Herbert and Catherine Schaible were on probation for the 2009 death of their child after he became sick and they refused to take him to the doctor. They prescribe to a Christian sect that believes in faith healing and have not been to a doctor themselves in a long time. They lost their 8-month-old son last week after he was suffering from diarrhea and breathing problems for over a week.
Faith healing doesn't work, medical science does. This is simply a fact and the conditions that the children died from were very treatable. The boy who died in 2009 suffered from coughing, congestion, crankiness and a loss of appetite.
The parents are grieving, and I'm sure it is genuine. I don't think anyone would argue that their feelings are not real. However, in cases like this, the argument needs to be brought up: Why to we give religion a pass often when they believe silly things?
Authorities are waiting to press charges until after the autopsy of the child but they will be charged with something. But what is the appropriate level they should be charged? Is it manslaughter because they didn't mean to kill their son? Is it child neglect? I don't think prayer can be considered adequate attention to the child's health. Maybe it will be a combination of charges.
There is no excuse for these beliefs in 2013. This couple killed their son, end of story. Their inaction is inexcusable and should be punished. They certainly demonstrate that Christian fundamentalism is alive and well in America.
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