FL )

If anyone would like more information on Christian Science healing, there are lots of books. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy is available for sale or loan from any Christian Science reading room. It can be purchased on line at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. There are currently two webb sites with additional information: www.marybakereddy.org and http://www.tfccs.com. Feel free to brose. There are churches in most communities. Wednesday nights are testimony meetings when individuals tell about healings. Everyone is welcome to visit. No collection. No pressure. We don't want to force anyone to be like us. We do appreciate our freedom to make the choices we make. We want others to have the same freedom. We would not want to see children suffer any more than anyone else. We only want the right to use the best method we know of for healing them.

Jeannie McDonald (Gainesville, FL )

I am a student of Christian Science like many who have submitted comments in this poll. I think that the difference between Christian Scientists and other denominations is that we rely on the laws of God to heal us. Many believe that God established laws of matter and that He sets aside those laws under special circumstances. We believe that God's laws can be applied to any discordant condition -- accidents, illness, lack of any kind -- to correct the situation and result in healing. We have applied these laws to small problems with good results and trust them to solve big problems. Most Christian Scientists are well-educated, thoughtful people who make choices based on their experience. Jesus expected his students to heal. He taught them how. Mary Baker Eddy re-discovered the simple rules of healing. They work. Check it out.

Marilyn Havlin (Ocala, FL)

This country was founded on religious freedom. Has it been lost? Has God's power and presence diminished that it should be a crime for parents to trust their children to his care?

EH (Albuquerque)

(con't) When our children were tiny we always turned to God on their behalf, for healing in every need. As they became older, we, like most Christian Science parents, asked them what they wanted to do. When our younger son was 10 he broke his leg skateboarding and wanted to have it set. So he wore a cast for over six weeks. Just as it was healed he fell again and heard the same snap and felt the same pain. This time he chose spiritual healing. The leg was healed by evening. He did not need to "suffer" the irritation and inconvenience of a cast. Healing through prayer is BETTER than medical care in our experience. Far more serious problems than this have been healed in our family, always through prayer and always completely. But we choose prayer because it heals, not to leave our children suffering!! What parent would want that? Thanks for providing a forum where people of all religions can step forward and tell of their healings!

EH (Albuquerque)

No one wants their children to suffer. Relying on God to heal, particularly when studying the works of Christ as explained in Christian Science, does NOT mean a child suffers. Rather, the child is healed. This means of help is ALWAYS at hand, 7/24 and in the remotest areas. There is no need to wait, drive somewhere, etc. God is there. Our family has found this to be true with our two children who are now grown. (continued)

Robert A. Rowe (Dunnellon, Fl.,)

In over 70 year I nor any of my family wife and(4children), have never sought or used medical means for our sustaing health handling all of our physical healing needs through prayer never needing medical attention,we all are in good health to this day, and have never been deprived of proper care.

Peggy McAbee (Stillwater, OK)

I would rather put my children's life in the hands of the Lord rather than in the hands of man. I have a 20 year old son and a 2 year old son and both are very healthy. We have left our children in the hands of the Lord and he has always been merciful.

Brian (MA)

The poll question makes the implicit assumption that "medical treatment = health care". Most people have tried 'alternative treatments' in addition to medical care and have found them effective. Any system proven for adults should be allowable for children.

Merry (Naples, FL)

What is the purpose of this "poll"? I was taught that the Constitution embodied the PROTECTION of the RIGHTS of the Minority FROM the Majority? Are we truly changing to a country governed by polls? I would be extremely apprehensive of being required to seek medical treatment. Our infant son was healed of an undiagnosed condition, which we later heard (by description of symptoms) was not necessarily cureable by the medical profession and would in fact have endangered his chances to recover. He was also healed of supposed hereditary asthma and went on to become a wrestling star and marathon runner (requiring a lot of wind!) You can imagine our gratitude for spiritual healing as taught in Christian Science and our right to choose it.

Christina Smith (Traverse City, MI)

Personally, I beleive that it is another choice, much like the choice of assisted suicide or abortion. It is a heated topic but nonetheless a choice.

Catherine (Smiths Station, AL)

I have seen Christ heal many times and I am a true believer in the healing powers of Christ and the Holy Spirit. However, the thought of children suffering is to much for me to bare. God provided us with minds. And with these minds we created medicine. Having faith in Jesus and seeking medical attention for your children do not contradict one another. It is not God's will to have children suffer.

Christina Smith (Traverse City, MI)

If a childs treatment of anykind could be defined as right according to parents but in actuality treatment could be deadly. I believe that it could become a scapegoat for abusive parents.

Patricia Cunningham-Ward (Toronto, Canada)

Mike (Boca Raton, FL)

To N/A from Texas. Sorry, but you misunderstood my note. I said, "just" from Christian Scientists when "predominately" may have been a better choice. I too am an active Christian Scientist and extremely grateful for a lifetime of demonstrable healings, far beyond health. My point is, no group has a monopoly. God loves and heals all mankind. Even persecutors like Saul of Tarsus. I simply wanted to hear about God's healing presence from a wider, more diversified audience.

Ed Cook (Boynton Beach, FL)

Mike (Boca Raton, FL)

To N/A from Texas. Sorry, but you misunderstood my note. I said, "just" from Christian Scientists when "predominately" may have been a better choice. I too am an active Christian Scientist and extremely grateful for a lifetime of demonstrable healings, far beyond health. My point is, no group has a monopoly. God loves and heals all mankind. Even persecutors like Saul of Tarsus. I simply wanted to hear about God's healing presence from a wider, more diversified audience.

Joel (Pacific City, OR)

Is it a crime to withhold religious treatment for governmental/societal reasons? My father died under medical treatment, should I be so naive as to think this was a crime? Who commited this so called crime? Our family? My father? The doctor who prescribed the accidental overdose of chemo-therapy that killed him while attempting to save his life? Let people seek the truth they desire without fear of retribution, otherwise we'll have to lock up an awful lot of doctors.

Anita (Orlando)

Tom Hurley ()

Kari Fitzer (St. Louis)

Jim Corbett (Richmond, VA)

To complete my sentence... The healing power of Christ is here.!

Jim Corbett (Richmond, VA)

A current Baptist publication reports a man who suffered from weak ankles. He sprained both at a religious retreat. Turning to God in prayer he was instantly healed. "I stood and the pain, the swelling and the soreness were gone....not even any discoloration," he says. In last month's issue, a pastor states he was healed of a ruptured disk at a Southern Baptist conference. Another report says that "many people were delivered from afflictions" at a recent religious celebration week. People were healed of "addiction to crack cocaine, alcoholism, depression and fractured marriages." Halleluiah! Praise God. The healing power of Chri

Bill (St. Louis, MO )

When a doctor tells you there is nothing more that can be done for you and you turn to God through prayer and are healed, why wouldn't you continue with that form of treatment for yourself and your child? That's how Christian Science came to be (out of necessity). My child was healed in a few hours late at night when the pediatrician's office was closed.My child had been crying for an hour with an intense earache. We couldn't comfort her so we called a practitioner at midnight and in less than an hour the child stopped crying and could rest. She awoke healed and her happy, bouncing self. No parent wants their child to suffer. No one is asking for the "freedom" to neglect their child, we're asking for the freedom to rely on a God we understand and have proven to be an omnipotent and everpresent God.

Teresa (Bloomington, IL)

When spiritual healing is an integral part of religious practice, any attempt by the government to prohibit free exercise thereof should be considered unconstitutional. I believe in people's right to choose for themselves and for their children whatever healing method they find most effective and dependable, whether that method is conventional medicine, alternative medicine or prayer. My family came into Christian Science five generations ago when Christian Science treatment healed an infant who was gravely ill with dysentary. An older, stronger sibling had already died of this disease before the parents sought Christian Science treatment. I have no children of my own, but I have been actively involved in a Christian Science Sunday School for a long time. The children with whom I interact there are happy, healthy and energetic. They have experienced healings, some through their own prayers. These children are well cared for.

Cynthia M. McBride (Sarasota Fl)

I've seen both my parents , myself and my husband, our two daughters and their husbands , and our grandson helded through Christian Science treatment over a period of over 70 years. The healings include malaria, broken bones, colds, childrens deseases, strepthroats, appendicites, depression, epilepsy, a liver problem and many other things for which I have no name. The healings were all complete without side effects and usually accompanied with growth spiritward. Of course I am grateful and would always turn to this wonderful truth for healing with such a degree of success and blessings.

Leslie (Raleigh, NC)

To Michael from Pittsburgh: the end to my previous truncated entry is ...as you need.

Leslie (Raleigh, NC)

To Michael from Pittsburgh, Though Christian Science prayer has been known to heal when the person is not too involved or doesn't trust implicitly in God yet, the far more ideal situation is for you to get involved! This is because it involves a dawning of understanding in your thought about your true relationship to God, which transforms the human situation at hand, in this case your shoulder. You can find much help from a Christian Science Reading Room in your city, where you can get questions answered and receive some literature about prayer. The people there will give you as much or as little help a

Claudia (Tyler)

JlHoyman (San Diego)

JlHoyman (San Diego)

JlHoyman (San Diego)

JlHoyman (San Diego)

JlHoyman (San Diego)

Michael (Pittsburgh)

I agree with others that the question is poorly worded. Ultimately, everyone is free to choose the type of medical care they feel will work for them. I'd like to ask those who feel the power of prayer works, how does it work? Does the patient have to participate in the prayers or can they remain uninvolved? I've been experiencing severe arthritic-like pains in my right shoulder for many months. Could you pray for me from wherever you are and help to heal these pains? Please find the time to do this for me now. I would greatly appreciate it! I will report back to this discussion list in a few days if I'm healed. Thank you.

Jeremy (Burien, WA)

Prayer has effectively healed myself and members of my family for three generations. To deny a parent the right to seek the treatment they feel is most effective for their children should be a crime. The government has no right to intrude on the most important decision a parent can make. Let me also add my criticism of the wording of this question. It indicates an obvious bias. If you want to see documented and verified evidence of the effectiveness of prayer to heal, just pick up a Christian Science Sentinel or Journal sometime. You sure won't read anything about it in the mainstream media.

Bruce (Oklahoma)

It seems to me that more and more I hear of someone stepping into other people business when it comes to raising a child. If I believe in God and want to pray for my child when he or she is sick then leave me and my beliefs alone. I will trust in God to help I don't need someone else telling me how to raise MY child. What happens when another steps in and has the authorities take my child, because I believe in God and his awesome powers, and doctors don't help and the child dies? Is the one who called the authorities responsible for my childs death? NO!! Why not? This great country was formed over religion. Leave it to the individual and mind your own business!

Jackie (Kansas City)

Parents should be allowed a choice in the care they seek for their children, whether it be medical, spiritual or alternative. There are many options available for healing that are not mainstream medical. Many of them have been proven effective. We should expand people's options not limit them.

Betsy Gaudette-Cross (Visalia, CA)

No loving parent would ever do anything that they thought would harm their child. Healing through prayer can be fast, effective and readily available, unlike some doctors. I resent the need of many people that I do as they do and believe as they believe.

moanders (Bloomington, IN)

Even though this question is posed in an obviously biased way, I feel neccessary to respond. To "withhold" medical treatment is not wrong, nor is it the right thing to do. As stated in the Constitution, every American has the right to make decisions that will shape his/her life. And, the right of a parent is to raise his/her child as they see fit. As long as sincere love for children is the motive, a parenting decision whether or not to "withold" medical treatment will be the right one. Being a child raised by one parent who wanted to rely on prayer and the other who wanted to rely on medicine, I feel that whatever decision loving parents make is always the right one.

Bob (Allentown )

This is a terrible poll. I would not trust the results. First, this poll is being taken on the internet, that means a limited group has been polled with certain demigraphics. I know that there has been a phone in poll with a similar question. This is also bad because this only gets people who know of the poll and who have strong enough feelings to call in. Also this question is poorly worded. It implies that nothing is being done to treat the child when in many cases this is incorrect. Most of the people who withhold medical treatment are taking another route, like prayer for example. I would consider this poll fairly inaccurate and the readers should be wary of this fact

(Atlanta, GA)

Gail - All I know is that my son's ear hurt. We prayed. A fluid ran out. He never had the complaint again. We rely on prayer because it works.

Tom G. (Arlington, Virginia)

The wording of this question is really loaded. A less-biased question might be, Should parents have the right to select what they believe to be the best-possible treatment for their children? I guess the person posing the question would consider my parents criminals for not making my brother submit to open-heart surgery, whereas prayer healed his heart condition in a matter of days (confirmed by medical diagnosis). Maybe prayer isn't the answer for everybody, but neither is medical treatment.

Matt (Lake Zurich, IL)

The tone of the question posed on this website is most unfortunate. It assumes that withholding medical treatment from children is harmful to them. If no other treatment were provided, this would be true. However, there is another, more reliable option: prayer. A majority of the citizens of the United States undoubtedly believe this to be a viable choice, since most are Christian (or Jewish). The Bible tells of countless healings of physical deformities, disease, and other difficulties we might now describe as a "medical condition." All of these healings were wrought by the power of the one God. As a Christian Scientist, I have experienced many such healings myself, and I encourage you to explore this option for you and your family. To learn of the efficacy of scientific prayer, try visiting the First Church of Christ, Scientist. www.tfccs.org

Linda (Medfield, MA)

I am a life-long Christian Scientist and have always relied on the spiritual means of prayer for healing. Our two children have had several healings including earaches, stomach problems, a severe nose bleed, and poison ivy, just to name a few. Whether parents are Christian Scientists or of another denomination that relies on prayer for healing for their children, this DOES NOT constitute a crime. Neglect is not doing anything. Praying is doing something good. In the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science is a wonderful chapter simply entitled "Prayer". This book can be found in bookstores and Christian Science Reading Rooms worldwide. By reading and studying this book along with the Bible everyone, including children can experience healing.

LBW (Granger, Ind)

"Withold" is a negative term, making it sound as though something is wrong by not using conventional medical practices for healing. Our daughter has never seen a physician after her first week of mortal life. She has been at home a day here and there with illnesses. In a few more seeming serious instances she has been given a choice to call for spiritual support or to go to a doctor. She has chosen to use spiritual treatment because she has seen it at work in her life and ours. Using spiritual means is not "doing nothing." Those who choose to do nothing and let "God's will" take it's course give a bad name to those who rely on God's healing power to rule in our lives. It's the best "medicine" of all!

Cheri Fendon (Fountain Valley, CA)

Christian Scientists are not coerced or forced in any way by their church to rely on prayer. They are free to choose medical treatment or prayer. When they choose prayer, it is because it has been proven effective in their lives and others. You can find out about how it can help you too by searching under Christian Science or by reading the book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The book is a companion book to the Bible and is in libraries, bookstores, and Christian Science Reading Rooms all over the world. We all deserve to feel the peace and power of God in tangible ways in our lives. "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." (Mary Baker Eddy) This is God's promise to us all.

Cheri Fendon (Fountain Valley, CA)

Cheri Fendon (Fountain Valley, CA)

Victoria Allen (Austin, Texas)

As many other contributors to this discussion have stated, I too was raised in Christian Science. I have experienced many healings, from measles to compound fractured limbs. I have also gone the medical route, at times when I could not get beyound the fear of the situation. I must stress, as others have, that when my parents chose prayer over medicine for me, I was not "neglected." To imply that relying solely on prayer, as opposed to medicine, is "doing nothing," is entirely inaccurate. The "human steps" are taken as well, what most people term "first aid." The desire to criminalize reliance on God as being neglect, simply because we don't take our children to a hospital, is wrong, and is based in ignorance. "Not relying on medicine" does not translate into "not doing ANYTHING." People who turn to prayer first, regardless of the religion they follow, are doing the very best thing possible for their children. They are trusting God completely, and without reservation.

Victoria Allen (Austin, Texas)

Cheri Fendon ()

Bob Curlee (Los Altos, CA)

What a strange question! Your premise is that relying on medical treatment is a sure and safe thing. Only a few months ago, the San Jose Mercury news featured as a headline an article that stated that last year over 100,000 men, women, AND children died accidentally in hospitals solely from errors and ommissions. That's twice the number of solders who died in a year at the height of the Vietnam War. Another article stated that the total number of deaths of children whose parents relied on religion over a 10 year period was 120. The truth is, medicine is an art, not a science. It's the AMA that has a real problem and people are turning to spiritual and alternative means of healing in droves because it works and is safer. And we are to prosecute them for this?

Ann (Idyllwild, California)

It worked! Thanks again, Roy! Here is Part II: Ten years ago our daughter was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. She was taken to a hospital and placed in intensive care. She was given the choice of medical treatment for numerous broken bones including a hangman's fracture. She was told that if she did not have an operation, she would never walk normally. She chose to rely on Christian Science treatment for healing. She was out of intensive care in five days and moved to a Christian Science care facility for a week where the healing of the hangman's fracture took place. She was able to be on campus for her freshman orientation two weeks later. The college she attended is for Christian Scientists. Next month she is completing her second college degree. She dances and hikes freely. It is no wonder that our family loves Christian Science and relies on it for healing!

Ann (Idyllwild, California)

Thanks for the suggestion, Roy (NY). Even though the "Comments are limited to approx. 200 words, and my comment ran to 202 words, I'll try splitting in into two parts. Following is Part I: My grandparents found Christian Science in the early 1900's and were healed of tuberculosis and crippling arthritis. Our grandsons are the fifth generation of our family to rely on God for healing. Our four children had many healings while growing up, including asthma, childhood diseases, colds, influenza, broken bones and sports injuries.

PC (Des Moines)

Interesting question in light of all the medical treatment withheld due to inability to pay or limits imposed by insurance companies.

Bobby V. (Hollywood)

I voted in favor of it being a crime. After reading all of the responses, I still feel that way. Yes, many people believe in spiritual healing. I feel there is something to it. But I have also seen many people die after prayer vigils. So spiritual healing doesn't always work just like medical treatment is not always successful. But doctors will tell a parent/patient the worst thing that can happen and spiritual healing does not give that choice. It is a belief and not a science. If a child's life were in danger and spiritual healing was not showing any success, then I feel medical treatment must intervene. By the way, I am a religious person, but I am also a realist and have seen more success than failure in modern medicine than spiritual healing.

Phil W (CaÒon City CO)

In a country based on religous freedom and freedom from religous persecution it amazes me that this question can be posed. If the track record of the medical industry were routinely made known, I am sure many more people would turn to spiritual healing.

Roy (NY)

To Ann of Idyllwild, CA: Perhaps your commments are not showing up because they exceed the 200 word limit.

