Shun Irrational Beliefs

Bini Dahal

Every religion is beautiful in its own unique way. However, certain beliefs and practices that are sometimes promoted by individuals in the name of religion are found quite problematic in nature. Such beliefs do not stem from the religion itself. Rather they are just an extension of the human mind and its perception of right and wrong. Unfortunately, these practices prove to have detrimental effects on people and their lives.

An eight-year-old Australian girl suffering from Type 1 diabetes breathed her last in 2022. It is reported that her parents and the religious group they are affiliated with were the main culprits behind her death. Apparently, they were of the belief that prayers would do wonders over simply administering insulin to the child. The parents had significantly reduced the amount of insulin and later on had completely stopped providing its doses. Sadly, their prayers could not help her survive. 

Currently, the deceased’s parents, including 14 other individuals belonging to the same sect, are standing for trials in a court of law. Because this incident occurred in a developed nation like Australia, it highlights how strongly religious beliefs are ingrained in a lot of people globally. It has become common for people to ignore the importance of medical treatment. Instead, their opinions are formed by a certain section in the society who concentrates more on leaving everything to the almighty. From the perspective of religious beliefs, shouldn’t medical treatments be considered an opportunity or direction shown by the almighty to make a right decision in a timely manner?

Nepal’s own situation in this matter is also concerning. Even today, many in Nepali society visit local faith healers or witchdoctors. There are instances where people consider it better to visit shamans over a proper medical practitioner. Obviously, considerably weak education and awareness can be attributed to the existence of such a blind faith driven practice even in this era. But even the educated folks believe that opting to visit a witchdoctor can do no harm. We have often heard how extreme belief in local faith healers has caused pregnant mothers to lose their child in the womb itself. There are also instances where, saying that they see some bad spirit, witchdoctors beat individuals to a point where the whole situation is termed physical violence and not a healing treatment. 

Medical treatments are here for a reason. Their main purpose is to protect from and prevent bodily complications that can possibly even lead to deaths. However, the issue arises when certain religious group leaders strongly suggest not to seek any treatment. Because they are opinion leaders, masses are bound to follow them blindly. And this can even have negative repercussions. So, the religious leaders must take the initiative to avoid such untoward incidents.

As long as strict punishments are not introduced and people’s ability to think is superseded by the so-called individuals, we as a society cannot transform well. It is our responsibility to not be completely brainwashed by putting someone’s views ahead of our own rational thoughts. It is the responsibility of the government and the society to ensure that people are more aware and vocal against any social malpractices. Promoting wrong information should be stopped at all costs. Let’s realise that proper medical treatment combined with positivity and good faith is the right solution.