WASHINGTON, Nov 3, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Among provisions in the U.S. Senate version of healthcare reform is language that would require insurers to consider prayer treatments as medical expenses.
The language -- which would bar discrimination against "religious and spiritual healthcare" -- would put Christian Science prayer treatments on the same plane as clinical medicine, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. The Church of Christ, Scientist isn't mentioned specifically in the bill language.
The provision was inserted by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, with the support of Democratic Sens. John F. Kerry and the late Edward M. Kennedy, both of Massachusetts, home of the church's headquarters.
Phil Davis, a senior Christian Science official, told the Times prayer treatment is an valuable alternative to conventional healthcare.
"We are making the case for this, believing there is a connection between healthcare and spirituality," Davis said.
Critics said the measure could bestow medical legitimacy on practices beyond the realm of science, the Times said.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the chance to receive payment for spiritual care could encourage other groups to seek similar status.
"This would be an absolute invitation to organize," Gaylor said.
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You are the most arrogant man on beliefnet news, Ck. Don't presume to know I don't use prayer, and that I put down my Lord. Words like you throw here at people you've made your mind up over is rude, and unacceptable. I'm not a "so-called Christian", and neither is Jest. We could use all kinds of mean innuendos about you, but we don't. I think your words as a Christian would drive away many, not draw them.
ck
I am not saying that prayer has no value or use. If anything I am saying it is indeed priceless - as in should have no financial amounts attached to it. The wording of this provisions vague enough to create innumerable headaches when it comes to health regulations and the safety of the people - especially from charlatans and scoundrels that prey upon people who are vulnerable. The purpose to law is to protect people, not set them for crooks to take advantage of the situation. This thing has to be thought through very carefully because you know the miscreants and criminals will find loopholes that will work only to their own advantage.
You seem to be assuming the worst without realizing you and I are coming form similar perspectives.
And why are all these postings in italics?
Yes, cknuck, no one is saying prayer doesn't help folks...I don't think folks disagree with that...even I don't, Pagan that I am. But don't have health insurance companies paying for someone to pray a person "well", as honestly I don't think that is possible without some medical assistance. And as mentioned above by jestrfyl, this leaves a wonderful hole for jerks to take advantage of those who are ill. Many already do...so do we need insurance companies to pay them to take advantage of sick folks? No.
jest I understand the article and thank you for trying to help me understand it. I know this is not going to fly it's silly. I was referring to my take and you and H22's indications on prayer and the fact I rarely see any evidence from you two as self proclaimed Christians and the power of prayer or who to pray to. I should have been more clear I often because of hurry because i am in between doing something. I am not trying to be mean but I think that when both you and H22 preach your God is a casual God whose view on salvation is so casual why bother. That in my eyes is a more dangerous than atheist or pagans ever could be. No I don't give credence to half of the stuff that comes up so as far as insurance companies paying for prayer, what do you think? Pretty much a no brainer right? Just because I don't agree with you and H22 and I really don't agree with you does not mean I don't love you.
blessings
jest the italicized thing is weird huh?
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