Rosemary Spencer (Thomasville, Georgia)

My mother turned to spiritual prayer for healing when widowed with four children, one of whom was diagnosed with a tumor in the intestines. Not only was the operation considered risky for a two year old child, but my mother had no money to pay for the operation. This child was healed completely of the tumor through spiritual prayer, and this healing was verified by a medical doctor. This healing of my sister gave my mother the courage to depend on God for all her needs and to raise us by relying on the Bible truths taught in Christian Science. If she could have been charged a criminal, she might not have used spiritual prayer for healing, my sister might have died, and most certainly all four of we children would have been placed in an orphanage. In the interest of all those seeking healing from God, I beg you: do not even suggest that those who rely on God for physical healing for their children or themselves, be regarded as criminals!

Mary Kephart (Princeton, NJ)

I do not have children of my own but have taught in the Christian Science Sunday School for over ten years. In my experience with the children and their families, I've never seen any child "deprived" because of turning to God for healing, but rather, have found children respond quickly to the prayers of their parents and/or a Christian Science Practitioner, and that they also, when properly taught the principles of spiritual healing readily heal themselves and sometimes others through prayer. To prosecute these loving parents and families for excercising their Constitutional right to free exercise of religion is unthinkable.

Ann (Idyllwild, California)

I can't seem to get my comment to show up on the Guestbook. I have tried many times, but all that shows up is my name and where I'm from. I notice that a few other people have been unable to get their comments posted to the Guestbook. Does anyone have a clue as to why my comment doesn't show up?

HB ()

I would like to know who came up with this question thru USA Weekend and why? Most of the responses are from Christian Scientists of whom I am one. Keep in mind,action such as this would be an attempt to keep humanity back from our incredible heritage as children of God. Can the people frightened for themselves and their children be any more so than the people in the Bible whose stories have been told for 2000 yrs. What about their healings? Is this an attempt at modern day persecution? The world would have to present positive proof that Christian healing was not possible then and is not possible now before it could legislate such a crime against itself? This proof is not to be found. The power in the garment's hem (Jesus and the woman who "touched" him)-remains the same today and IS PROVEN. I invite any of you who need help of any kind to reach out--do not be afraid--and find the true gold within our world. Others in this chat have told you how to start.

Kathy (Palatka, FL)

As many have previously stated, I am also a fourth generation Christian Scientist who has had the priviledge of experiencing and witnessing many healings. I am raising two children and both they and other children that have been in my care over the years have responded to treatment by prayer as practiced by Christian Scientists. These include injuries that could have been treated by medical means, but the choice to use prayer resulted in complete and appreciably speedier recoveries than is traditionally found in medicine. My children have also shown to be in better health and have better attendance than many of their classmates. We choose treatment by prayer in this house because we have absolute proof that it works.

Ann (Idyllwild, California)

Alison Holden (Pleasant Hill, CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

larry ogden (houston, texas)

The phrasing of the question concerns me; if a family finds prayer a more effective way to address health related issues, is the assumption that "withholding" medical treatment means that children are being neglected? In our family, we have certainly found that prayer is an incredibly legitimate means of meeting our needs.

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Test

Scott Coolidge (Pasadena, California)

The irony of this issue is that people generally turn to God or a spiritual means for healing only as a last resort after modern medicine has failed them. Why should anyone be punished or questioned for seeking healing through spiritual means first?

J R Wyckoff (Concord, CA)

Jeff Beamsley (Monroe, MI)

As others have mentioned, the question suggests that parents using spiritual means for healing are withholdings something of value from their children. My fifth grade son was home from school yesterday and part of today because he wasnít feeling well. Though his mother offered medical treatment, he chose to treat this condition spiritually and asked to return to school this afternoon. He chose prayer because it works better for him than medicine. His confidence didnít come from blind faith, but from personal positive experience. And our experience is not unique. It is shared by generations of people throughout the world. So who are the criminal here, those who promote health, or those who would try to limit the choices of those seek it?

Grant (Santa Barbara, CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

V Eckhoff (New York City)

Your question doesn't reflect the fact that those who choose medical care do so for religious reasons also. Would we criminalize those who choose medical care if it fails to cure a child suffering from a life-threatening illness? Thousands of testimonies exist within the Christian Science Church proving the efficacy of spiritual healing(and, indeed, many children have found comfort through their own prayers). Yet the wording of your question would indicate ignorance that spiritual healing is an effective, demonstrated alternative to traditional health care. "Opinon polls" such as the one in USA Today would be so much more valuable if they attempted to enlighten viewers rather than simply play upon their biases.

Patty (Flagstaff, AZ)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Vickery Eckhoff (NYC, NY)

AB (CA)

Surely a society that protects the "right" of a woman to choose whether or not to kill her unborn child, should protect the right of parents to choose whether to administer prayer or material medicine to their born child, in the interest of his life and he

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Ann (Idyllwild CA)

Amber (Brookline, MA)

The comments here saying that a child should have the "right" to prayerful treatment are a wonderful cross-section of those who trust prayer from different religions. As a student of Christian Science, let me say, however, that the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health with key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy teaches that God is entirely good, is perfect divine Love, the tender Father/Mother. That it is never God's will for one to die! It reveals how Christ Jesus came to lift mankind above the notion that disease and death are part of God's truth. Jesus taught us to rise above a materialistic view of things. In S&H the Discover and Founder of Christian Science says: "It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony." Therefore, any comments here about a child dying in accord with God's plan is not from a Christian Scientist.

Susan Anderson (Clifton, VA)

Many Christian Scientists have responded to this question because they have seen repeatedly the power of prayer in meeting physical illness. The question, however, is scary to anyone who believes there is a God who can help where no human aid is available. To make spiritual means for healing (i.e.prayer) a crime would deny to everyone the right to pray in time of need. As dedicated as those in the medical profession are, including those in research for cures, they do not hold all the answers. To make prayer for healing physical illness would deprive every American of another avenue for healing. As for myself I have had many healings through prayer; I have also read many such healings by people who are not Christian Scientists. If you don't want to pick up a Christian Science Journal or Sentinel which has verified testimonies of healings of every sort then pick up Guidepost magazine sometime.

Tom Black (Boston, MA)

No freedom is more precious than freedom of worship. But human life also is precious. Perhaps society needs at this moment to openly sanction any system of prayer that can give reaonable evidence that it heals effectively. Then we will see more clearly how to deal with systems of prayer that are working to be more effective. The trend of society today is to look more to God, not to material systems, for effective, compassionate care.

Debi Reynolds (Durban, RSA)

We have four young children and have relied heavily on the power of prayer to heal a wide range of "medical problems".(through christian Science). After experiencing the benefits, we would not have it any other way. I'm sure this alternative approach will gain wider acceptance and momentum in the future.

Blake Windal (Hollywood, California USA)

Much has been said in the comments below stating all that needs be said supporting the effectivity of non-medical means of healing, but I wished to simply add my name to the list of those who have relied solely on spiritual healing through prayer alone for health. (my relatives for 5 generations). Perhaps the misconception by many (including the author of the question) is that prayer involves blindly asking for divine intervention as one might ask a rock to begin talking or dancing! :) Effective prayer shouldn't be likened to blind faith with a basis only in folklore / myth (the old fashioned view of prayer), but can only be likened to any other Science: applying a proven principle to given circumstances - just as one can do with mathematics. If a universal Principle was there for ancients such as Moses, Elisha, Jesus, and many others to rely on for healing, it must still be usable today.

Reed ()

I want to address two issues, one, the constitutional backing affording anyone of any faith the right to express that faith as they see fit. This includes the care of children, when, in good faith, the parents are relying on spiritual means for healing. I dont understand why it is more easily accepted for a child to die in a hospital after medical care is given. Doctors are the first to admit medicine is not an exact science, why then the persecution should an alternative option be chosen?

Blake Windal (Hollywood, California USA)

Blake Windal (Hollywood, California USA)

Doug Mullis (Bellevue WA)

The question expresses the bias that "modern medicine" is good and any other means of healing isn't. This is out of step with the increasing interest in and recognition that prayer and faith have measurable effect on health. When as a child my parents were told by the doctors that I had a bone disease requiring amputation of a leg, my mother turned to prayer for healing. I was healed, quickly, and the doctors and nurses on the case acknowledged that something other than medicine had saved me. All persons need to have the humility to admit that health and healing go way beyond material chemistry and current conventional knowledge. God is the source of life and health; conventional medical means don't even come close to bringing His healing to us.

L. Abell, M.D. (St. Louis, MO)

EH (Albuquerque, NM)

Helene Benedikte (Placerville Ca)

I am away from my Bible but Jesus said in effect--and greater works than these shall they do--in my understanding of the truth of who we are that Jesus came to show us--he meant these words for all thru all time--not just for those of his time. Christian healing was a fact for a couple of hundred years after his ascension. The truth that healed then is present to heal now. I am a 5th generation Christian Scientist. My great-grandmthr on thru my children have relied on Jesus teachings for healing. Actually, read the papers--all of the signs of the times are pointing back in this direction.Recently, there was an article in a national magazine where the doctors were saying they preferred to treat patients who were prayed for over others--they recovered faster. This very Christian information is all all of the worlds churches need to become one and begin the spiritual millenium--Christian healing is the missing link.

Bill (Los Angeles)

To Julie the UNWC Nursing student. I'm surprised that you don't see the hypocracy of your statement. Perhaps you should think about this: The general public doesn't realize how many people are killed for failing to use SPIRITUAL means of healing / and many are killed simply by their choice to use medical healing. No one questions the medical profession's selfless giving; long hours, and dedication, but we must face the fact that the world has long been ignorant and has turned a deaf ear to the possibility of mental means for healing, or even turning to God. Much has been said about the advancements in the medical field, yet all the while the Christian Scientists and many other religions continue their progress in spiritual healing with no coverage - yet their cases are documented by multiple sources according to publicationsin their magazines. More power to them.

