A boy who is said to be dead at least part of the 20 minutes should have something to say about his experience with God & heaven. For all the religious believers, here is an opportunity to see what is really there after death.

Please don't call me hateful because I believe the folks who rescued him, revived him and cared for him are the real miracle workers. I simply don't believe prayer had anything to do with it.

So its ok for rescuers to actually rescue rather than pray?

There's an old saying among mountain rescue teams. "They're not dead until they're cold and dead" In other words: Never give up trying to revive a victim. This is an awesome story.

This is certainly a cool story and it is really great that this young child didn't die. One thing missing from the article that I would like to know is how cold the water was. Judging by the pictures and the rescue team, who were wearing wet suits, the water was fairly cold. If it was under 70 degrees, the reason the boy lived is a little known phenomena called the mammalian diving reflex. When the human head is submerged in water under 70 degrees, its natural reaction is to shut down all non essential organs, everything but the brain and heart in prolonged instances. There have been a number of cases like this, where someone had drowned and was brought back to life after significant time. It's really amazing what the human body is capable of. Freak accident and I am glad to hear the kid is alright

I think it's "warm and dead" you continue resuscitation until the body can be warmed up. Then see.

God Saved this boy, no matter how you look at it.

@J Huffines

Thanks for pointing out that piece of information. Really good observation and extremely interesting phenomena.

What heart warming story. Glad that young man did not lose his life. Very lucky. Rip tides are extremely dangerous. You must let the tide take you out to sea and then swim parallel to the coast line. Hard to stay that calm I'm sure.

Pin - No matter how you look at it? The way I look at it is he was very cold and medical tecchnology and some great people saved him. If you want to believe it was supernatural, fine, but let's blame the bad stuff there as well. God causes innocent children to die every day. Assuming you're right, which I don't believe for a second, I'll pass on your God, thank you.

No, rescue workers saved this boy, how disrespectful of you to say anything different. These men risked their own lives to retrieve this boy. God didn't miraculously make a wave that washed him to shore.

Some pray for help, others actually help. Which achieved more results?

Prayer didn't save the boy, rescue workers did. That he was revived, again, not prayer, but medical science which by the way, is hampered by guess who, you guessed it, the people that believe prayer works.

@PmD1 Actually if you really want to go that route, God put the boy in the water to drown, we interfered.

I vote that god is unnecessary and unwanted.

Outstanding. However, I wouldn't pretend to know exactly what single factor saved this boy. There are many factors, and apparently everything worked in his favor. Any one of which could have caused brain damage or death. The biggest variable was medical personnel doing exactly the right thing at the right time. Other factors made the resuscitation possible. I would guess from the photo that the water was fairly cold. How cold was it and what was his core temperature when pulled out? It doesn't take much for hypothermia to kick in. All of this is important, but I wouldn't discount prayer just because you do not believe in such a thing. For anyone to say this had nothing to do with prayer or God is just their opinion. Tell that to his friends and those who were there.

RetEngCoLt.

You're right it's "warm and dead". Hypothermia is an amazing thing. If used in your favor, I've heard of a case where someone was submerged for over an hour, but that water was icy. The trick is in O2 during the warming "cycle".

Looking at how the boy was dressed the water was likely cold. I have read of some amazing recoveries when you have a young victim and cold water. Amazing, so glad we didn't lose another young life to a tragedy during an outing meant to be fun.

@Ben-1671313 Tell that to whom? The church group? You would expect them to believe any other way?

I also think you need to re-read your statement but replace the word "god" with "spaghetti monster" and read how ridiculous it sounds. To some of us, both have the same level of legitimacy and we do not see faith as a virtue but rather a hindrance to reason as shown by this very example in the article.

Jesus Christ said "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13)

It is a miracle that the boy was even spotted by Mr. Eduardo Mendez and the fellow swimmer Will Green pulling him onto to bogey board. The rescue team had nothing to do with actually rescuing him other than picking him up off the bogey board and carrying him to the shore where medical personnel took over. So the picture speaks a thousand words notice how the dork in the glasses is carrying the child like he is a hero when in fact he had zero to do with the effort? Then Eduardo is looking at the dork like WTF?...lol. The dork in the glasses well have that picture framed and tell friends and family he rescued the boy...he wont bother to tell the entire story. I say Praise be to the one True God that he saved this boy's life. The knowledge that the medical world gets is from God through the awesome gift of imagination so yes GOD is the only one that deserves any praise. If you are not enlightened enough to realize this then I feel sorry for you and would suggest you pray a little maybe you will achieve enlightenment.

God wants us to have faith so he gives us miracles. Sometimes miracles are brought by people who God has sent to us. People without faith will always want to make "excuses" for not believing. People with faith always give God glory! I believe God wanted to use this situation to save people and bring them to faith. Some people will choose not to be saved! May God and his prayers have Glory in this boys life!

I find it interesting that the first thing he said after being revived was "I don't have to!" What a brat. LOL. Sorry parents, it looks like you're not off the hook just yet. ROFLMAO

for all the people out there that think that God had nothing to do with this boys recovery let me clue u in on something. 3 min without air is just enough time for the brain to begin dieing. i live in Arizona and have seen the consequences of near drowning. a boy here who was revived after 8 min under water is alive but has massive brain damage and will never be able to live without assistance. the fact that this boy went without air for 20 min and can still speak full sentences is a miracle. our medical industry is good but not good enough to prevent or reverse brain damage. The rescuers that saved him and the doctors that are treating him are to be praised for their efforts, but divine providence did play a part in this. A miracle dose not always need to be the parting of the red sea.

William, way to trash the unselfish actions of the rescuers. They work as a team. You're trying to make one of them out as a glory hog. Shame on you. If this is your way of saying they had nothing to do with the boy's survival and that it was all 'gods work,' then I feel sorry for you and those that believe as you do.

@Rob..maybe he was saying I don't have to go to the bathroom...

@Rick-3888175 God is a fabrication, a complete and utter fabrication. You were indoctrinated into a lie, like any other cult. Religion has no basis in fact whatsoever and if it did, they would not call it "faith".

You only know what you were brainwashed with and more importantly taught not to question that. They did that because over the course of thousands of years they learned that to question is to learn, to learn is to understand, to understand, well that is the enemy of religion.

It may also amaze you to learn that a pew study was done (at the request of faith organizations) and the study found that out of all religious groups, christians, jews, muslims, etc, atheists had the greatest understanding and knowledge of the bible and religion in general.

Here is a link in case you think I am lying.

http://pewforum.org/other-beliefs-and-practices/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey.aspx

That is because atheists, as so misconceived, do not start out that way nor do they start with a "belief". Rather atheists reach a "conclusion", which is very different. They wanted to know, wanted to learn, were fascinated but not by just one but all. First question that comes to mind of any faithful is "with so many religions, how is that handled, how could it be so." Well, if you apply occam's razor it's simple, they're all wrong. Otherwise you need to do some fancy footwork to explain how the others will fall into yours ie: judged or put in limbo, etc. Many references do not linger on such subjects as they easily begin to discredit their own doctrine.

