That is the true power of religion in our society, If you hear voices you are insane but if you are talking with God it is viable. Of if some one greets their guardian angel. I get a kick out of the conservatives who are latent homosexual and preach purity of the genders. This is classic, it scares me so much I am tempted, ergo remove the temptation.

Now tRump is starting this crap about people in the medical field who have religious objections to parts of their job being able to refuse without consequence. That is such hogwash. In an abortion clinic, part of the nurse's job is to assist with abortions---if she or he won't do that, s/he can't do the job and shouldn't be hired. People who refuse to treat LGBQT people shouldn't be in the medical field, IMO. I say that as a health care professional. I treat people who are religious nuts, and treat them with kindness, so they can damn well suck up their self-righteousness and do their job! I can't understand parents who let their children die rather than get them to a doctor in time. That's so illogical it does seem bordering on mental illness.

It is pretty clear to me where the line was always drawn. Most believers act exactly like atheists in their daily life - they drive carefully, take out insurance, go to doctor for physicals and when sick, rely on their work and nit just prayers. You cannot see any difference. When their beliefs impact reality - not letting their children go see doctors, wants polygamy, deny their children education etc, then the state intervenes. In short, if you talk to God you're praying, but when God talks back, you are delusional. And if God should tell you to do something illegal, you're in jail.

On the one hand I think parents should be the guardians of their children. On the other hand I think most adults should have training to become parents. I'm sure I don't want the government involving themselves in my family connections. Most government policies are reactive, not proactive. If a child dies, and negligence can be shown; then they should be prosecuted. (and yes, I know that raises more issues on our legal system).

When theists insist on praying for one even after being told no several times. I look at it at some form of abuse. A nurse in this country got sacked for forcing prayer onto patients. In my opinion, she needed to stop practicing until she got the much needed help

You present a hard question. I have observed mental illness created out of religion. As for what can be done about people who refuse to get medical attention for children...that must be handled by legal action. Because, these parents can't get passed a belief system, that holds them hostage. We still protect the vulnerable in this country...at least in theory, coupled with a little action, here and there! Education is being 'dumbed down,' now that we have DeVos...who knows what it will be like, if she is there 3 more years? This is too much to contemplate all at once...

I think by the time you get to snake handling or Christian Science treatments for children, you're at the line. When you get to suttee, you're way over it.

Isn't it the same? Speaking in tongues! Talking to god!

Where it harms anyone outside of the believer.

When it comes to medical care, religion is flatly dangerous! There is the line of thinking that parents have the religious freedom to make choices for their children. When they deprive their children the medical care they need because a myhtical sky daddy might help their kids, its gone too far. What about the kids right to life? Why isnt the kids futures taken into account? These kids are forced to die due to their parents delusions? This is pure bullcrap.

Yes, I agree. But who's going to draw the line ?

Hmmm... when you start doing things because some ethereal sky-daddy supposedly told some mud-hut dweller several thousand years ago to do something? That seems like a pretty solid line. This side... questionable mental stability... that side... crazy as a shit-house mouse and should be put away for the safety of all parties involved.