I’ll be the first person to admit that I’m an atheist. It’s not because I don’t believe in religions, or don’t like them, it’s simply because that is the way I was brought up, and I then chose to follow that.
But I do believe that when another human being is denied a crucial medical procedure because it goes against their family’s religion, that is taking things way too far. It is leaving a person suffering. It could be classed as murder. If a person wants to deny that medicine or procedure for themselves, it’s their choice, and they live with the consequences. But when the decision is made for a person, he or she is having a potentially life-saving act taken away from them against their will, it’s totally unacceptable.
In these situations, people should think about what sorts of things their religions stand for.
Everyone has the right to speak their mind and make their own decisions, so why diminish that right? You wouldn’t want people choosing your friends, or choosing your favourite food, or choosing which clothes you want to wear. So why let people chose your religion?
I admire people who follow a religion. I think it’s a commendable thing - it’s an amazing thing to believe in something. Belief is what keeps everyone happy, and the world turning. And if that’s what religion is doing, then great. But let people make their own decisions in this world. I’d hope that if I wanted to start following a religious path, that my family would let me, and be supportive of me. So maybe, before forcing an idea or belief onto your child or friend, let them make their own decisions. They may be different to yours, or they may be the same. But in the end, does it really matter? You are related to them, you love them. That’s all that matters.
Religion is all about choice, and everyone has a right to theirs.