You are an atheist as well. Has anything any Jain, Muslim, Jew, Taoist, Buddhist, Hindu, or Sikh ever convinced you that their religion was the truth and yours a sham?

Only difference between you and me is I add yours to the list.

@seaoz Let me clue you in. It could apply your argument to space aliens, allah, or the flying spaghetti monster.

Lack of explanation does not equate to proof of god's existence. If that's the case then prove to me that santa claus does not exist or is not just as real.

hey william, look at the pictures again....the "dork" in the glasses was driving the rescue vehicle, absolutely a part of the rescue in the water, absolutely part of the reason the kid was rescued. at this point i'd say the only DORK associated with your comments is you dude, try getting a little intelligence and real world outlook from your prayers.

God Is A Giver, Not A Taker

Romans 8:32
32He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Some Christians mistakenly believe that God gives and also takes away. At funerals, we sometimes hear the minister say, “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

I remember an occasion when I was looking at a baby who was suffering from cancer. I heard one of his family members comment, “You can’t be sure what God’s will is. He may or may not heal.” What that person meant was that although the Lord had given the parents this baby, He might later take the baby away from them.

Job displayed this very same attitude when he received the news that he had lost his property and children. Thinking that God was the source of his problems and not knowing that it was actually Satan who had come against him, he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Such a statement seems to honor God, but in reality, it reveals an erroneous view of our heavenly Father.

As children of God, we know what the Father’s will is for us. He is a giver, not a taker! Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) It is the devil who is the thief. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life more abundant. (John 10:10)

Jesus met every need and healed every sickness brought before Him, and at the cross, He gave His own life. Never once did He take anything away from the people who came to Him. And the Bible says that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father. (John 14:9)

Beloved, your heavenly Father wants you to know today that He is the one who gives you all good things. And if He has already given us heaven’s best — Jesus, “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things”?

You take that on faith do you???

Why does there have to be an argument for or against God? We all agree that there is a happy ending to this story, this child survived. We should be thankful for our understanding and advancement of rescue methods and medical advancements. We should be thankful that certain people were where they were at the exact moments that they were there. We should be thankful that people who believe in the power of prayer were praying. We should be thankful that this child had the will and/or physical stamina to pull through this terrible ordeal. Is this God's intervention??? Some think so. Is this total human accomplishment??? Some think so. Can the two be of the same origin??? Maybe. Thank goodness I do not have to be the judge of such "miracles."

I am a professional in the medical field with a science background. I do believe in science, however I cannot understand how people do not see this as a miracle. What is wrong with people? When something slaps people in the face, they still cannot see it. This is the problem with the world today.

I am happy the kid is alive…however I doubt seriously that saving a drowning kid is at the top of any loving God’s list who can’t find it possible to save any of the hundreds of thousands of children who are meeting a
death through starvation in drought stricken regions near Kenya. Or maybe God is just letting the good ones live…I would have a difficult time being honest enough with myself to say that this kid should hold privilege over a baby who dies addicted to drugs or because they were abandoned in some alley dumpster. The next human that dies because of a cruel bashing because of hatred will it be because he or she wasn’t approved to have a Gold Card on the Jesus Account? Will the next time a van load of Baptist goes over the bridge railing along an interstate highway near you, killing all inside, will that be a loving God calling his best warriors home so their parents can live in misery the rest of their breathing existence? Life happens just as does death…life is short…for some it is even shorter…for those who are too weak to stand on their own I guess allowing them a God is cheaper than having to pay for their counseling…wait…don’t
we have to do that when we send them to rehab for having screwed up lives and families?

The prayer is also for the rescue/medical personnel to perform their duties as expertly as they did. The arrogance and ignorance of some of the comments here is sad.

Bottom line is this is a miracle any way you look at it. Glad to see the boy is doing well. To William-781512; sad to see someone who speaks of God and enlightenment is able to judge someone by a picture alone. The "dork" risked his life just the same and should be considered a hero. Shame on you and everyone like you who only speaks of God and does not practice the teachings. Maybe you should pray a little more and judge people a little less. You are the one everyone should feel sorry for.

It is true that the body can do miraculous things like shut down in cold water and then revive again, just like hibernating. However, it is God who made the body capable of such a miraculous thing. The human body and all living things are so complicated that only God could have made us like we are. It is not just by chance that all our organs function the way they do. Read, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" to get an idea of how the human body is a miracle in itself. I commend the rescue team at sea, the paramedics, the ambulance drivers, the hospital staff, and all the people on the beach that relentlessly prayed for this boy to be found and to live. It is indeed a miracle and I believe that this boys guardian angel was also on the seen, and God orchestrated the whole thing. Who are we to question God, but everything that God allows to happen in our lives can make us stronger in Him if we don't let it rob us of our faith. People need God in their lives and God is there to accept everyone who asks Him to be in their lives and lead them in the way that God would want them to go. The free gift of God is eternal life in heaven for those who believe in Him and ask Him to be their savior and guide. The boy has a greater purpose in life if God is not yet ready to call him home to heaven. By the way, hell is a real place too, and it was created for Satan and his fallen angels, but people who reject God will be there too. It will be too late by then, to realize that you were wrong. God can be found in The Holy Bible, which has always been the top selling book in the world. Why is it the top seller? Because people everywhere need to know God before they enter their eternal rest. They need to be given a chance to have eternal life with their maker and heavenly father, God.

@Ghost I am interested in understanding your answer to one question, as I am one hungry for knowledge. Without regard to any religion in particular, being an atheist by your own admission. I trust that as you have said, you have done much research on many different religions and also include science. So, my question is, how does something so intricate (the human body), with literally millions of processes being required to function, happen by chance in your belief?

i love how whenever there is an people find every excuse to bash at another person's beliefs. shut the hell up and just be glad that he's alive. that was the journalist's point. he wasn't trying to say there is a god, or there isn't a god. he wasn't trying to say prayer works or doesn't work. the boy had little chance to live. he was gone for 20 minutes. and now he's back and his friends and family are happy. end of story.

instead you guys see it as another opportunity to express your hate for another person's beliefs.

theres not a lot of good news nowaday. so just be thankful that sometimes things actually go right in the world against all odds.

find a goddamn reason to be happy for once whats the point of turning an amazing story into an angry argument.

I say it was the rescue swimmers, paramedics, and the ER staff that saved this kid. GOOD WORK

Unbelievable!!! How sad God must feel knowing how many cold hearts there are in this world. Don't you people, maybe, think that the horror of today's society may come from Satan and not God? Of course that is a whole other argument. Or that maybe God gave knowledge and the desire to our rescue and medical personel to select a job in a field that they may someday be on hand to rescue this young man? The same can be said for our medical miracles or advancements if you perfer.

I say "Thank you Heavenly Father, for the miricale of our train rescue teams that this child was rescued and that because of the advances in the medical field his life was spared."

My heart goes out to the parents, family and friends and the anguish they suffered during this very scary time in Dale's young life and May God have mercy on those of you that have chosen to shut him out of your lives!

So true Steven-3888511....Can everyone just be happy the boy 's alive!!!