Janis E. Hunt Johnson (Ashland, OR, USA)

Joy Booth (Elsah, Illinois)

Should it be a crime for a child to die under a doctors care? The question posed by USA Weekend suggests that those who choose spiritual healing are uncaring or heartless. Our country is founded on the basis of religious freedom. To take that freedom away by making it a crime to practice fully any religion would be a crime!

Angela Sevin (Concord, CA)

It's wonderful to hear how many parents are caring for their children responsibly through spiritual means. However, I can't stop thinking about the larger question "what is spiritual healing"? I do not understand spiritual healing to be a quick fix antidote to whatever ails us physically or mentally. I hope we can start asking better questions, and recognize that we need to go beyond this limited view that is being reflected by our society's fascination with the material body.

Angela Sevin (Concord, CA)

It's wonderful to hear how many parents are caring for their children responsibly through spiritual means. However, I can't stop thinking about the larger question "what is spiritual healing"? I do not understand spiritual healing to be a quick fix antidote to whatever ails us physically or mentally. I hope we can start asking better questions, and recognize that we need to go beyond this limited view that is being reflected by our society's fascination with the material body.

Linda Ruth (Boston)

"A child's right to medical treatment..." Interesting question you pose. I remember as a young mother thinking--I don't ever want to be put in a position where a medical professional says to me, There is no cure for your child's illness. For that reason I plunged into a deep study of the Bible and Jesus' healings in particular. EVERY problem in our family has been healed through prayer, including, to name a few, malaria, blood poisoning, migraine headaches, skin cancer, childhood contagious diseases. And in the case of a relative, bone marrow cancer in an infant cured through prayer when doctors had no answer. God's healing record is above that of medical science! And there are wonderful, not harmful, side effects of prayer. Let's not legislate away the power of prayer, and forget the deep religious roots of this country.

Nancy Charlton (Portland OR)

N/A (Manhattan)

Maybe the poll question should have been worded: Should it be a crime for parents to have a choice between medical and religious means for healing their children? The current wording sounds bias

Nancy Charlton (Portland OR)

Paul Burton (Puyallup, WA)

I think it should be a crime for parents to withhold treatment. I don't think the parents should really have a choice because if the treatment is going to save the kids life then they should have to say its okay.

Angela Sevin (Concord, CA)

It's wonderful to hear how many parents are caring for their children responsibly through spiritual means. However, I can't stop thinking about the larger question "what is spiritual healing"? I do not understand spiritual healing to be a quick fix antidote to whatever ails us physically or mentally. I hope we can start asking better questions, and recognize that we need to go beyond this limited view that is being reflected by our society's fascination with the material body.

Mark Rabinow (New York City)

. . .If parents provide reliable care for their children that's been proven successful, I would consider them responsibl

N/A (Texas)

I wonder why mike in Fla. is uncomfortable with comments from Christian Scientists. Usually fear is the motivator behind untoward reactions. Fear of the unknown is a common human failing, but fear is only False Evidence Appearing Real and has no power over Truth.

Mark Rabinow (New York City)

I would choose spiritual prayer for healing over medicine in every case...for children especially. I know of more cases than I can count where injuries, sickness and disease have been healed through Christian Science treatment-so quickly and completely that some of those unfamiliar with this proven method of cure explain it as luck or misdiagnosis. You have to witness it first hand and over time to realize how and why it works. If parents provide reliable care for their children that's been proven successful, I would consider them r

Pat (Boston)

When a child is sick or injured, the parent must turn to what that parent had found through personal experience and deep, thoughtful consideration to be most apt to bring about a cure. Considering all the consistent C.S. healings that my family and I have had, I would not only be afraid -- but irresponsible --if I relied on a method that I believe to be less effective. Since prayer as taught in C.S. is not compatiable with traditional medical treatment, if a child of mine was seriously ill, would it be right for law to force me to turn to other than what I trust most to make my child well? And who best to make such a decision for a child other than the parents who love the child most?

Jeff Winterroth (Vista, California)

If it were commonly known, as reported in the February 8 issue of American Medical News (The AMAís weekly newspaper), that ìthe estimated annual death toll from medical mistakes... equates... [to] three jumbo jets crashing every three daysî this discussion would not be occurring. If airline mistakes were as common as medical mistakes, no one would be willing to fly, unless they were or knew the pilot. In relying on God to heal, as taught in Christian Science, I feel as though I know the Pilot and am allowed to sit in the co-pilotís seat. In choosing spiritual healing for ourselves and our children, my wife and I are convinced that we are doing the very best for them. We value and appreciate the contribution made to mankind by members of the medical profession. We are not ìafraidî to go to the doctor. We just turn to God first. Anyone can learn to do the same.

Janine (Carmel, CA)

As a mother to a brand new baby, I could never imagine withholding something that woukd make him well! That is why I daily study my Bible lesson, regularly attend church, and seek help from a Christian Science practitioner when needed. I was raised as a Christian Scientist and have experienced numerous healings by relying solely on prayer. As many of the above comments attest, prayer works!

Margaret Turnbull (Tucson, AZ)

No parent should withhold treatment from a child in need. On this point I agree vigorously with John Torrenti from Connecticut (above), as I'm sure do most of the other respondents. Administering spiritual treatment, however, is not "withholding treatment," and this medicine has been proven to be powerful and effective. As an astrophysicist I can attest to the power of science, which cuts through human opinion and irrational belief to reveal the exact truth--and I have found Christian Science to be the highest form of science this world has yet seen.

Benjamin Farone (Chico, CA)

I've only been a Christian Scientist for a few years and I know at first that I was sceptical. But after all the healings I have heard about or actually seen, including those within my own person, I know that God will always be more powerful than any kind of medicine that ever has been or will be created.

Ned (Millis, MA)

No.

Jeannie McDonald (Gainesville, FL)

I have relied on prayer alone for healing for over 25 years. The results have been much better than when I relied on medical care before. I have had instantaneous healings of cramps, headaches, burns and pain from abscessed teeth. I prayed deeply about companionship and met my husband that day. We have been married 20 years. We had very serious financial problems. Through lots of prayer and hard work, we now have a business which provides abundant supply for us while blessing others. I have not taken any medication for over 25 years. God not only heals our bodies but also supplies all of our needs. Trusting in God also brings a sense of peace and joy that I have not found anywhere else.

Jeannie McDonald (Gainesville FL)

Michael Bergenheim (Boston, MA )

It has been a privilege to apply the healing power of God through Christian Science since I was adopted by two loving Christian Science parents. My six adoptive siblings, my mother, and father have all witnessed the healings ó we've experienced God's love ó the love Jesus taught in Scripture and the very same love taught in Christian Science. While we appreciate the progress medical experts have made and are making, in no way does love refer to ignorance of practical alternative treatment through active prayer. This kind of love is not a crime.

Mike ( Florida)

I'm a little uncomfortable seeing so many positive testimonies of spititual healing just from Christian Scientists. How about the other religions. Surely there are spiritual healings in other denominations. I like to know about them too?

Van Hammer (I'm USAaian)

I grow up during the 70's man. So be it. Groovey man. So man ummmm I like the 70's and Peace to everyone in the whoule wourld man. Man. Oh ya, rock the vote forever. Peace. Groovey

Susan (Kansas City)

Our family has relied on Christian Science for healing for 3 generations. I could never feel my parents were "criminal" for the PRAYERFUL medical treatment they provided for me -- I have absolutely no memory of ever suffering -- but plenty of memories of quick and loving restoration to active health. Right now my heart goes out to a young black mother here whose gifted teen-age son recently died as the result of a doctor's prescription for acne. The onset and the death of the young man were quick. I know his mom had a loving motive to provide him with what she thought was the best remedy, just at my parents chose what they thought was best for me. But at least there has been freedom to choose -- and there should be no condemnation to those who are following their consciences.

Nancy Kelley (Yellow Springs, OH)

Get serious. We founded this country on the need for freedom and now we believe that some of us "know best" for the others? Until we are required to sign over guardianship of all of our children at birth, our government's only duty is to provide health care options for everyone. Children passing on in the arms of loving parents or in the hospital bed at a hospital is an ultimate tragedy for anyone. Let's spend our energy somewhere else...like helping parents to provide care - any care - in the upbringing and education of todays children.

Ned C (Chelmsford MA)

It is difficult for individuals deeply steeped in medical practice and thought to conceive that prayer can be an effective, reliable, quick means of healing. The question seems to imply that medical methods always provide a solution and healing through prayer is just wishful thinking and therefore should be outlawed. Medical professionals work hard are care deeply, but for the government to create an official tyranny of medicine/hospitals/drugs/surgery, etc. would be a dreadful step backward for this country and would deprive parents of a fundamental choice in caring for their children. Any individual who reasonably undertook to determine for himself whether or not prayer heals would conclude that it does -- that it need not be guesswork or merely positive thinking, but can be practiced based on the same eternal laws and principles taught by Jesus, and that reliance on God and His/Her goodness provides the best possible care for children.

Billie (Charlottesville, VA)

My grandmother was healed in three days of a sickness which physicians could not heal. Their efforts to help her had only made her worse. She urged me to discover the science which made her healing possible. My search through Christian Science has proven to me for forty years that nothing is impossible to God. My family always relied on the deep understanding of God which resulted in healing through prayer. My children were healed quickly of childhood diseases. I cannot count the number of healings over these years but remember well the complete healing of an arm which had become useless. I'm grateful nobody labeled me a criminal because I trusted the power of God in times of great need. Nothing good was being withheld. Our freedom to choose the higher way must be protected -- even by those who do not understand.

Jemille Caswell (Atlanta, GA)

We need this question put before us: "Is it the loving thing to torture innocent premature newborns who are fated to a life of blindness, mental deficiency, and physical handicaps just so the doctors can be proud that they did everything they could to "save a life"? I would fight off a doctor with his own scalpel if he tried to do surgery on my baby without anesthesia. (Which is what everyone in the know understands about the usual protocol for premie surgery.) I'd rather have him die quietly in my loving arms. And say the surgery were "successful"? What kind of life is that? Is this not playing God with people's lives? Unless parents are truly neglectful, there should be no intervention. What we need is more common sense, not more government intervention. Who knows best? A loving mother or a government that pays $86 for a screwdriver and $25,000 to do a study to see if cars kill wildlife?

Ryan (Bloomington, IN)

I believe that God can heal someone if it's his will to do so. When a child dies due to not receiving medical treatment, the media turns it into a huge scandal. Why do we not care about the thousands of people who die every year from fatal side effects of medical treatment? Because the majority of people in America prefer to trust in hospitals since this is something more tangible. I really can respect that, but why can't people who go to hospitals respect those that don't? America has been grappling with the issue of minority representation for hundreds of years. Whenever, a small group of people has a different way of thinking, they are often persecuted. I wish people could live and let live.

Martin (Huntsville, AL)

What it really comes down to is whether or not we should force people to seek medical care. If religious freedoms are violated then the only choice a parent is given is to always do what the medical profession tells them to do, whether or not that is what they truly believe is right. What about cases where the medical profession can offer only guesses or experimental treatment? This question could quickly go beyond parents and religious exemptions. Any law like this could be easily be interpreted to apply to any parent that refuses any type of medical treatment. As a parent, I want what is best for my child. If I believe that the best thing for my child is a complete reliance on God, then I should have the right to do that.

Liz Fuller (Boston, MA)

Parents are required by law to care for their children, and compelled by their hearts and consciences to give their children the very best they can. Indeed, it would be wrong to condemn a child to suffer by withholding treatment--but that treatment need not be medical. As so many here have illustrated with personal examples (and as can be researched further by reading the medically verified accounts in _Spiritual Healing in a Scientific Age_), prayer does heal. Every Christian Scientist I know (myself included) has experienced healings solely through reliance upon God's laws. Nor is spiritual healing limited to Christian Scientists; people of every faith know of instances where prayer healed an "incurable" patient. The laws already protect children; let us not take away from parents the right to give their children the very best treatment they know.

Elizabeth (Indiana)

Our Lord and Master, Christ Jesus, was sent to us to teach us to heal and love. He was the greatest human that ever walked this earth and if we as Americans try to take way the fundamentals truths that he gave to us - what would we have left? I am a 5th generation Christian Scientist and our family has relied on God's healing powers for all sorts of problems. As small children my sister was healed of polio, my brother of a bad heart, and my mother had her gall bladder removed "metaphysically". "With God, all things are possible". "Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free". This is the Truth that Christ Jesus wanted us to learn and use, forever!

Zhuang (China)

I just think it to be unwise to withdraw any kind of medicine from the child just because of some reasons which has never find the proof to surport themselves. (sorry, I have to send again because I can not find my words h

Zhuang (China)

I just think it to be foolish to withdraw any kind of medicine from the child just because of some reasons which has never find the proof to surport themselv

JLHoyman (San Diego)

Julie MacLaren (Wilmington, NC)

I am currently a UNCW nursing student, and I do agree in parents individual rights, but I don't think many of the general public realize that many children end up dying because their own parents withheld treatments for religious reasons. Looking at this topic from this aspect leads me to believe that, NO a parent should not be given the right to end their own childs life prematurely!

Molly Smith (Walnut Creek, CA)

Warren (St Louis)

If healing through prayer is made a crime, such a law would place Jesus atop the the most wanted list! It seems ironic to criminalize the Christ and his followers just as medical professionals (through the Harvard Medical School symposiums and other studies)are recognizing the undeniable effectiveness of healing by spiritual means. I am another of hundreds of thousands in this country who can share healing after healing of myself and of our children thanks to quick, powerful and ever-available Christian Science treatment.

Dan (San Diego)

Look at any money and read "IN GOD WE TRUST". Jesus commanded "heal the sick....." Matthew 10:8, and again in Luke 10:9 "heal the sick....". Jesus told his followers "He that believeth on me,the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" John 14:12. My daughters birth was attended by a M.D./O.B./GYN. Due to a misdiagnosis, her hip was severely dislocated at birth. The best orthopedic surgeon gave the prognosis that she may have to be in a corrective brace, possibly through adolescence. Through the loving support of a Christian Science Practitioner, this condition was 100% healed within hours. The same orthopedic surgeon re-examined two weeks later and stated that everything was perfect. GOD BLESS AMERICA !

Dan (San Diego)

Olivia Kobelt (Chico, CA)

We, as humans, as the Divine Oneness's treasured beings, posess the power to heal all disharmonies with our minds/hearts/trust/understanding. Today, many of us have forgotten this, and seek more unnatural medical means, that don't always work. But, that doesn't mean we've lost the power to heal. "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." As parents, we can call into action God's love to heal our children completely if we are still, trusting, and listen to the Divine guidance within us, and acknowledge those truths.

Nancy Allan (La Canada Flintridge, CA)

As a fourth-generation member of the Christian Science faith which relies upon spiritually scientific prayer for healing, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to heal my four children and myself with this system. Physical healing through prayer, based on God's laws as proven by Christ Jesus, also results in lives transformed emotionally and morally. What better way to give to our society, not be condemned by it. I have many friends, who are not Christian Scientists, eagerly seeking alternatives to traditional medical practices concurrent to their search for spiritual meaning; I feel very privileged to have already discovered this for myself and be able to offer hope for others. Spiritual healing cannot be stopped anymore than God's power can be curtailed. I think we will see more of it in the 21st century, not less.

Nathan Talbot (Boise, Idaho)

The idea of making criminals of those who choose spiritual treatment goes against not only the free and responsible exercise of religion but also against the growing legislation in our country. For instance, those who choose Christian Science treatment are accomodated in some way in virtually every state in the US. And there are federal statues, including medicare, that accomodate spiritual healing. The way the question in USA is posed is a look backward instead of a look ahead to where our society is moving spiritually. If one looks over the decades, while there have been ups and downs, the clear direction is a growing willingness to make room for those who intelligently and prayerfully trust their health to God.

Brad (San Diego)

The right to choose is fundamental. Medicine may work for some people, spiritual healing works for others. Let parents make the best choice for their children.

Bill (Raleigh, NC)

What could possibly have motivated anyone to ask such a stand-alone question as a "poll?" The question, blindly asked, is much like asking a man to answer yes or no to the question, "Have you quit beating your wife. Today there is a new emphasis and interest in spiritual healing and the effect of prayer in achieving healing (see the studies being conducted at Duke University). The results indicate that there is a place for prayer and spiritual healing. Therefore, why does one means to achieve healing have to be deemed "legal," and another means have to be "illegal" and subject to criminal procedings? I'm not giving my age, but I retired from a major computer mfg company 9 years ago. 30 years ago I turned solely to spiritual means for healing and have raised three children using the same medicine "spiritual healing."

John Wyckoff (Concord, CA)

Dr. Marcus Geier (Jacksonville Beach, FL)

It is an indisputable fact, supported by literally millions of case studies, that spiritual healing is far more effective than medical treatment of any kind. The medical industry has selfishly and criminally defrauded modern man into believing that they can actually help, and are the only legitimate recourse for relief from physical suffering. I would not be alive today if not for spiritual healing. My personal healings include: cancer, numerous broken bones, kidney disease, restored eyesight, etc, etc, etc.

Nicole (Chicago, IL)

If it were not for spiritual healing available to my mother (who was at the time a Registered Nurse - actually, the Head nurse at her hospital in CT) through Christian Science, I would not be alive today. The doctors did everything they could to save me 27 years ago when I was born, but the complications were so numerous, they had to eventually tell my mother that unfortunatly, her first born child would not live more than a few weeks at best. Fortunately for me, my mother happened to meet several Christian Scientists, went to a practitioner, at to make a long story short, I was COMPLETELY healed. Needless to say, our whole family embraced this wonderful religion which makes accessible God's healing laws. Maybe you all should consider turning the question around: "SHOULD IT BE A CRIME FOR PARENTS TO WITHHOLD TREATMENT BY SPIRITUAL MEANS ALONE THROUGH PRAYER FROM THEIR CHILDREN FOR MEDICAL REASONS?

