James: abuse in religion comes in many forms. This particular case ended up being physically manifested (death is pretty physical, although it may also be considered both emotional and spiritual). The fact that this is an extreme example does not absolve religion of the ongoing emotional & spiritual abuse that is the norm in all religions. I will agree with you that it is not inherent in all religions, but the way that religion is practiced is often abusive.

Prayer can have its place. Its effects on the brain are very well documented. However, prayer advised by religion can often be stupid at best, deadly in this case.

Kara’s death has especially bothered me. A couple of ironic quotes from the police chief:

Speaking about Kara’s siblings, who have been removed by the state from their home:

“There is no physical evidence of abuse or neglect”

and about the possibility of pressing charges:

“There is no intent. They didn’t want their child to die. They thought what they were doing was the right thing,” he said. “They believed up to the time she stopped breathing she was going to get better. They just thought it was a spiritual attack. They believed if they prayed enough she would get through it.”

This, to me, is the scary bit. I want to have some compassion towards these parents, to understand their situation better, but they should not be excused for believing the wrong thing. The dangers and the insanity of faith-healing should be highlighted and trumpeted from the Internet equivalent of rooftops, not justified and explained away as understandable, forgivable behavior.