Only a fool in his heart says there is no god. Is there any wonder why our nation is in such a mess. For the last 40 or 50 years we've told God, "hands off", and he given us our wish. And we see everyday how well it's working out.

Thank God for giving this child back to us.

I now am really convinced that the road to hell will be wide and full of souls. We beileivers must do a better job getting people in front of a bible teaching preacher. and / or teach others ourselves to understand gods word of redemtion. We need to show folks how simple it is to be saved from damnation. We have a huge job ahead. Let god be with us all.

@seaoz

for all the people out there that think that God had nothing to do with this boys recovery let me clue u in on something. 3 min without air is just enough time for the brain to begin dieing.

Body's reaction to submersion

Submerging the face in water colder than about 21 °C (70 °F) triggers the mammalian diving reflex, found in mammals, and especially in marine mammals such as whales and seals. This reflex protects the body by putting it into energy saving mode to maximize the time it can stay under water. The strength of this reflex is greater in colder water and has three principal effects:

• Bradycardia, a slowing of the heart rate by up to 50% in humans.
• Peripheral vasoconstriction, the restriction of the blood flow to the extremities to increase the blood and oxygen supply to the vital organs, especially the brain.
• Blood Shift, the shifting of blood to the thoracic cavity, the region of the chest between the diaphragm and the neck, to avoid the collapse of the lungs under higher pressure during deeper dives.

The reflex action is automatic and allows both a conscious and an unconscious person to survive longer without oxygen under water than in a comparable situation on dry land. The exact mechanism for this effect has been debated and may be a result of brain cooling similar to the protective effects seen in patients treated with deep hypothermia.^[10][11]

Just thought I should let you look at the facts instead of just relying on your 'ghost stories'.

@Ghost: Now, that's just being rude and disrespectful to the other commentators. You could have at least been nicer in your words.

To everyone else: Believe what you want, but (according to my own beliefs) this was due to the mammalian diving reflex, cold water, and other factors that helped the boy's body to revive. His body shut down his organs until he was able to be resuscitated, much like any other biological factor, like a toad's suspended animation or a bear's hibernation.

Yet the toad nor the bear's biological functions are praised as "the work of God" or "miracles". Why? Science has proven that they are explainable and experiment-able. Nor should this boy's survival be assumed a "miracle", as it was purely a biological reflex written in most humans' DNA and mammalian nature.

If this had been my child, and I was standing on the beach wondering if my son would die, I would have been praying over and over for God to save my child.

I am just curious ... and please understand, I am not trying to be sarcastic ... but what do nonbelievers or atheists do in crisis situations like this? Do they just cross their fingers and say, "I hope, I hope, I hope?"

It is the good deeds of the two men and the rescue workers that allowed this boy to continue to live....not god.........there is no god....

you hope ...

Amazing. I am so happy for this boy and his parents! I see this as a God given miracle indeed.

In Washington State especially, there is a prevailing thought that we are too intelligent to believe in God. For those that think that way, I hope you never find yourself in the need of a miracle. He may still provide one, He loves you even in your disbelief. I do think that the nasty comments regarding your disbelief are quite ignorant, but perhaps understandable coming from the self centered, entitled mindsets that harbor such views. My life today is a product of those former same narrow views, tempered by the grace and mercy God has given in working very specific miracles in this man's life. Good happens, bad happens, we can all be redeemed in the end. Check your hateful hearts, because someday you will have to account for it very personally.

People pray people rescue and God answers prayers through rescue workers, praise God for helping the rescue workers saving this kid

Wow, so called "people of God" judging people whose opinions are different from them and accusing them of having "hateful hearts" (Credit2u). Whatever happened to "turn the other cheek"? Or "What would Jesus do"?

Worse, any human saying they can speak for God, or Jesus. Unless God or Jesus comes down to Earth to speak for Itself/Himself, you have no right to speak for either.

Yet 'God' [from the Bible] is supposedly supernatural being based off a local Hebrew mountain god from a cultural myth-manuscript thousands of years old, according to my college Theology classes.

Only God knows what God will do, and It (I say 'It' because it is supposedly neither male nor female) as Hell doesn't seem to be involved in Earthly life...if It does indeed exist.

*theirs

Was this a miracle? It may be to some; it may not be to others. It can be scientifically explained, and none of us would doubt the science. It's not global warming. We can all agree on how it works. So it's scientifically possible that this kid was resuscitated with no divine intervention. If this was the case then this kid was really lucky. Many things have to happen for us to get it right. On the other hand, if science needed help (divine intervention), then the kid was still lucky, but maybe not as lucky. If it had been God's will, then they might not have needed Mr. Green (aka the dork), Mr. Mendez or the rest of the medical community. Of course, here the believers would say that God works through us. However, I believe God's will does not require luck or any assistance from us. After all, it's God's Will.

But the next time your life is saved by a doctor or paramedic, maybe you should thank God they studied medicine. As for me, I'm just thankful for some good news today.

Kudos to the "dork" and his lackey Mendez.

Everyone needs a little more HUMILITY. Those who don't believe should stand in awe of this fantastic universe and all the wonders in it. It does no good to their position to be so snide with their remarks. Believers sometimes use the word, "miracle", too loosely. There are real miracles - events beyond scientific explanation. There are plenty of wonders, owing to how the universe has been designed and created. To overuse miracle cheapens the term and opens the way to superficial criticism. I agree with Albert Einstein when he said, "the more I discover the wonders of this universe the more I admire the mind that conceived it".

@otsoko

Then by your explanation, all who are entreated to 70*F water, without oxygen, for an extended period of time, survive? Explaning hypotheses does not indicate fact, only a possible human explanation for a human question. Obviously, physiological findings weigh to the evidence that colder temperatures slow bodily functions, but it does not indicate or prove the brain is capable of protection when oxygen is deprived for an extended period of time in such temperatures.

@whatsinanamedat

For those with more than half a brain, I meant that in certain RARE circumstances, such as what happened here, people have been known to survive underwater for long periods of time simply due to the human body's response to cold water. All I'm saying is that it's just stupid to say, "Well, I can't explain it. Must have been the magic, invisible man in the sky!" It can be explained through simple biological means.

@Aleithia I'm sorry you find someone being straightforward as being rude. The difference here is that for any other lack of understanding an antiquated mystical belief system is applied as factual. It is not a fact. A fact is grounded in reality and proof and no amount of assertions will change that.

Atheism is not a *belief*, you cannot "believe to disbelieve". It's not "there is no god", it's "religion is a man made institution created over a long and complex history in an effort to fill a void of understanding". That is not a belief, it's a fact. There are tons of religions that have come and gone, new ones are created often. ie Scientology, jews for jesus, et al and ones that went by the wayside, nordic mythos, greek, roman, and on and on.

That religion is a belief in supernatural and mystical beings or concepts is the only common theme amongst humans on the planet. I added "concepts" because some religions do not share anything with western religions, no single god, no god head at all. Read: Jainism, Buddhism, tao, etc.

If you find this annoying, my apologies. Hearing that what you believe, or even what you "know" is a complete lie can be upsetting. My audience is the reader that has it in them to question you and your beliefs.