Rose Thornton (Alton, IL)

When I was three weeks old, I became seriously ill and was hospitalized for several days. One evening, the doctors told my mother to prepare herself for the fact that I would likely pass on that night. My mother called a Christian Science Practitioner (one who practices spiritual healing and prays for people in need). This practitioner talked with my mother at length and prayed for me. The following morning, I was much improved and in the subsequent days, I fully recovered from the illness. My mother still cries with joy when she tells me about the nuns at the hospital who put a big bow in my hair when they placed me in her arms and told her "Your prayers healed this child." Rose Thornton - Alton, IL

Rafiyq Rice (Milledgeville,GA)

I think it is better off if people mind there own business.If a parent wants there children to see a doctor,then fine.If they don't,it is still fine. This is a free country.It does not actually matter what parents do to there chidren.Most of yall know as parents,yall try to give your children everything he or she wants.You can worry about other chidren if you want,but if it does not happen to your child,then don't worry. Some parents are afraid that doctors might kill there children.Even though they have there doctors degree does not actually mean they are smart. Some doctors just got lucky, and when luck runs out then,someone get killed. My mother for isntants she does not like me going to a doctor.One time I went to the doctor with nothing wrong with me,and almost got killed.I still go to the doctor ,but only for check up, so that I can stay in school.

kmd@eritter.net (Vendor, Ar)

There are a lot of people that cannot afford healthcare that may or may not be provided to them. I believe that the Lord can heal any person that has the faith to believe. The Lord gave these Doctors the knowledge whether they believe it or not to do the job that they do. When I was 6 or 7 years old I went to the doctor for an illness that I thought was physical and the doctor could not find anything physically wrong with me. The doctor excused my mother from the room and he ask me if I went to church and I said I did. He then ask if he could pray for me and I said yes, and from that day on what was wrong with me was gone there was no medication no therapy nothing but prayer and it was from the doctor. Healing from the Lord is real and NO ONE should be penalized for their faith in that!!!!!!

George Strong (Castro Valley)

I am a Christian Scientist and have relied only on prayer for healing my whole life, as did my mother. I raised two boys and they and I have experienced many instances of healing through Christian Science prayer. The wording of the question seems to lead thought in the wrong direction, as if medical treatment was always best and withholding it is at least a lapse in judgement. Healing through prayer has a long history of success, many times in cases where doctors have given up hope. Although medical treatment is not always successful, and sometimes with very sad results, I would not think it proper to ask if it should be a crime to seek such treatment for children. Being a parent is the most joyous and challenging role many of ever have to fill. Each parent's loving choice of what they feel is the best, most trustworthy care for their children deserves our society's blessing

Mark (Albuquerque, NM)

The article about healing children spiritually that will be appearing in a future issue of USA WEEKEND magazine has the potential to help parents and children all over the world know God's power to heal. I was always treated with mainstream bio-medicine until I was 6 or 7. I broke my leg and was healed spiritually when I was 7, running normally within 48 hours of the injury. From then on, as you might guess, the only thing I ever wanted when I needed help was prayer. Physical healing is only the beginning. Discovering that God is Love and that His love embraces everyone spiritually is so much more. Maybe USA WEEKEND magazine will touch on that too.

Kathy Jessen (Berkeley, CA)

Rose Thornton (Alton, IL)

When I was three weeks old, I became seriously ill and was hospitalized for several days. One evening, the doctors told my mother to prepare herself for the fact that I would likely pass on that night. My mother called a Christian Science Practitioner (one who practices spiritual healing and prays for people in need). This practitioner talked with my mother at length and prayed for me. The following morning, I was much improved and in the subsequent days, I fully recovered from the illness. My mother still cries with joy when she tells me about the nuns at the hospital who put a big bow in my hair when they placed me in her arms and told her "Your prayers healed this child." Rose Thornton - Alton, IL

Margaret Turnbull (Tucson, AZ)

No parent should withhold treatment from a child in need. On this point I agree vigorously with John Torrenti from Connecticut (above), as I'm sure do most of the other respondents. Administering spiritual treatment, however, is not "withholding treatment," and this medicine has been proven to be powerful and effective. As an astrophysicist I can attest to the power of science, which cuts through human opinion and irrational belief to reveal the exact truth--and I have found Christian Science to be the highest form of science this world has yet seen.

Cindy Martin (small town in California)

Barbara S. Wallace (Virginia)

The formation of public policy on this topic can not be based on opinion polls, upon the premise that spiritual healing is irrelevant, impractical, or that one method of healing is inherently superior to another. A method of treatment must be fairly examined and judged by its results. Those interested in knowing how families can responsibly practice spiritual healing with good results can stop in a Christian Science Reading Room for information. The book "Christian Science, A Sourcebook of Contemporary Materials" includes thoughtful essays such as, "Christian Science and the Care of Children: The Constitutional Issues." An in-depth understanding of how prayer heals in explained in the book: "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary B. Eddy. Call 1-800-633-1300 to order.

Richard Requarth (Mesa, Arizona)

I agree with the many comments in support of Christian/spiritual healing. In fact, the ever wider availability of the book explaining the practice of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy will help anyone new to the subject of Christian/spiritual healing understand why so many respondents have indicated their many positive experiences with relying upon God as explained in this book. I would encourage anyone that has not read this book to go to a bookstore or Christian Science Reading Room in their community, buy the book and read it with as open a thought as possible. It will help make plain why there are so many healings going on for such a broad spectrum of problems. I would further challenge USA Today to assign one of its writers to read it and provide an intelligent review of it when they publish the results of this survey!

Sandra Boston (Ottawa)

Burnham Casterline (Barrington IL)

(Jim Kazakoff, Texas - Part 2)

If resorting to 1 means of health care doesn't work, who wouldn't resort to a 2nd to prevent a child's death? Should a parent depend too long on 1 remedy than another & a child dies, has not the parent suffered enough w/the loss of his child & a guilty conscience that he waited too long before trying something else; that he went to an incompetent doctor mandated by an insurance company; that he didn't realize it was a life-threatening malady until too late to get the proper treatment? Along w/everyone else, I don't think a caring parent would deny a child the best possible care to alleviate suffering; & just as criminals are tried/punished for the "motive" behind the crime, parents should not be prosecuted for having the 'right' motive to provide the best care for a child although the result is the tragic loss of a loved one. Such a wound needs empathy and consolation, not salt.

(Jim Kazakoff, Texas - Part 2)

Caron Cosden (Cape Coral, FL)

I was not raised a Christian Scientist, so I had plenty of experience with doctors as a child. Before I began the study of CS, I earned degrees in biology and genetic counseling, so I am not ingnorant of modern theories of health. But when I had two young children, I looked for a place where they get a spiritual education free of the dogma that man is a born sinner and destined to suffer. I found that in Christian Science. I had no idea of healing when we first went, but it happened as I learned the true facts of being. No one required that I stopped taking the children to a doctor -- there was not even the suggestion of pressure -- but healings happened naturally as the result of spiritual understanding. How truly grateful I am that my family has had this option of spiritual healing!! To treat a problem through scientific prayer is not the same as withholding care -- I feel it's providing the very best care available today.

()

The question implies that "alternative" medicine is a heartless, evil choice that should be denied. I don't know of any church that disbars its members for relying on "doctors" instead of "faith", eventhough, from a scriptural perspective, "And Asa...was diseased in his feet, until his disease [was] exceeding [great]: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. And Asa died..."; and, "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt;... [Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?", it would appear that "medicine" is not sanctioned by God, that depending upon God should be the first line of defense, not the last.

Jim Kazakoff (H.V. Texas)

JH (Ewa Beach, HI)

I don't see what USA Today intends to to prove when it's common knowledge that the vast majority of people in this country rely on medical remedys for healing. As a one time 'snap shot' without a forum for an explanation of the effectiveness of non-medical forms of healing, the voting result of this type of question would only seem to entrench prejudices of the majority against the minority. On the other hand, if this question had been asked every year for the last 5 years in a proper random sampling, I'll bet you'd see a shift toward alternative forms of healing.

Lonnie (Boston)

Since the late 1800s generations of children in our family have been healed through reliance on spiritual healing alone. My son was seriously injured in a sledding accident. We did not "withhold medical treatment" from him. Instead we administered to him the medicine of Mind (Mary Baker Eddy calls it such in her book intitled "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"). His suffering was quickly eliminated through prayer. His healing was rapid and complete within two days with no medical intervention.

RR (southeast)

I have been raised in a loving family that relyed soley on prayer for healing. Both my brother and I were born with medical challenges. More severe was the condition on my brother. Yet, with prayer our family has always been cared for. As a new mother myself, I have found prayer to be the best physician. I am grateful that we have a choice, as there have been times when I needed to obtain medical care. Freedom of religion is a right in this country. Relying on prayer to heal does work. Please allow us to continue with this type of treatment.

Chris Hopper (Boise, ID)

Lonnie (Boston)

The phrasing of the question seems uselessly inflammatory, designed to arouse righteous indignation. It arouses the kind of feelings that come from a little negative knowledge and much strong passion. Your question would cast these unnamed "withholders" as some form of modern-day child sacrificers. This would indeed be preposterous if it were the case. The fact is, Christian Scientists do not "withhold medicine" from their children. They administer to them the medicine of Mind, a powerful spiritual alternative to material medicine. It is spiritual, yes, but it is powerful, scientific (i.e. there are principles, it is provable)and very effective.

Melissa ()

I believe with all my heart that God can and does heal. I have seen His power to heal with, and beyond medical treatment. I have witnessed people healed, when the doctors have said that nothing else could be done. I also believe that God has given the doctors the knowledge and the ability to treat and sometimes cure diseases. I feel that it is wrong not to take advantage of what God has given to us to treat illnesses.

Pat (Harrisburg )

Most people who adamantly oppose letting parents chose spiritual means for healing rather than medical erroneously assume that the child "suffers" from that choice. When I was a small child my parents saw that I had the best medical care and yet I always seemed to be ill. You might say I "suffered" a lot. After we learned to turn to God, our omnipotent, heavenly parent, for our care, healings came quickly and painlessly. Some of these include diabetes, ulcers, asthma, heart problems and hemorraging. Why is the media so reluctant to publish the good news to the world that God really does heal? Our children are safe with Him.

