This is fairly big news around here. I live about 25 miles south of Mt. Vernon. This situation is a very tough one considering the different viewpoints whether it be religious, legal, or basic logic. Obviously being an XJW I have my personal feelings about the teachings of JW's and the brainwashing that goes on within the organization, especially when it comes to adolescents and children. Purplesofa, I don't think Dory could relate to the point you were trying to make in regards to the twisted teachings and logic the witnesses preach to their followers and the consequences the followers will face if they don't abide by the rules, and the pressure that's put on them to abide by the rules. What's sad is that next months the new Watchtower could state that the governing body has decided blood transfusions are not considered to be consuming blood any longer and it's ok now!
One question is whether or not this 14 year old had the maturity to make a life or death decision regarding his own life. I can remember being eleven or twelve years old and being able to go door to door by myself and speak to adults and quote scriptures with conviction. Looking back now I know I didn't have a clue about what I was talking about nor did I realize how mislead I was. For the judge to have a short conversation and come to the determination that he was a mature minor, is rediculous. This kid had a troubled family whos parents are drug addicts. He moves in with his aunt who takes him to meetings where he begins to feel loved and accepted. Of course this 14 year old is going to accept the Witnesses teachings. He's finally found a family.
Another question is whether or not the state should be so involved in our lives to the point where the state is dictating our religious and personal beliefs and forcing us to do things to our own person that we do not wish to do. I'm not a big fan of having the government involved in my personal life. But, part of the beauty of our civil society is that the state is there to protect us and its' primary responsibility is to protect it's citizens. In this case, where do you draw the line when it comes to protecting a citizen, and personal privacy? I don't think the judge had enough information to make the judgment he did and should have aired on the side of caution and given this kid a chance to live.
If you look at the big picture it's amazing how religion and religious beliefs can cloud even the smartest of people. Because of religion a 14 year old boy can refuse medical help which results in death. Jewish sects in the US are allowed to pass VD from a mans mouth to a childs genitals and in some cases cause death to some of these children without any threat of criminal charges being sought. Thousands of children are moletsted every year by their religious leaders and the perpetraters have little to no threat of consequences by our state government and authorities. Thousounds of young girls around the world have their genitals mutilated as part of religous acts. So many of our government leaders, who are in most cases very smart people, will allow their own logic to be distorted because of religious beliefs and the freedom everyone is suppossed to have in expressing them. It's sad religion has such a grip on the world.