Yes, atheists are getting more and more vocal as I'm sure you may have noticed. It's that christianity is trying to be so pervasive in *our* lives that you see this. We have remained quiet but will no longer do so.

Imagine this: Do you believe in blood transfusions to save lives? If some religions had their way, they would be illegal. How about stem cells? oh wait. that's right we made that illegal.

Do you consider yourself a patriot of the united states? Let's test that: If you had to choose as the absolute rule to govern yourself and your countrymen, which document holds the greatest source of truth? 1. The constitution 2. the bible If you do not answer with #1 how could you possibly be a patriot?

@Ghost

Wow, I love how you just assume everything about me (sarcasm). You interpreted my post totally wrong. Hit and miss. Try again. To everyone else: As for the boy in this article, he was saved by science and natural biological reflexes of the human body, not God. That was the point I was trying to make in the first place.

It is by the grace of God that this little boy is living today. Congratulations to all of the rescuers for a job well done. You performed such a selfless task, and I thank God for you.

@bellamorra I agree that this is a wonderful miracle. Seeing pictures of the youth down on bending knees in prayer is so beautiful.

Yeah, people knelt and prayed while some other brave people actually did something about the situation.

Guess its a good thing that the kids knelt and prayed rather than being one of the "brave people" that "actually did something about the situation" otherwise there would have been a whole bunch of lost people to save. Fortunately the kids were smart enough not to do something like trying to be one of the "brave people" and getting in the way of the rescue team.

For one lets be thankful for the awesome people that found, rescued and saved the boy-rescuers and medical team.

For two lets be thankful for the prayers and the fact that children are wise enough to pray.

Let's call it a team effort.

sheila - you give the most balanced response. Thank you and I wholeheartedly agree!!

Do You really expect everyone on the beach to jump in to help? Obviously not, otherwise they would have saved the boy and there would have been 20 other bodies in the water. Why do ppl always mock the idea of prayer? Yes God had a hand in his survival. He has a hand in everything, good or bad. He gave the rescuers the skill and courage to do their work. How do you know what obstacles there were in the rescue that God moved out of the way?

Thanking God for ALL that HE has done, Even this opportunity that some will still reject. But what will be the outcome if either party is right or either party is wrong about the afterlife. Still 'that persons' choice. Why do some have to try and knock or be so vocal about what others believe? To sway ppl into their unbelief? Either you believe or you don't. But we will all see in the end, right? Right...

This is a true miracle to how prayer does work!! Our God is an awesome God if we truly believe and call upon His name!!! Great team effort to all the people that helped to save his life!!!! God bless and keep you all!!! God uses people and He used the men that saved the boys life. No one is showing disrespect to the people that helped save him. So the prayer for help and the actual help all came from the work of God's hand and the people that had the faith that he would be helped. It takes faith and believing in something greater then mans power and strength which God gave the men to save him. Things happen in our life that we don't understand alot. But one day we will. I heard once.... If we had the chance to ask God "WHY" and he tell us why, when he would be finished telling us we would still ask why. Cause we think in our human mind set instead of God's mind set. He knows the plans he has for us they are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray I will listen, you will find me when you seek me if you look for me in earnest. Jeremiah 11-13.

I am so happy this young man had the help of people and the blessing of the talented rescuers with him. It's amazing--blessings to him and to his family.

As some stated above, "If he died, he can tell us about Heaven", many who have briefly died do get to see bits and peaces of heaven. Most non-believers will draw a def ear to them too, just as they have our heavenly father.

Give God the father 5 min of your undivided attention ask wholeheartedly and he will reveal himself to you. Try it, Its pretty awesome!

God bless

Chew on this oh mighty Christians, the medical staff that brought him back to life in the ER at the hospital were all Jewish.

I love to read stories like this, I wish journalist would write more of them. Good things happen in the world but we rarely hear about them, instead we get tragedy after tragedy, negativety and fighting. It is no wonder there are so many negative comments on this amazing story. Maybe god was involved maybe not, no one knows, but I think it is ok to say thanks to rescuers, and to those who prayed for him. I hope he fully recovers and that the family is doing well. Stop the fighting and name calling about who is responsible for what, and just enjoy a nice story for once.

Where was God when those children were being abused by Warren Jeffs? Oh yeah, he was speaking for God. Thank goodness for the rescuers and staff at the hospital

Except for the time that he let the kid get caught in the rip tide in the first place. . .

Credit is given where credit is due. Science saved this kid's life, not god.

Yep, except the part where he was dead for 20 minutes but we will forget about that since God saved him... Right? Lets not thank the actual people that saved him but promote the imaginary man in the sky....

Praise be to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God decided that the child will live and so the rescuers could bring him back to life!!

Yes,a wonderful miracle! The power of God is awesome! To those non-believers, you raise many good questions. You can find the answer in the Bible. There you will find recorded many wonderful miracles, and may trgedies (from a human perspective). God is sovereign, and no science in the world could have brought the young man back had God not ordained it.

Oh man, I can't stop laughing after the above posts. I didn't realize religion had such good comedy.

You people are so disrespectful I can't believe it. It was not an act of God that this boy was saved. It was dedicated rescue workers that risked their own lives to make it happen. If they would have joined the others on the beach, the boy would be dead now.

Theyre are those that pray, and there are those that act. I personally hope that there are those that act around when I need help.

It is amazing reading all of the comments posted... Even if you dont believe in God,it is amazing the anger of many of these individuals. God has been in this country fervently for a very long time. In the last 10 - 15 years it is more important to show what God DIDNT do than to believe it is possible.

It is more important to take God out of the Church and let a man and a man or a woman and a woman marry when they are 1 percent of the population of the Earth. I live in California so I see what this world is becoming God help you doubters. God Bless this boy for living and obviously God has a purpose for this kid or he would have gone up to the right side of the Lord.

If you doubters can show me one other person that rose from the dead and came back to earth Ill follow that person but until then all of you Agnostic, Atheist, evolutionist individuals can try to disprove it. The Fact is that many, many of you have tried to disprove this FACT and this can not be disproven.

If that is the case .....Who else should you believe in??

Why do we have to prove God doesn't exist if you don't have to prove he does?

What is most amazing is that people with no faith can't understand why people with faith believe what we believe. Thank God the non-believers live in this country. This country, that was founded as a Christian nation. I invite you to question the existence of Allah (or spaghetti monsters) in Afghanistan or Iran. So at the very least, please respect the beliefs of others, even if you don't agree. Just be thankfull to whomever that you live here.

To you non-believers, I ask you on question, who made you? Are you a perfect development from an one cell organism into billions of tiny molecular universes (cells) in your body that might have came from a lightening bolt in a mud pond? If you do, than you have more faith than any God fearing believer. Many more intelligent human scientist than you have come to the conclusion that there is a creator. If you ever read the bible you would know this because He tells us so. If you are so smart why don't you you check it out before you shoot your mouth off!

I wonder why those rescue workers ever decided to pursue a line of work which could result in their own deaths? What would make an animal - human or otherwise - risk its life to save another that is not their own offspring and not even in the same "herd?" Something the haters here might want to ponder for a minute or two.

