> I think you should try to dissuade them - I never
>meant to suggest otherwise. But in the end, they still must make the decision
>without anyone forcing something on them. (unless they are minors or for some
>reason unfit to make decisions for themselves)
I agree, but I thinking your missing the subtleties here. His religious belief
system was "forced" on him since birth. He was never in a position to make
an objective choice. (Not that anyone is.) Even if I tried, I doubt very much
that I could have converted him to a scientific belief system in his last
months.
As it was, his faith sustained him and his immediate family. No-one was sad
to see
him die (except us atheists), they couldn't be happier that he was chosen for
a higher purpose. Perhaps receiving medical treatment could have saved him,
but not necessarily. What if I managed to destroy his faith and he died
anyway?
Does the situation still look black and white to you?
[big snip]
>It seems to me that in your case, communication was the only viable option
- what
>other action could have been taken that still respects his right to free
will?
I wasn't considering any other type of action.
-- David McFadzean david@lucifer.com Memetic Engineer http://www.lucifer.com/~david/ Church of Virus http://www.lucifer.com/virus/