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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think comparing autism to Mark 9 14-29 is nothing short of fucking offensive?

30 replies

ImBatDog · 09/01/2015 16:41

Someone just posted in a support group i use to talk about my DS's ASD/SPD to say read Mark, Chapter 9, vs 14-29. I think its like an autistic child.

I'm rather offended, but apparently i shouldnt be?

the relevant bit of the passage for those of you not familiar with it
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.
18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

AIBU to think that cannot be construed in any way other than offensive? She is comparing my child to someone possessed by a demon and saying autism can be cured by prayer...

OP posts:
WooWooOwl · 09/01/2015 17:46

It's bizarre, but it's not offensive. Not to me anyway, I have a child with AS.

Some people really do believe the stuff they read just because it's in a book called the bible. I can't be offended by that, I think it's sad that they don't have the ability to question these things a bit more.

I fully believe in God, and I think prayer has it's benefits, but this Mark Chapter 9 thing? I mean, come on.

youarekiddingme · 09/01/2015 17:50

I also read the passage thinking it was describing a child having an epileptic seizure.

The last 2 sentences seem to hint that Jesus realised this was more than something that could be 'cured'.

We have to read between the lines of the wording used to what is actually being said.

I think it's very offensive to be posted on a support group - and be related to a child with autism. It's something written over 2000 years ago and irrelevant to today's society.

WooWooOwl · 09/01/2015 17:53

I would thank her but remark that unfortuantely a) you don't live in Israel and b) You've missed the boat by about 2000 years.

Grin Please take Choclovers advice OP!

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 09/01/2015 17:58

I'd say 'wow, that's amazing! Where's this Jesus guy based? Do you have to go private? Does it cost a lot? Do you think my husband's work insurance would cover it? Is there a waiting list?'

But I'd post each one as a separate question, ignoring whatever answer is given.

hackmum · 09/01/2015 18:21

I think it's sensational advice. Millions of children all over the world have autism. If only their parents had realised it could be cured by prayer! Better spread the message, OP.

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