Hey Rick-38881754 - I guess you have been on a plane that was going down - guess he saved you !!!

It is not God that makes bad things happen and children die is the power of Satan and evil, and the lack of God's acceptance into our life's that make bad things happen. As a Christian and a believer who accepts God into my life every day, l find myself having the guidance and protection of that supreme power. If all the non-believers give God a chance for only 5 minutes into their life's they will see how God works on them. But if you don't want to give that chance and choose to continue your life this way is ok, but dot not bash us or insult us for believing and knowing that it was God's intervention trough the hands of the rescue workers that saved this child's life. If you don't know God you will never understand it. And don't forget that even the article says how the doctors were amazed by the MIRACLE of this child surviving and recovering!

Really, show me another deity that has risen from the dead? That is your basis for your faith? Something that happened over 2000 years ago and was not detailed in writing for another 200 years after the fact.

Haven't you ever played the telephone game? Try it. Tell the guy next to you this exact statement "The traffic is heaviest during non-holidays". Make sure at least 10 people pass it on and then see what the statement is on the 10th person. Then tell me that something that happened 200 years before it was written can be true.

FedUp,

No, that is inaccurate.

Most historians, Christian and nonbelievers alike, generally agree that the Book of Mark was the first Gospel written between A.D. 50 and 75 (about twenty years after Christ's death). Of the four Gospels, John's is considered to have been the last one written, around A.D. 85.

The writings of the historian Josephus (a nonbeliever) attest to this.

Bingo!

God's not imaginary. 21st centuary medical knowledge cannot revive a person who has been dead 20 minutes. If you accept science over God you will have to admit that there is no way the boy could live after his brain had been without oxygen for 20 minutes.

Give credit where credit is due. Praise God and thank the rescue swimmers, paramedics, nurses and doctors for allowing God to work through them.

Your life could be saved also! Just repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The benefits are out of this world! Praise God!

Thank you ysidero for being rationale.

I always laugh when people talk about the existence of the Easter Bunny with a straight face. Oh, I mean God. Yeah, same thing, pretty much.

I can understand your desire to not follow a certain religious belief...as these things can be very individual, and yes require faith not fact for the person who chooses to believe

what I dont understand is your desire to be so hateful towards it......as if you draw some sort of peace from pointing out your perceived flaws in other humans...when in the end.....you really don't know any more than any other human

i kind of feel sorry for you..........

If this "miracle" is proof of the existence of God, than are all the other millions of children that "God" lets die everyday proof he doesn't exist? Or maybe he's just very choosy..... which , in my view, would show a clear maliciousness on his part.

Thanks to the paramedics for doing the good work in saving this young mans life.

Too bad that some people think that mindless blogging to the contrary achieves anything.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but do you honestly think that you are going to change anyone's mind about their faith by being condescending and confrontational?

I believe in God and the power of prayer, and I believe that miracles still happen today. I also respect your right not to believe in such things, although I hope, for your own sake, that someday you take the time to examine all the evidence and make an informed, intelligent decision for yourself.

A great place to start is Lee Strobel's "The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates
Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God". It is a great, spiritually stimulating and intellectually fulfilling book that argues for the existance of a higher power.

You should check it out... If you are right about it, you we are wrong, you gain NOTHING and we lose NOTHING. But if I (and billions of others who have lived or are living) are right about this whole "God thing," and you are wrong, we gain EVERYTHING and you lose EVERYTHING.

It is a pretty big gamble for you... Are you willing to take that chance? Don't simply believe what others have told you or what is convenient. A person's faith in the presence or absence of God is the most important decision one can make in life. I encourage you to dig deeper... If, in the end, you are still sure that my diety is still "imaginary", then I respect your opinion... I only ask that you reciprocate.

May God bless you, Ysidero, and lead you to enlightenment.

You answered your own question about why athiests "hate" (your word) believers. It's simple - you threaten us with damnation and other crap because we disagree with you. And you say we're "gambling", etc.

You claim to be respectful but are not, and that sort of hypocrisy is rampant among believers.

Reigious faith endures thanks to threats and manipulation, ignorance, brainwashing at a young age, troubled/lost adults, a desire for community (by attending church), and most importantly, because the idea of God is doing something for you on a "spiritual", emotional, philosophical, or psychological level. You NEED to believe. And so you do.

I have no issue with that, mostly. What I "hate" is people spewing their nonsense all over the place, getting preachy, acting all superior and smug, and making false claims as if they're fact when they're not.

BTW Dwayne - you're assuming athiests haven't already made an informed, intelligent decision because it doesn't agree with yours - an example of your bias.

Yes, prayer works, when it works. And when it doesn't work, then what's the explanation? God is choosy, he chooses whose prayers works and whose don't, and then he chooses to not choose those he chose before. Choose saviors choose the chosen, except when the chosen aren't chosen.

Thank god he chose the rescue team. I hope he choses a rescue team for the world sometime soon, before it goes down the tubes and descends into complete chaos.

God Blessing you, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. You need to stop and realize that!!!!!!

forhesajollygoodfellow,

If that were true, doesn't that bother you? Babies in Darfur aren't worthy of god's "choosing"? What about the Children who were hiking in TN at the Chimneys who were from a Florida Baptist Church youth group who died when 4 of them fell off the mountain? Do you want to confront their parents and tell them "Sorry, God didn't choose to save your kids".

The bille says: "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22 NAS)

So why not everyone else?

Again, I'm super happy this kid lived. I'm not trying to convert you, rather, like Randy mentioned, defending myself against Religious bigotry.

Prayer didn't save him - rescue swimmers, paramedics, nurses and doctors did. Your imaginary god had no part in it. Too bad so many people think that mindless murmuring to an imaginary deity achieves anything.

Love how ALL the know-it-alls post thread after thread that THEY KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE IS NO GOD AND THEREFORE IMAGINARY!

Fact is that no one knows if there is a God, god or gods for ABSOLUTE certainty. WHAT IDIOTS THEY MAKE THEMSELVES OUT TO BE DECLARING WHILE LIVING IN THEIR TRAILERS OR GOVERNMENT HOUSING PROJECTS, for the mosts part, THAT "THEY" KNOW ALL THE SECRETS AND ORIGINS OF LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE.

GET REAL!

Ill pray for you to find the Lord!

You're right Kpokeefe, No one knows... just like with many things but we should go with what can be proven and/or what scientific theories best define. This is the same with gravity, space/time, etc.. We operate based on solid scientific theory which lead us to feel this way or that way.

I respect your right to believe but I don't feel I'm given the respect to NOT believe. Freedom FROM religion is what I seek

@Randy: You say you "hate people spewing their nonsense all over the place...," yet you spewing your nonsense is somehow different? Also, you laugh at God and say how silly it is that they believe in God. Yeah, so let's see, is believing that this universe somehow appeared from no where, out of nothing, with all of it's incredible intricacies somehow more rational??

So your story would be: "In the beginning, there was nothing, absolutely nothing, but later, way later, somehow, someway, a minute piece of ooze appeared. That ooze then formed an entire universe, which then formed a bunch of planets, and oh by the way, one of them just happened to be situated at the precise location away from a star (that's the Sun, Randy), and now more ooze and slime started popping up, and later, way later, even more detailed, intricate life forms started to pop up from this new ooze and slime. And bada-boom-bada-bing, here we are! So sayeth the Randys of the world!"

