F is for Faith Healing and Also for Farce
Marci and Jeff Beagley are charged with criminally negligent homicide in the June 2008 death of their son, Neil, from complications resulting from a urinary tract blockage that could have been treated.
The Beagleys are members of the Followers of Christ, an unorthodox offshoot of the Pentacostal Church, who believe in a literal interpretation of The Bible including in the power of Faith Healing.
In the context of Pentecostal Christianity, Faith Healing is the use of prayer and laying on of hands to cure illness. Unlike many other churches which include faith healing as part of their doctrine, the Followers refuse all forms of medicine and professional medical care. The church practices shunning of those who violate or challenge church doctrine, including those who seek medical treatment.
In 1999 the Oregon Legislature pass a law to limit faith healing as a legal defense following a public outcry over the deaths of children of church members.
Oregon: Faith Healers Found Guilty (NY Times)
Ore. parents found guilty of neglecting ill son (Washington Times)
Tags: faith healing
