Do you mean, like, as if they deserved the earthquake and massive death toll because of the witchcraft in Haiti, FoodForThought? Is that what you are trying to imply?

Cute, Kash[grin].

My basic point was that my sister had to study Santeria and Voodoo as part of her training in abuse. She did not have to study, Hinduism, Buddism, Christianity, or Islam.

I agree with you Chris that any religion or set of beliefs can be bastardized, but some beliefs lend themselves to such practices more so than others. No doubt, the Inquision is not something the Catholic church should be proud of. The faith healing movement has also done great harm as people have not gotten medical treatments for illnesses and some have even died.

John: “Mike could you perhaps share some “watered down” stories of child abuse that you were told by your sister and how they involved the religion of Santeria?”

My sister had been retired now for almost 10 years, and it has been decades since we have talked about her experiences in that field, so it is hard for me to recall any details but I do remember her speaking of children, animal sacrifices and bloodletting. I have also lived my life away from family so it is not like we talked every day.
I do remember one story about a child that had numerous injuries (cuts and burns) on his body inflicted by people practicing the occult. I do not remember if it was due to Santeria or Voodoo. There were also cases of sexual abuse practiced by a specific group. Most cases investigated by the police had to do with animal cruelty. My sister only dealt with suspected child abuse cases.

Eloquently put Chris C.

If other human beings are being murdered or physically harmed by a religious or cultural practice, then I am personally against it.  Otherwise, try to check your religious and ethical notions at the door when you learn about these other people.  You may (*may*) find that their lives and beliefs are not so different from your own, or from the rest of us for that matter.