Using that premise, I should be able to throw a head of lettuce in my vegetable bin, let it sit in there and rot, and then years and years and years from now go open the vegetable bin and find a small version of a Boeing 747 AND a small pilot inside! And actually THAT is more believable than your "In the beginning there was absolutely nothing, but look at us now!...." because at least I started with a head of lettuce - yours started with absolutely nothing!

Ummm, Randy, I think it is much easier to believe in their God than your god-of nothing. I don't have enough faith to believe what you believe.

All the naysayers clatter, "Where's the proof, where is your God?" They get the proof in black and white, with photographs, and still they don't believe! God performs miracles daily. To deny God's existence is the wrong way to acknowledge His existence.

Atheism is just another religion... zealous atheists are as bad as any religious one. Hypocrites are always a bother...

No one knows, it's a matter of faith whether God exists or not. So what?

If you don't believe in God, "threats" of damnation should be meaningless to you anyway.

greenbeagle - here's the thing: I didn't say any of that. You put words in my mouth and then criticize me for what YOU want ME to believe because I don't agree with you. Nice try.

Mark - if the threats mean nothing, why make them?

Randy..."we"don't threaten anyone with damnation we're simply informing you of what awaits after this life. If someone were blind and walking carelessly towards a busy intersection wouldn't you intervene? That's the point. The blind person's denial of danger shouldn't override your care for their well being. A Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel is an excellent work. God has given all a measure of faith...what the recipient does with that is on them. Saying God is imaginary may provide some false comfort presently but will do nothing upon judgment. If you are charged with breaking a law and your defense is "I'm not guilty
because I don't believe in the judge", you will most certainly still be responsible. All have sinned and fallen short of God's standards, including me. But God, through His love, gave His only Son. Through belief in Jesus we receive a gift we are not entitled to, everlasting life and are legally acquitted of any wrong doing. God is holy and just and the only way that we can be reconciled to Him is through Jesus Christ. This is a gift that we have done nothing to deserve but have every right to reject.

Why can't you callus people just be happy the boy is alive instead of focusing on the fast that this was a Christian youth group and blast them for believing that there is a God?

Pathetic.

servant - my eyes are quite open silly boy.

"Simply informing me" huh? LOL. That's smug and arrogant. I can tell you actually believe this silly stuff is real, but what's offensive is that you think you know what will happen and am trying to tell me how I will suffer for not agreeing with you. And trust me - I am suffering for that, not because of what will happen when I die, but because I have to listen to people like you while I'm still alive.

I hate to see the subject change from the boy to peoples' opinions about faith in God and no faith in God. I personally believe in God and am a Christian. I do respect peoples right to believe or to not believe in whatever they wish, freewill is everyones right. To me the greatest part of this story is that people care about the life of one little boy. When people say to me the world is going to crap, maybe , but some people still care, and that is humanity in its truest form. Bravo paramedics and doctors, bravo those who care. Thank you.

It felt nice to read such a wonderful story first thing in the morning. Then it went all to $hit after reading the comments. This story is not about you. It's about a miracle and a little boy who defying all odds gets to go on with his life. Who cares how it happened. Modern medicine, God, luck, aliens, it doesn't matter. This is not your stage to belittle other peoples thoughts and beliefs. It should be to congratulate this little boy and his family for holding on. Hopefully he goes on to do great things in his life. because whichever way you look at it, nobody can deny that it is truly a 2nd chance at life.

Probably because the explanation has more to do with science than a miraculous one. I thought it was well known that people can survive drowning longer when their body is submerged very cold water. Considering they were swimming in the ocean I'm betting that the water was pretty cold there. I figure it's backed up by the fact that you can see the rescue members wearing wetsuits and the boy seems to be wearing jeans and a regular shirt. Something similar happened in my town with a girl named Carly Boom who was pinned against a bridge support by a kayak and was under water for over 30 minutes and was able to be revived due(although with brain damage she was able to recover from) to the very cold temperature of the river. A perfectly normal scientific explanation. I mean those people who went over the falls in Yosamite were in a church group and there was a whole lot of praying for them and they still died.

Where is this supreme being for the millions of people that die each year? The fact that this kid survived is only a coincidence. In other words, luck was on his side - not the invisible man upstairs.

If you want to thank anybody for his survival, thank the good samaritans and modern medicine.

Truly Jesus spoke of the unbelieving when he said: "But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." Luke 16:31

You are all wasting a lot of energy with all the hate. Here is little food for thought.

Hate is like acid, it will destroy that which it is poured on but eventually it will destroy the vessel that contains it!

Just be happy the boy lives! Can we all agree to that?

Well, I am a physician AND a believer in the Lord God Almighty. And, as I doctor, I can tell you that there is often times more at work than just the advances in modern medicine. I am very happy and thankful that this child's life was saved and that he does not seem to have any deficits. But, advances in medicine do not happen without God.

Randy....I am totally with you on this. I can't really call myself an atheist, as that would make me as bad as the religious right that absolutely insist that they know there is a god. I really don't know for sure, but I do beleive that I will accept scientific opinion over theory any day. At one point in our existence, there was a belief that the world was flat, until it was proven scientifically that the earth is round. What truly bothers me the most about religious zealots is that their belief system helps prevent us from proving that the earth is round. They refuse to accept scientific fact and logic and instead put all their faith into a book. A book, by the way, that has been translated thousands of times and has spawned several completely different religious theories. Very odd.

"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it" John 1:5. God will take his grace away from a man that does not accept Him. This causes much hatred in their hearts, and the foul words you read on these posts today.

Alright, here goes. I'll paraphrase some of this...
"The universe, and all of its intricacies, just started from nothing?" Uh... yeah. More or less. So, you're saying your God, with his ability to CREATE something so intricated, simply "was," and we're not allowed to claim the same for the universe? Talk about hypocrisy...

"God gave his only son." Jeez, that's easy. I wonder how many human parents would shove their kids into fire before going themselves. I bet a lot, and I bet they aren't very good parents.

It had nothing to do with God. It had to do with modern medicine. Tell you what, you miracle types go jump in the water there and stay out there in the rip tide for twenty minutes, and bring your entire church group to pray for you, and we'll fish you out when you're good and soggy and stick you on the beach. They can all pray over your body, and we'll see if that alone brings you back. Oh, you need God to "work through" the medics and such? Uh huh. Usually, the people who claim that God is "working through" them? End up in a prison for the criminally insane. Or a terrorist watch list. I'm just saying.

I respect your right to believe but I don't feel I'm given the respect to NOT believe. Freedom FROM religion is what I seek

LMAO! You have no idea what "I believe"! Matter of fact, somedays I'd like to believe and others I'd like not to! I don't attend church nor do I attend athiest rallies!

I SEEK FREEDOM TO BELIEVE ON ANY DAY OF THE WEEK WHAT I WANT TO BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT'S FREEDOM, MR KNOW-IT-ALL!