K.C. (South Bend)

Comments above imply that "withholding" medical treatment results in suffering. What about medical treatment that causes suffering? I have a brother who had a month-long stay in one of the finest hospitals in the country. He suffered daily through medical tests that poked him, jabbed him, drew blood, made him have a steel frame drilled in his head (nearly impossible to sleep with it). A few days after the medical staff said he likely could go home soon, he died. Medical treatment does not have all the answers. The decision for the preferred treatment ought to remain an individual and family decision. Your question in my opinion is skewed in order to incite response.

Theresa (Nahant, MA)

I have two adult brothers that are alive and well today because of spiritual healing. Medicine would not have saved them. God as our creator also gives us His medicine - prayer. The proof is in the results.

Judy (Newport Beach, CA)

As a child, my parents always called on God to heal us of all our childhood ills. There were four children in my family. We did not have many though. Praying and understanding God as the only physician is both prophylactic and therapeutic (preventive and curative). As a young adult, I was healed of polio by Christian Science treatment. I witnessed my niece healed of chicken pox very quickly in about two days time without any discomfort. God is the best physician for our children and for adults. There are no side affects. Christian Science treatment does heal, and I am a living witness to that fact.

C. Wolfe (Montalba, Texas)

No "material law" can have dominance over divine Law. God is the only true law-giver; therefore, to be forced into obeying a material law is to, in effect, break one of God's laws. I'd rather be thrown in jail for practicing God's law, than to submit to a material law. The Bible is full of examples. How about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? How about Daniel? And Paul? Read how quickly the kings' laws were rendered inefective when those individuals challenged them with God's law.

Nancy (Ellisville)

Leslie (Raleigh, NC)

The assumption in the question is that medicine is the "answer", and aren't people who don't prescribe to it off their rockers? I was raised in a non-medical environment, but have gone back to it at times because of my husband's beliefs and because I am still exploring these issues. As an example, I've learned that pediatricians are the first to admit that medicine is trial and error which may or may not help the next child down the line. It is very frustrating indeed to hear different ideas from different doctors that sometimes don't help (I'm not criticizing them bcs I'm grateful for all they do) - but it would be awful if it was legislated that medicine was the only legal so

Allyn (Rochester, NY)

If the men who just flew around the world in a balloon had believed the balloon was full of lead, they would never have gotten off the ground. The fact that they felt "an unseen hand was guiding" them on their journey led them to success. For many intelligent and spiritually-minded people, materia medica is a bit like a lead balloon, and to force them to trust in it would be a crime of a different kind. Prayer lifts us above earth into a realm where we can see who we really are, and that is what heals. My daughter was healed of the flu quickly last week (in less than a day) as a result of this prayerful identification of her. The many intelligent and caring people who choose medical treatment are no more wrong than those who trust God; they just believe differently. The power of belief is essentially a spiritual healing method.

rebecca (dekalb, il)

As a Christian Scientist I have been healed and watched family members be healed through prayer alone. As a child, I was healed of chicken pox and other ills. All of this was done through prayer. I was never in any danger, and my decision to make prayer my way of "healing" was both my decision and my parents. It's the same decision that all kids make when they decide whether or not they want to take part in any religion. It's the best desision that I have ever made and when I have children they will be raised the same way, and be given the chance to make their own decision.

rebecca (dekalb, il)

As a Christian Scientist I have been healed and watched family members be healed through prayer alone. As a child, I was healed of chicken pox and other ills. All of this was done through prayer. I was never in any danger, and my decision to make prayer my way of "healing" was both my decision and my parents. It's the same decision that all kids make when they decide whether or not they want to take part in any religion. It's the best desision that I have ever made and when I have children they will be raised the same way, and be given the chance to make their won decision.

Fritz (TR)

Some of the comments I've read that have been posted so far have commented on the medical treatment itself. As others have noted, the Constitution of United States in the Bill of Rights provides for separation of Church and State and the right to pursue our religious beliefs. While not everyone agrees with the decision to withhold medical treatment for religious reasons, it is the individuals right to do so. Just as we have to put up with pornograph (please excuse me if you are offended by the comparison) in order to allow the rights provided in the Constitution, so we must allow people their own views when it comes to religion and medical treatement. If you force medical treatment, you are going against the core of the Constitution of this country.

Fritz (TR)

Some of the comments I've read that have been posted so far have commented on the medical treatment itself. As others have noted, the Constitution of United States in the Bill of Rights provides for separation of Church and State and the right to pursue our religious beliefs. While not everyone agrees with the decision to withhold medical treatment for religious reasons, it is the individuals right to do so. Just as we have to put up with pornograph (please excuse me if you are offended by the comparison) in order to allow the rights provided in the Constitution, so we must allow people their own views when it comes to religion and medical treatement. If you force medical treatment, you are going against the core of the Constitution of this country.

Bob Curlee (Los Altos, CA)

What a strange question! Your premise is that relying on medical treatment is a sure and safe thing. Only a few months ago, the San Jose Mercury news featured as a headline an article that stated that last year over 100,000 men, women, AND children died accidentally in hospitals solely from errors and ommissions. That's twice the number of solders who died in a year at the height of the Vietnam War. Another article stated that the total number of deaths of children whose parents relied on religion over a 10 year period was 120. The truth is, medicine is an art, not a science. It's the AMA that has a real problem and people are turning to spiritual and alternative means of healing in droves because it works and is safer. And we are to prosecute them for this?

Stanson (Oklahoma City)

Im 15 years old and i would rather suffer all my life and make it to heaven.Than rather have an awesome life and burn in hell for eternity. If you think about it God is all powerful.He knows more about you than doctors ever will know.If he wants you to live you will live and if he wants you to die you are going to die no matter what you do or where you go.It is by far better to suffer with God than go to a doctor. It brings you close to God and shows him you trust him with everything you have including your life.

Ellen (Ballwin, MO)

My husband and I happily raised five children through sole reliance on God to meet their every need. We didn't DEPRIVE THEM of medical treatment. We DID OFFER them the BEST HELP available and had healings of every sort imaginable. Most responsible Christian Science parents ask their children what kind of help they want when they are old enough to make such a decision and most children who have learned first hand of the omnipotence and ever presence of God CHOOSE to trust God, who is a very tangible divine Love, to care for them.

Neele De Wulf (Studio City, CA)

It is not a question of withholding but of providing the best possible environment and care of our children at the time of need. Besides ones deep convictions common sense should also be considered. I have relied solely on prayer sucessfully for myself and my family since I was born for every ailments. Yet my children and I go to the dentist because I have not quite figured out how to handle tooth decay with prayer. It can be done I have seen it, but my conviction about it has not reached enough faith to handle it with prayer alone.

J. Beck (Cedarburg, WI)

To use the term "withhold" implies self-will to me. As a parent that chose spiritual healing using Christian Science to raise her children, I would say I chose the best care I knew. And always with successful, happy results!

Ralph Wiggum (Springfield)

COOL Eddie Murphy! I loved that movie. Especially when the kid kept on farting. Please tell me more about Nutty Professor II.

Ed Murphy (not telling)

I think we should shoot the stupid person who wrote this question. Wasting all my time on this stupid web site when I could be writing the script for Nutty Professor II. It'll be HUGE.

Chris Mannis (Wichita)

It is absolutley amazing to me that in a country that protects the "right" to abortion, pornography, and now is considering legalizing drugs in some form, that someone could even contemplate refusing religious freedoms. Talk about calling "evil good and good evil".

Jim (Richmond)

Children have the right to be healed, not just treated. No responsible health system guarantees healing 100% of the time. Therefore, no one system should be legislated for all people. The right of choice is fundamental to a free society. Prayer can be administered effectively and safely. I'm able to walk normally today because my loving, fair-minded parents allowed me to choose prayer for healing when I was crippled by a rheumatic condition of t

Herchel Kruschev (small village in RUSSIA)

a yu peeple r insain. hear in RUSSIA we ah dying of hungar when yu wory abut Mededical and religion problums. pleese send money about 50000 rubles

Gary G. (small village)

Your question is way to vague. Well if a kid needed his head cut off and his parents said "no" thats OK to me. But if a kid needed a Hammer stuck into his groin thats another story.

Eric (Oklahoma City, Ok)

How can we profess to believe in separation of church and state, and turn around and let the state rule the church? Through my faith in God, I have been able to witness many miracles. I have seen cancers healed, and I myself once suffered from convulsions as a child. Anyone that believes a parent who trusts in God for healing is committing a crime is wrong. We love our children, and want to see the best for them. If God sees fit to heal them, we are blessed. If God does not see fit to heal them, they are blessed with a much more beautiful home, than our present home.

todd (arlington, VA)

I am so very grateful that so many people have seen through the controversy this question is attempting to create. The question itself is very flawed. How can you ever force parents to subscribe to one way of thinking when they have found another to be more sufficient? You can not. You can also not hold one way of healing responsible for the outcome of their efforts while keeping another method above the law. The true crime would be to not let parents adequately raise their children in the belief system they have found to best allow their children to grow, both physically and mentally.

Julie Hansen (Vancouver, WA)

Let me be brief: prayer heals. Throughout my life, I have witnessed and experienced countless healings through the use of prayer, and prayer alone. I am so grateful that my parents saw and acknowledged the power and efficacy of God's love. And should I become a parent, I couldn't imagine a more effective, or complete method of health care for my child, then prayer. Christian Science treatment heals.

