Jail terms for faith healing pair

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I thought this story I read on the BBC website yesterday was rather interesting.

In short, a couple whose daughter had an undiagnosed but treatable diabetic condition let their daughter die whilst praying for her healing instead of seeking medical attention which would have saved her life.

Her parents were both sentenced to serve one month in prison each year for the next six years.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8294225.stm

Now, I cannot fathom how this logic is supposed to work. I am not a man of faith so to speak, but when people rely on faith to substitute for personal responsibility, well, I'm lost.

To me it seems self evident that if people believe God, Allah, <insert deity of choice here> provides everything, knows everything, and is generally almighty, then surely they also provided the doctors, medical facilities and any other means we have in this day and age to help ourselves? To not avail ourselves of the help that is already provided and instead rely on direct divine intervention, well is it just me, or is this an incredibly self centered view which mocks their god rather than anything else?

Hmm

 

Wait...WTF? Why not just give them 6 months straight? Doesn't seem like much of punishment to me....

Prisoner - "Hey, warden! My time is up!"
Warden - "Oh, ok...see you next year..."
Prisoner - "Same time, same place?"
Warden - "Yep."
Prisoner - "Ok, see ya!"
Warden - *opens the gates and waves goodbye*

 

Viking,
the sentence probably takes into account that they have other children and that putting the parents into jail for a long time would adversely affect the children. The parents are probably good, loving parents, except for being too crazy for Jesus for their own and their children's good. This creative verdict is apparently influenced by a desire to protect the children as much as to punish the parents.

In addition to the sequenced jail time the judge mandated adult supervision.

I also think the parents are idiots for appealing against their convictions. They got off lightly (I'd liked to have them get more tome) and should leave it at that.

 

I actually quite like the logic of the sentence, though the time in total seems rather lenient.

It was more of a question as to how can people get so blinded by their religion that they ignore any other means of assistance?

Just as an aside, since last time I was visiting these boards, I have had a daughter who is now just over two, and I know I would be knocking down the doctor's door to get my daughter seen to if I was in their position. My little girl is gorgeous by the way, thanks for asking, and I'm completely non biased

 

I have a 2-year old as well, but I have a boy. I also agree with you, that nearly any parent would seek medical attention for their child.

I think part of the reason for the light sentence (and I agree it is light) is that the parents actually believed they were doing the right thing. They actually believed praying was the best course of action, and that they did not intend to cause any further harm, and ultimately the death of, their daughter. While that does not absolve the parents from all guilt, I had to think it was considered a mitigation factor at their sentencing.

Upon appeal, is it possible that they get a worse sentence as a result?

 

As I said, the judge made sure the parents got adult supervision as far as medical treatment is concerned.

As for your question, in Germany the answer would be a classical 'it depends'. They could get a worse sentence if they appeal, and the prosecutor does as well, and seeks a harsher verdict.

 

We had another thread like this not long ago and, basically, yeah, you've got it about right. These people are nuts, idiots, or, worse, they're using faith as a shield for their own neglect. I'll give them a hint for the first two cases: going to a doctor doesn't get in the way of prayer! God can go there, too!

This is what I find shocking. After doing that, they're allowed to keep the other two? I don't care how much supervision the other children are given, that's taking a huge risk with their lives.