Coloradomtnman
Rational and proud of it.
Yes, since atheists don't understand the spiritual and can't prove faith healing does not work, all they can offer is silly opinion.Absolutely connected.
When you are in your silly atheist mode, you are simply silly, LN.
No.
Prayer and medical attention should both be used, but those on the far sides of the issue who ignore both alternatives have only silly comments to offer.
I agree with you that as an atheist I don't understand the spiritual (though I would argue that neither do those that follow organized religion), I think the more important point is that although we can't prove that faith healing doesn't work (since one can not prove a negative) believing in faith healing despite any evidence that it does work is irrational.
When has faith healing regrown an amputated limb, or deformity or disfigurement? When has faith healing fixed a birth defect? When has it cured HIV, diabetes, or a chronic disease such as Hep C or a degenerative disease? When has it cured paralysis, blindness or deafness? Where are the studies, peer-reviewed journals, medical papers, or medical science research institutes that support faith healing claims?
As of now, faith healing has as much credibility as new age homeopathy with crystals, voodoo remedies, and wiccan potions.
I don't rule faith healing out as a possible alternative to modern medical science, but currently the evidence for it is very much lacking and there is no logical reason to be convinced it works.
Science has proven results. In this era of modernity, those who reject scientifically proven treatment for their children which results in a child's harm or death should be prosecuted. The state has an interest in protecting children.