Lonnie (Boston)

Ed Specht (Cambria, CA)

Our family has depended upon prayer for physical and emotional healing since the early 1920's. My brother, sister and I were like other children of the 50's and 60's. When sitations arose, our parents turned to prayer for help. We need to be careful as a society...to sanction "CHOICE" for abortion...and "LAW" for those seeking that same kind of choice in meeting human needs. Does the medical community claim to "heal" all who turn to it for help? I think not. If the record is made known, many people die in hospitals of mistakes made by physicians and incorrect perscriptions with death as the "side effect." I doubt that the record would show the same loss of life by those relying of prayer and spiritual means alone for healing. Be careful what we make "law." History is full of oppression and hate divised in the hearts of evil men. Individual Freedom and Liberty stand guard in America against such tyrrany.

Greg (St. Louis)

All my life, I have relied solely on the power of God to heal me whenever a physical problem presented itself. My wife and I are both committed to providing the very best care for our children, which we have proven on countless occasions to be prayer and the spritualization of thought. I strongly believe that parents and children alike must maintain their constitutional right to choose the type of care which best suits their belief system and their practical experience. The power of spiritual healing, as demonstrated by Jesus, has been documented in modern life for over 100 years. I am very grateful to be an American - to have the freedom to choose my religion as well as the best method of care for myself and my family.

Gary (Idyllwild, CA)

Perhaps a better, less biased question would ask, "Should it be a crime for parents to choose to rely on spiritual healing for their children?" Unless we are ready to throw out the constitution of the U.S., we had best not legislate away the religious freedom the founders of this country were seeking in fleeing their homelands. Finally, this poll's question begs a couple more questions: Do children ever die under the best care that medical science can provide? And if so, are the parents then held accountable for choosing medical care for their children? Maybe it's time that wider acceptance is given to the demonstrable fact that relying on the scientific, spiritual truth of God's law heals. It certainly has in my family for many generations.

Louise G (Santa Maria, Ca.)

I grew up in the Christian Science Church. All my life I was healed faster from mumps, measles, etc. than anyone that went to a Dr. When my first daughter was born, I had toxemia so bad the Dr. just gave up and told me prayer would be the only thing that would save us. She is now grown with 4 children. Prayer performs miracles all the time.

Julie (Olympia, WA)

My parents relied exclusively on prayer for me and my sister as children. We were healed of measles, mumps and broken bones. I remember receiving perfect attendance records from school every year. Our health was excellent, and when it wasn't, there was quick healing based on scientific prayer. If I had children I would certainly turn to God as their first and foremost physician.

Sara (Brookline, MA)

Prayer has been the sole method of treatment for my 6 1/2 year old son -- he had an overnight healing of measles during early childhood and has had experienced quick healings of influenza. As a result of prayer alone, I childbirth was a quick and completely painless experience for me.

Sallyann Bouwens (Cedarburg, Wisconsin)

I can happily and gratefully testify that in my several decades I have seen a wide range of diseases healed through prayer and spiritual understanding of God's love for His creation. These include rhumatic fever, yellow jaudice,and cancer. Effects of injuries sustained in accidents and athletics have also been healed. I believe in the power of prayer to heal all needs.

Barb W. (Mesa, Az.)

Eighteen years ago, my son was totally healed through prayer alone of chronic asthma, which medical science still considers to be incurable.

Alan Messmer (Watertown, MA)

Although the tragic stories of loved ones lost while others prayed have made headlines, (mostly large headlines), the successes have largely gone unnoticed because largely unreported. Anecdote originally meant ìnot published.î The successes due to prayer alone are in the thousands, many thousands. And they have not always gone unpublished. The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel have for a hundred years published healings from prayer alone. To discount these reports would be to discount the credibility of people who love their children, contribute to the community and want to preserve the rights of all mankind. These healings are not anecdotes. They are the result prayer and the right to pray.

Gail (St. Paul, MN)

Children are gifted with parents who were once children themselves and grew and learned. As we learn what is good in life it is only natural to pass it along to their children. Each of us wishes to improve things in our children's lives. How can it be wrong to do what we have discovered to be the best way of doing that? And why is it necessary to change our constitutional freedom of religion to create a law that requires parents to use a method of healing which they do not choose when they know by demonstration that theirs will do the job. Legislating medical treatment when we can't get enough funding to pay for treatment for those who can't afford it seems ridiculous. Instead let us learn why and how the religious means of healing provide enough demonstration to keep people using them.

John Torrenti (Orange,Connecticut)

I think it is terrible for parents to withhold medical treatment for religous reasons. I am 11 and if I were dying from some disease and it could be cured I wouldn't want to just suffer and I don't think it is fair for people to have to suffer from religous reasons. I'm not too religous but I sure don't think God would want us to suffer for "religous reasons!!!"

Scott (Austin, TX.)

Mainstream medicine is an unfolding art, not a pure science. By no means does it have a perfect record of healing. This shouldn't diminish our gratitude for the contribution and humanity of so many in the medical profession. But to criminally charge parents who honestly choose alternative means for caring for their children's health is unjust. Let the healing record of an alternative approach speak to it's soundness and utility before passing judement on it. If we're wise we'll resist the temptation to enshrine mainstream medicine as truth, when in fact it's only a search.

Scott (Austin, TX.)

Mainstream medicine is an unfolding art, not a pure science. By no means does it have a perfect record of healing. This shouldn't diminish our gratitude for the contribution and humanity of so many in the medical profession. But to criminally charge parents who honestly choose alternative means for caring for their children's health is unjust. Let the healing record of an alternative approach speak to it's soundness and utility before passing judement on it. If we're wise we'll resist the temptation to enshrine mainstream medicine as truth, when in fact it's only a search.

Tony (Sacramento)

As a new father and practicing Christian I can understand why people feel that prayer is enough to heal. I agree that god and faith can perform miracles , but to actually deny a child the opportunity to be healed by other methods that have been proven to work should be criminal. God created man and thus ideas and inventions that benefit and can heal man are, if not directly, then indirectly, from god. God has not kept the gift of healing to himself, he has endowed man with a brain to help in his own healing. Life is precious and to allow a child to suffer and/or even die because a religious rule says a practice is not allowed is insane. Life itself is more sacred than any religious rule or regulation.

Steve Konold (Austin, TX)

The right to choose is the greatest gift we have been given as citizens of the United States. It is unfortunate that the very government that supports "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" consistently contradicts itself while trying to formulate public policy. A government has no right under any circumstance to mandate how a parent should care for their child if no law has been broken. The United States has always enjoyed mixing politics and religion and this is another attempt for special interests to gain control of freedom of speech and religion. There is no crime committed for a parent to choose what THEY feel is the best possible method of health care for their child whether it be medicine, prayer, or any other practice deemed important.

Dan (Milford, Mich)

I question the motive of anyone seeking to enforce their value system on others thru legal means. How would those who trust our medical system today feel if made to prove in a court setting why a child was lost under medical care? One would hope that all parents want only the very best for all children. I am a third generation believer in the power of prayer to heal every problem life hands out. In over 50 years I have never found it to fail if used properly.

Dan (NH)

I think that a family should only get the care that they seek out. If they want the care for there child, more power to them and if they do not want the care, for religious reasons, more power to them. This is supposed to be a free country, doesn't that include freedom of choice?? That would include CHOOSING medical assistance. The government in no way should have any input on it.

K.D. McKibben (Sacramento, CA)

No one should ever be forced into doing something they are uncomfortable with, be it prayer or medicine. I spent my whole childhood trusting prayer for my well-being and trusting my mother's decisions regarding my well-being and we were entirely sucessful.

Rick Harris (Ashland)

Every parent should have the right to choose that method of treatment for their children that is effective, consistent, and loving. Spiritual Healing has a long history of providing consistently effective treatment to people of all ages. No one should be forced to accept treatment they do not believe in--either parents or their children.

C. J. Nelden (White Lake, MI)

As a parent who has raised three children with very little medical assistance, having relied on scientific, spiritual prayer, I can attest to the fact that I was not being negligent. I simply went to the method that I had found in my own childhood to be the most beneficial, safe, and loving. I would no more choose another parent's method than I would have them select for me. Lukemia, petite mal seizures, broken bones, the usual childhood illnesses, drug and alcohol abuse are only a few of the many challenges that have been met in our children during our 25 years of having them in our home. My confidence in spiritual healing is cemented.

Marsha Harris (Mi-Wuk Village, California)

It's not a question of WITHHOLDING. It's a question of what is the best and most effective care for the child. Parents should not be required to give medical treatment any more than they should be required to give prayerful treatment. It should be an individual choice.

O. Thomas (Watertown, Mass.)

No parent should fail to act vigorously on his child's behalf if his child is ill. But no parent should be -- in effect -- legally bound to abandon nonmedical, religious treatment that has been proved to be effective.

Linda Herring (Ashland)

The current poll question about withholding medical treatment for religious reasons does not adequately address this complex issue. The majority of loving parents would not think of withholding something they believed would most effectively heal their child. That's why parents who have witnessed the healing power of spiritual, scientific prayer choose prayer over medicine for their families. It's not a matter of withholding, but of providing the best possible care.

X (X)

About Oscar.... its ungrateful. the best movie is Central Station and The Best actress is Fernanda Montenegro. This Oscar Party is only for People of closed mind. Party isnot for Cinema Art. thanks by this space. Ps- Brazillian movie is the best because it have little money and big art.

X (X)

About Oscar.... its ungrateful. the best movie is Central Station and The Best actress is Fernanda Montenegro. This Oscar Party is only for People of closed mind. Party isnot for Cinema Art. thanks by this space.

Don Webb (Baileys Crossroads, Virginia)

As medical science improves health opportunities, we should not be afraid to act as humans who are seeking a better life through knowledge and experience.