A mother and her 13-year-old son are being sought by police today. The boy, who has cancer, is refusing chemo treatments that could save his life. Due to “religious convictions” the mother and son have refused and are using natural means to seek a cure. A local judge has ordered that the boy be found, placed in foster care, and admitted for more medical treatments. What’s your take? What’s a biblical view of this case?
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Joseph Ruiz on May 20, 2009 at 8:57 am
My first thought when reading this WOW! I don’t know where to begin on this topic and how to approach it from a biblical view. Would love to read what others views biblically are on this. In today’s world, this conversation can easily be argued productively from the Judge’s POV and the actual mom & son’s POV. All I can do right now is pray that God’s will be done and pray for health and safety for all involved. I’ll stay up to date on this. Another post later after reflection…
jamiesreid on May 20, 2009 at 10:22 am
Good points Joseph. I share your thoughts with regards to the question of how to approach this from a biblical view. My belief is that God would want us to do everything within our control to care for our children spiritually, mentally and physically. I have to do some research on scriptures that may be related to this topic. I look forward to hearing what others recommend in terms of approaching this issue from a biblical view.
PSRegina on May 21, 2009 at 6:58 am
I chose natural treatment when my doctor told me the tests showed I was fighting cancer. It was my choice, not the states nor a judges, but mine. I would make the same choice if any of my sons were given the same diagnosis if God gave me peace that it was the path He had for us.
As I read in Our Daily Bread this morning, Jesus is enough. As a mother, I lean on God for guidance, especially in raising my sons. If a parent is confident that God has chosen a path, it should be honored.
Society teaches that we are to conform to those few who determine what is the greater good. How many times did Jesus conform to what the few of His day dictated to be the greater good?
I admire this mother for being wiling to sacrifice her freedom for her belief that God holds her son in the palm of His hand. I pray God blesses her and her son in their journey.
deborahcave on May 21, 2009 at 10:35 am
The question would seem to be is the child old enough or at the age of responsibility to make his own decision. My first thought would be he is following his mother’s beliefs and trying to please her. They are now running from the law to prove a point. If they trusted God they would follow His laws in submitting themselves to those in authority over them. God I believe would honor that and use the means available to heal this child. In addition what is she teaching her child? That it’s ok to break the law if it’s what you really believe? That’s not Biblical nor is it God honoring.
Lightweaver on May 21, 2009 at 2:27 pm
We are born with free will. Who amongst us has the right to judge another? Who has the right to impose their will towards another? NT scripture says we are to obey civil law. However, there is room within its statutes to take religious beliefs into consideration when weighing answers to these questions. While I know from information and firsthand experience working in a children’s hospital that there is at least an 80% cure rate of most (not all) cancers in the pediatric population, I feel that if a child is of an age to know the difference from right and wrong, and to be able to understand a clinician’s explanation of treatment protocol, then this child is “accountable.” Even the word of God expresses the knowlege of right and wrong as being a deciding factor in guilt of sin, and acceptance of the gift of salvation. With this being said, we are back to the law. I do not feel because a child is of an accountable age that he or she is able to make a heavy-weighted decision that has a direct outcome on whether he/she lives or dies. Because, after all, he/she is a ‘child’ for all intents and purposes. Which now in turn puts the decision back on the parents.
How many children have died because they were Jehovah’s Witnesses and their parents wouldn’t permit blood transfusions? How many children have died because parents were Christian Scientists and wouldn’t permit treatment.
I feel parents have the ability in some religions to raise their children with twisted doctrine and therefore a child’s viewpoint would be tainted. With this being the case, I feel the judicial system should appoint an attorney for the child and it should go to court for the decision-making process.
Again, now we are back to who has the right to impose judgement or will upon another? The court does. Why? Because it is the civil authority that we are to live and abide by in our community. Is it right or fair? Who can say. Only those to disagree might choose to work to change the law, and until the law is changed, it is what it is.
Danya on May 21, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I know this may sound like a very simple answer, but I believe that God gave the doctors the knowledge and resources to help others. I believe their abilities come from God.
My mother has leukemia in stage 0, but along with doctor visits and prayer, I believe it will not advance.
leitermom on May 21, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I think there is a time and place for both medical doctors and natural methods. I try to combine both.
In this situation, as a mom, I would want what’s best for my son. It would be a hard decision. I would want him to be as comfortable as possible and to live as long as he can without pain.
That said, since a judge has made a decision, I believe I would have to follow the Bible regarding “obeying the laws of the land.” If the judge ruled that he get treatment, I would rather get him the treatment as ordered rather than give him up to foster care for treatment. It’s not a decision I would like, but ultimately, with support would succumb to.
I hope they make the right decision. Taking him on the run may be too exhausting.