re: #84 BeachDem

Since the topic is religion—conversation I had yesterday with very devout Christian friend. Subject was a mutual acquaintance’s new baby grandson who was born with a rare, usually fatal disease.

Friend: We all prayed and our prayers worked—the baby is going to survive against all odds.

Me: I would never deny your belief in the power of prayer, but perhaps some credit should go to the amazing medical team who treated the baby, and, you know, science.

Friend: Oh, they were wonderful, but it was God who made sure they were in position to provide that treatment.

Me—not wanting to lose friend—silent, shaking head and thinking—if God is so powerful, why wouldn’t he have kept the baby from being born with the disease in the first place?

Sigh.

I see that on the news all the time. Someone is in a horrible accent, gets shot, or conjoined twins are separated - all due to heroic efforts from medical teams and support - and familes thank god. No mention of who was really responsible or thanks there. Makes me crazy enough to shout at the teevee.