You have the right to believe what you want, but don't push your crap off on me!!!

How do you like my Utopia!!!!

BTW, our understanding of science changes in perpetuity like evolution for example. At one point we we related to Neanderthals...then we weren't...now we are again!

DwayneStevens, I agree with you. but I do have to say, I don't think you will get this guy to read the book. I think he may be waiting for the movie to come out.

and 2nd. this is about the boy and the heros that saved him. and that includes the prayers from his friends and family. and thanks to god for listening to the prayers and watching over the boy and the rescue team.

God brings good out of all situations. So this "chosing" who dies is simply not true. The reason there is even death in this world is because of man. Not God. Adam and Eve disobeyed, and therefore sin entered and corrupted the world, therefore, in order for us to even have a chance to live eternally in paradise, a savior had to be born. But everyone has to die from their flesh first. So God is not chosing who dies and who lives, we are dying, because that is part of life, and he is using that for good. He is also using our life for his good. This boy living gives God a chance to really work in non-believers hearts and show them that he is a loving God and wants to share his life with them. I had a friend die and I wish it didn't happen, but instead of feeling bitter and looking at it like "God didn't chose to let him live" everyone saw it as a great opportunity for God. Many people who would never set foot in the church heard the truth b/c at my friend's funeral, his parents spoke on the truth and pursuing victory with honor through Christ. It was a great ministry!! And my friend LOVED Jesus, and lived according to God's will for all 19 years of his life, and others were able to see the hope that his family had in seeing him again one day, therefore, others turned their eyes upon Jesus. So there you go, death and still a love from God that is great!

APART FROM GOD ONE CAN DO NOTHING! KD-3856328, you are a wise physician and indeed God works through you, He just did by your comment. For those who cannot understand and see God at work they are blinded spiritually and cannot ever see clearly. For those who are alive spiritually are living in the Light of Christ and always see the Hand of God at work!
Blessings to all!

Many of you uneducated haters (who apparently cannot spell either) are confusing religion and spirituality. While certainly we all have a choice to believe or not to believe and if you do believe, have the choice to associate and practice a certain religion; God and religion are two different things. Simply put, while I choose to believe in a power greater than myself which I call God, I do not associate myself with a particular religion.

This age old debate will continue and there will always be those morons who make the silly statement, "if there was a God, why does he let people die and children starve?" that is what is called LIFE folks, people live, people die, and we as humans cause the spread of disease, it's all part of the natural selection and evolutionary process - OH MY, he said evolution AND believes in God???

What a dichotomy (for many of you who posted here, dictionary.com can help with previous word)...yes, see you can have faith and believe in God and my higher education provides me the ability to reason; but you need humility to have faith and a belief in a higher power.

@greenbeagle13

"In the beginning, there was nothing, absolutely nothing, but later, way later, somehow, someway, a minute piece of ooze appeared. That ooze then formed an entire universe, which then formed a bunch of planets, and oh by the way, one of them just happened to be situated at the precise location away from a star (that's the Sun, Randy), and now more ooze and slime started popping up, and later, way later, even more detailed, intricate life forms started to pop up from this new ooze and slime. And bada-boom-bada-bing, here we are! So sayeth the Randys of the world!"

You claim this yet wouldn't the story of God be extremely similar. There was nothing in the universe and then BOOM there was just a God? What makes God a more valid explanation of the world than the Big Bang theory?

In my opinion, each theory would have the same beginnings; something came out of nothing in both.

@ysidero i dont need to go into a religious battle with you nor do i need to present evidence from science just keep your comments about religion to yourself and let people rely on what they want. you can believe it was the rescuers and whatnot but if someone thanks God for the prayers, let them! there is no reason to bash them and come down on them for believing in a higher power.

Actually, servant's example is a fine one for illustration purposes. Honestly, I'm not sure how Servant could have presented their beliefs much more nicely to you, so please, if you would like to educate us, share how they could have presented that same message in a manner that would not be offensive.

Some people are incredibly hostile toward the religious in general and the Christian in particular. This whole blog is an excellent example of that. Because it happened to a Christian youth group and people found solace in the aspect of prayer, folks like you Randy feel the need to jump in and behave in a hostile fashion. And woe be to anyone who tries to defend their beliefs in anyway, because they are obviously being condescending, smug, and arrogant.

Notice that no one here sought you out.

Notice that no one here tried to launch a campaign against you (or anyone).

Notice that no one here tried to take away your rights to do anything.

Hypocrites exist in all shapes and sizes. They are in religions and they are in science. I have been a hypocrite and you have been a hypocrite. Show me one person who claims to have never been a hypocrite and I'll show you a liar. So that fault should not exclude a religion from consideration anymore than it should exclude science from consideration.

Good day to all.

I never really understand why people sit on these boards and troll for arguments. You either believe in something or you believe in nothing. If someone is passionate enough to come on here to attack believers/non believers or just stir up trouble (because I think that's what your doing barry), then no matter who says what, no ones mind is going to be changed. I usually don't comment, but even I need to defend against bullies. Its the problem when you have people attack someones beliefs (even if you believe in nothing) and then everyone feels the need to defend their belief. Non believers feel I have been threatened into belief. But that is where you have to seperate religion from belief. I wasn't scared into anything. I have had prayers answered, even if that answer was no. But that's what non believers can't understand. God says no. So do I believe non believers are going to hell, absolutely. Am I right, who knows. I'm not here to be your judge (unless you're trying to be president). And no one will really know until we die. The problem (like with all wars) we loose sight of why anyone wanted to say anything in the first place. A child was saved. So thank you to all the people who worked to save this child and thank you God for putting such great people there to have an chance to save this child.

kpokeefe,

The only thing you are proving is that you are unstable. Do you even know what you're talking about?

Do what you want. Worship ...or don't . I just don't. I also DON'T attend Atheist ralleys, (although I kind of wish there was organization to us so that we could unite and not feel so surrounded by the "loving" / hating children of god.) I don't hate religious people like they hate me; most of my family are deeply religious.

Your comment about Neanderthals... huh? My point was that every time Science finds a theory, faith attacks it and attempts to turn erase intelligent argument. They did it to Galileo, they still do it now, including re: Neanderthals and evolution. Science is ever evolving based on facts and testing. Faith is dated and stale and, because science quite often debunks religion, they fight against it.

The person who commented on Religious and Spirituality was correct. There is a difference. To someone like me, supernatural things can be explained by scientific theory (read Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot) but Spirituality is generally un-militaristic towards different ideas, unlike religion.

@Zychan

I feel no one is attacking the youth group that was praying on the beach. Instead they were responding to those that said prayer was what saved the boy. In addition, it does not matter that the religion in question is Christianity, but just the fact of religion in general.

This is an awesome testimony to faith in God and the power of prayer. We need to hear more news stories like this one. Thank you for posting!

jekay24 - exactly.

Mr Know-it-all,

Let me once again post and BOLD what you said:

I respect your right to believe but I don't feel I'm given the respect to NOT believe. Freedom FROM religion is what I seek

No one forces you to believe in any faith or doctrine in this country. So you are free from religion. What you are not free to do is abolish religion or prevent others from being influenced by it. The founding fathers whom many were DEISTS felt the same way. Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, Sam Adams, to name a few were Deists!

