Changes

Other groups have a more controversial doctrine.  For instance [[Christian Scientist]]s don't believe in illness, seeing it as a manifestation of a spiritual battle.  There have been cases of deaths that have resulted where it is believed that modern medical care could have cured the condition.  Christian Scientists report that their methods actually result in higher rates of positive results on average, although there are no formal studies that have been done that would be acceptable within the scientific community.

Other groups have a more controversial doctrine.  For instance [[Christian Scientist]]s don't believe in illness, seeing it as a manifestation of a spiritual battle.  There have been cases of deaths that have resulted where it is believed that modern medical care could have cured the condition.  Christian Scientists report that their methods actually result in higher rates of positive results on average, although there are no formal studies that have been done that would be acceptable within the scientific community.

Occasionally religious practitioners will take it upon themselves to set their own standards and forego medical care while relying on prayer.  This is frowned upon by most organized religious institutions, which cite the doctrine of [[cessationism]] against such practice.  In at least one case this has led to criminal charges when a couple who had not gone to church in years chose this path.  Their child died and it was determined that the death could have been prevented by modern medicine.<ref>''[http://wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/WDH0101/80428118/1981 Update: DA: Parents were aware girl could die]''. Wausau Daily Herald. April 28, 2008 </ref>  

Occasionally religious practitioners will take it upon themselves to set their own standards and forego medical care while relying on prayer.  This is frowned upon by most organized religious institutions, which cite the doctrine of [[cessationism]] against such practice.  In at least one case this has led to criminal charges when a couple who had not gone to church in years chose this path.  Their child died and it was determined that the death could have been prevented by modern medicine.<ref>''[http://wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/WDH0101/80428118/1981 Update: DA: Parents were aware girl could die]''. Wausau Daily Herald. April 28, 2008</ref>  

==Faith healing and the Bible==

==Faith healing and the Bible==

Believers in faith healing believe that the following [[Bible]] passages support it:

Believers in faith healing believe that the following [[Bible]] passages support it: