Follow-up question: To people who think that children should have pain and handicaps because....?

Question

...it's good for them and inspiring to society as a whole (I swear I am not making these positions up, check my previous questions before you say "No one would say that!"), I do have a few more questions:

1. Do you take your children to the doctor at all or do you only consider uncurable illnesses to be character-building and inspiring?

2. Do you oppose scientific research currently going on in order to find a cure for these character-building and societally inspiring handicaps?

For the atheists passing by, I need an honest opinion: I keep getting told by the Christians that I sound angry. Do I sould angry to you? I'm honestly just puzzled, but I don't want to come off as sounding angry.

Answer 1

You are asking honest questions. Christians and theists are often angered by such embarrassing questions, which they then project on you (you must be angry to cause them to become angry). That's a common psychological phenomenon.

Answer 2

This is a very complex question, so I will have to answer it in parts. God created man in his image? O.k. this is going to be a little deep answer. God created our spirit in his image then used the Earth to create our bodies. No our bodies are not in God's image, but our spirit is. Why does God make children with handicaps? People have blaimed God for many things including handicaps. The truth is he only created 2 bodies (Adam and Eve). He still creates spirits, but not our bodies. Throughout time we have done many things to our bodies and the Earth. These things are the cause of things like disabilities. Yes, even years of prescription pills have caused this. No there is nothing we can do about it right now, these things have been passed down and passed down and the atmosphere is not going to get any better. Why does he leave them in pain? God gave us free will. He can not do anything that goes against free will. Since we had the free will to do these things to our bodies and to the Earth he can not stop us from the reprocutions. It's like if you killed somebody God can not stop you from going to prison. The only thing he can do for you is give you advice.

Answer 3

Nah, you don't sound angry. Your making people uncomfortable and that may be making them angry.

I'm being more atheist every day. I say yes to stem-cell research. No, my child shouldn't have to deal with being autistic out a false sense of godliness. Go out and swing with him then, Christians.

It isn't just religion that has made these handicaps societally inspiring. I finally threw the book at Doreen Virtue (our resident Angel Practitioner for her rather less than limited understanding of autism in her Crystal children, book).

My aforementioned view of my son sitting out there on his swing all the time, alone just didn't match up with the rather romantic view of these chemical imbalances that are being described by the Spiritual community.

ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder are not inspiring. Yet, many have made them so and have actually sought to have opinions that we should just leave these higher evolved people alone.

If they are unhappy, they don't evolve to their fullest potential and leaving them alone doesn't cut it. So, says experience.

Praying doesn't cut it.
Painting a pretty picture doesn't cut it.
Reality is, they need our help and making this a religious or a spiritual issue isn't going to cut it.

Science, research, has to move forward and fast. Before we are dealing with a whole world population of people who haven't received the help that they need.

Answer 4

Coming from someone who has such a child, your question is loaded, however, I know you do not mean any insensitivity.

There are handicapped people mentioned in the Bible. If you read about their lives, they had very special purposes. Now, you have two ways you can look at handicaps--from man's perspective, and curse God for causing such things. Or God's perspective where EVERYTHING He does has purpose and meaning. I choose the latter.

We took our son to doctors and specialists, but because it is neurological, there is nothing we can do. However, because of the disorder, we can minister to other parents who have a child like ours and provide comfort, understanding, and show how it is analogous to how God loves us inspite of our handicaps and disorders in the realm of the spiritual. It is there that we are ALL handicapped, but God loves us anyway.

Answer 5

I think I was one of those that you're referring to. Allow me to clarify:

If all it would take to cure my child of a painful handicap is to take them to a doctor, then of course I would do that, no matter the cost. I don't believe that God gave us brains just to waste them. We're SUPPOSED to look for cures, and we're supposed to use them.

However, if it required something a bit more..."supernatural," THEN it would depend.

And no, you don't sound angry. You sound puzzled, and rightly so. I don't think I was very clear on my previous answer.

Not taking a child to a doctor when they need one should be considered child abuse.

Answer 6

Sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder, yes.

I don't think God gives anyone incurable diseases for the good of society. I don't think He gives anybody diseases at all. We live in a fallen, diseased world by no fault of God. It was Adam and Eve's choice, they disobeyed God (short version).

I believe your reference to "character building" is a positive result from the support God gives those inflicted with diseases. Diseases this world inflicts on everyone living.

I believe God gave certain people (doctors, nurses, researchers, etc.) intelligence, and compassion to help combat this world's diseases. Do you think God was against Dr. Salk, or Mme. Curie?

It does sound like you are taking a shot at God/Christians using the actions of some radical groups as a basis for your questions.

Answer 7

You sound like someone with some real issues and hurt that is working a hissy fit up if they don't watch out. Release that anger and pain and move on, the Christians can't hurt you anymore.

Answer 8

Not at all. You sound perfectly honest and caring person. You have all the rights to ask anything and doubt anything.

And you're doing great job! Keep 'em comin' pal...

My opinion is that prayers are granted at success rate same as the gifts of Santa Claus.

Answer 9

i don't think you're angry. (but i'm not atheist)

i come here to try and understand other people's beliefs. many tough questions only get circle answers that don't actually answer anything.

Answer 10

Oh my, people have actually said that? I've heard it all.
My sister (mental retardation)had the hardest life there is...I wouldn't want to wish it on anyone.