How is this moral?

I would not support this doctor. Jesus healed everyone, and there was no sin too great it seems. This is also the first I've heard of a private health clinic doing something like this, it is not characteristic of private clinics.

Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven.

You said something about us trying to "rise above the human race". Umm... that's why we need a Savior. We are all imperfect, Christian and non-Christian.

I don't agree with this Doctor's tactics, but like someone else said, I'm not going to raise a ruckus over it. There are much worse sins and tragedies in the world. You seem to be so quick to judge this doctor, but do you realize that he's not perfect, nor does he represent all Christians? The fact is that Christianity is not a "religion" but a relationship. Unfortunately, when a Christian sins it becomes front page news. But the truth is that none of us wants our sins revealed.

What is your question?

Posted 2/14/07
BAKERSFIELD - A family is turned away by a local pediatrician, they say because of the way they look.
The doctor said he is just following his beliefs, creating a Christian atmosphere for his patients.

Tasha Childress said it’s discrimination.

She said Dr. Gary Merrill wouldn’t treat her daughter for an ear infection because Tasha, the mother, has tattoos.

The writing is on the wall—literally: “This is a private office. Appearance and behavior standards apply.”

For Dr. Gary Merrill of Christian Medical Services, that means no tattoos, body piercings, and a host of other requirements—all standards Merrill has set based upon his Christian faith.

“She had to go that entire night with her ear infection with no medicine because he has his policy,” Tasha Childress said.

Merrill won’t speak on camera, but said based on his values and beliefs, he has standards that he expects in his office.

He does that, he said, to ensure the patients he does accept have a more comfortable atmosphere.

According to the American Medical Association and other doctors, he reserves that right.

“In the same sense that any other business person has the opportunity to decline service, be it a restaurant if they’re not dressed properly, be it any other type of business,” said Dr. Ronald Morton, Kern County Medical Society.

Morton said certain ethics apply if a person’s life is in danger, but besides that, there is no requirement to serve anyone they don’t approve of.

“I felt totally discriminated against, like I wasn’t good enough to talk to,” Tasha Childress said, “like he didn’t have to give me any reason for not wanting to see my daughter because I have tattoos and piercings.”

17 News found other patients who had a different experience with Merrill.

“I have tattoos, actually, and no, nothing’s ever been said about it,” Brandi Stanley said, Merrill’s patient.

Childress’ insurance company, Health Net of California, who referred her to Merrill, said in a statement: “We provide our customers with a wide breadth of doctors that meet certain medical quality standards … If a customer doesn’t feel comfortable with a particular physician, it is our responsibility to provide that customer with access to another doctor who does meet their needs.”

But that’s not enough for Childress who wants the policy changed immediately and an apology from the doctor for making her feel like an outsider.

“Really, it didn’t matter what he didn’t want to see us for. It isn’t right,” she said.

If you have a story idea, mail it to 2120 L Street, or submit it at KGET.com by clicking on “Your Stories.”

Merrill said he will continue to enforce the rules he has in place, which even include no chewing gum in his office.

He said if they don’t like his beliefs, they can find another doctor.
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This behavior most definitely is secular in nature dressed in Christian apparel.

It must be addressed in the church where this phoney calls his home congregation. Church discipline must be administered swiftly in order to salvage the reputation of the church, Christianity, and the reputation of the doctor and his very soul itself.

The problem is, they probably agree with him.

Not acceptable IMO, no one should be left suffering if they can be helped.

PurpleHeathen,
We are standing up and saying something. Give me his e-mail address and I'll write him a letter of complaint.

All you're giving me is a news article. Why on Earth are you telling Christians that what this person did was not secular, when we're Christians. I see you as coming across as quite rude.

People probably aren't complaining because, well, we can't. We have no way of doing anything.

Also, he's within his rights to turn someone away. It's not Christian, it's not loving, but it's his private business, so he can do as he wants. If he doesn't want people with tattoos or piercings there in his own business, he's within all of his rights to, moral or not. You can't really force people into something they're against.

PurpletheHeathen said:

Why

Click to expand...

Well because there needs to be a question, This is Questions by Non-Christians.

God Bless

Key

Simple: He's justifying his own opinion with religion, since anyone can say "it's my culture" or "it's my religion" and try to get away with discrimination. Because he's Christian doesn't mean his actions are Christian.

Bible teaches not to judge people. That doctor is lost.

Just a friendly reminder there is no debating in this forum.

I knew someone who had similar experiences in churches with tattoos. He wasn't kicked out, but was told to cover them. In several churches. I can't imagine that happening where I live, but there are definitely cultural mores in action.