Should we be paying “Christian Scientists” to pray for us?

Greetings.

Jewish date:  8 Kislew 5770 (Parashath Wayyeṣe’).

Today’s holidays:  Saint Day of Catherine of Alexandria (Roman Catholicism), Feast Day of Sir Edward Kelly (Thelema).

Worthy causes of the day:  “No more toxic BPA in our food” and “Include Behavior Analysts in Health Care Legislation | Petition2Congress |”.

NOTE:  I am putting off reviewing the latest episode of V until tomorrow because I was half-asleep last night when I watched it, and I plan on watching it again on Hulu so I can make a fair assessment.

Topic 1:  “Gilo in Perspective” and “Press TV Spreading Hate & Incitement”.  These HonestReporting articles deal with anti-Semitism in the news, including reporters failing to do basic fact-checking to figure out where Gilo is.  (Hint:  It is not in the eastern part of Jerusalem.)

Topic 2:  “Praying for healing, lobbying for a provision”.  Healthcare reform is in the works in the US Congress, and everybody knows it.  And the (inaccurately named) Christian Scientists are using this opportunity to try to get more money for themselves.  A tenet of Christian Science is faith-healing, a practice which does not work and which has resulted in preventable deaths.  Nevertheless, Christian Scientists want insurers to pay for them to pray to heal the sick.  Forget questions of separation of church and state.  Since faith-healing does not work, there is no point in wasting money on it.  Furthermore, the attitude that they have to be paid to pray for the sick is impious; “and you will love your neighbor as yourself” does not have a payment clause.

Peace.

Aaron