I made the point that true "Freedom" is the RIGHT to believe in what ever you wish without fear of persecution from persons like yourself as long as you don't harm physically or economically others. If that is unstable then I am, but I rather think that your notion and therefore fantasy that you will one day or hope to exist in your definition of a Utopian Society where no religion exist at all is UNSTABLE!

Only religious relics attack science. By relics, I mean people of faith who take the Bible literally (most don't). The Bible was never mean to be taken literally as it was written in oral tradition. Historians like Herodotus were a great influence on all literary works of that age where he, as they, wrote in parables and with hyperbola. So, to create your argument that ALL religion doesn't accept science is your attempt to use the most often used style of slippery slope arguing which we do as children when trying to get our way with our parents or authoritative figures. By adulthood, we know this type of arguing is juvenile and ineffective to say the least!

CoastalExchange, we CAN know there is a God. There is proof of the fact all around us! Its a different story that we choose to ignore it voluntarily! The father of the boy himself stated that, had he died, that too would be OK because God directs in everything and is in control. The fact that we see a dilapidated building that is crumbling to the ground is not proof of the non-existence of the builder. On the contrary, its evidence to the truth that there was in fact a builder, a creator. Its the poor choice of humanity that has introduced death, suffering, pain and all that we regret. But God is real nonetheless and the proof is all around us for the ones that want to see it. And thank God that through His provision of advances in science, rescuers and a medical team, this boy´s life was saved. But thank Him also that He gives you life also. And continues to give it to you so you can acknowledge Him now.

As Albert Einstein said, "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind."

kpokeefe,

I appreciate if you're not one of the majority of "Religious Relics" whom seem to be leading Christianity and taking the bible literally. I wish religious people like you , then, were able to stand up to the dominating fundamentalists who use the literal interpretations.

The founding fathers argument is moot and truly "Slippery Slope", as you like to say. They were fleeing religious persecution so this argument can go into endless back and forths of what we think. To me, considering our currencies and nation anthem weren't changed to add "God" until the past 75 years or so, the founding fathers were much more open minded than the majority of Christians in the US today.

While no one is forcing me to believe in any faith, I am most definitely vilified for NOT believing. You probably don't see this as a "believer".

Would a non-believer be elected President ? Probably not because of "belief prejudice": Christians in the US think that non-believers are unable of being moral. But who's being more genuine, someone being "good" because they are dangled a carrot of an "eternal reward" like heaven or someone like me who thinks this is all the living we get and so I should be a good person and enjoy life? If god can see hearts and knows all, why would he allow it to work like this?

Again, believe what you want but just let me believe what I want too. You can celebrate Christmas, I will too, only I won't talk about Jesus (whom I personally don't believe ever existed). We can celebrate Easter too, only I won't talk about Jesus then either. We can do many of things we are used to doing together, if your fellow believers would drop the hate disguised as "love".

Mark,

Your comments on "atheism" have got to be some of the most miss guided and uninformed I've ever read .... ever.

The very idea you put atheism on this non-existent pedestal speaks volumes. Atheism is a made-up, useless term that we don't even need. It's about as useful as calling a person who doesn't believe in fairies an "a"fairiest.

Geez ... absolutely mind-boggling almost to the point of being comical, if it wasn't so offensive and intellectually bankrupt.

Attention All Non-Believers:

We are all born to die!! No one knows the time or place of there departure from this earthly life. God is not "choosing" to save 'these people' vs. 'these people'... It is simply there 'time' to go. No one IS ever, HAS ever, or WILL ever be guaranteed to live to a certain age!! Children are no exception. Also, many of these comments have mentioned or insinuated that 'death' is bad thing or a punishment of some sorts? Not at all true! Firstly, death is a natural and EXPECTED part of life!! Secondly, for those who do believe, death from this earth, is only a brand new, eternal heavenly life!! These children that passed from our earthly environment, are absolutely in Heaven and have not 'suffered' a loss at all!! This life is only temporary and they are now at an eternal place of rest and peace with our Lord and Savior!! I do hate that you all are so ignorant in this issue, its quite unfortunate...Hopefully the Lord will rest your souls as well, when your time comes. Since we do not know when our time will be, I would highly suggest doing some soul searching and research!! The Bible, believe it or not :), is actually full of facts!! Not just 'imaginations' and 'hopes' of greater things!! ALSO----The Bible states, "Seek, and you shall find"!! May God Bless You All!! :)

God and his people are the ones who have taken a war on Science and Truth. The world was flat before it was found to be round, and then it was flat again and then finally stayed round. The Universe revolved around the Earth and then science proved otherwise but then Religion moved us back again before Science finally prevailed. The earth was 5000 years old before it was 4.6 billion and now we debate it again as if the Bible has any real worthy challenge. These are just a few broad examples, of course. So, that being said, IMO Belief in "God" does preclude the achievements of man.

The bible is very clear and moderation is not allowed unless you want to go against his "word": No Homosexuality. Women should submit. You should not eat shelfish or pork. The Earth is 3000-ish years old, It's good to keep slaves...etc..

Coastal Ex

Most of that is from the Old Testament. The New Testament is quite different. Yes, spirituality is not the same as religion. Some people that attend church regularly are horrible during the week. You'd think so much attending church would make them care more about their neighbors or fellow mankind. Many scientists are spiritual and some are religious. I think there was balance in this event in which a boy was rescued. The rescuers were in the area and had the will to try to save him. What is needed in Somalia, or where the famine is going on now, is for their leaders, and or adults in the area, and also adults in the rest of the world to want to do something. We're all in it together, like it or not. When we sincerely try to help each other everyone benefits.

The bit about the Old Test vs New Test would be fine *IF* believers never used the Old scripture in their arguments. The problem is, mostly we hear Bible scriptures being quotes from Old these days especially when it comes to politics.

well said

You are absolutely right. I have been a paramedic for almost 30 years, and one of the things we know is that drowning in cold water can result in no detectable life signs but we never give up. It's fine with me if some people want to see the work of a deity in this incident,

I'm not here to judge people's beliefs. I just resent when someone's life is saved and the first reaction is *thank god for his mercy*. I choose not to believe in a deity, on rational grounds, and I dont need anyone's blessing or wishes for my (imaginary) salvation. Thanks anyway. Peace.

The "20 minutes" was derived from the time spent on the beach attempting to revive him + a reasonable approximation of the time it took to transport him to the ER and the revival efforts there before he responded. I don't think there is any embellishing here.

Cold water drownings have an interesting effect on the human body especially in children. Here in Michigan we believe that no one is dead until they are warm and dead. As gruesome as that sounds it merely means that the bodies physiological response to inhaled coldwater must be reversed and life saving efforts applied for a period of time before declaring death. That being said it certainly seems as though the hand of God was at work in this case

Marty 2128 is correct. The reflexive response in a cold-water drowning is particularly strong in infants and young children. "You're not dead til you're warm and dead" is a mantra in TN ERs, too.

See, this is the view that gets to me and makes me hesitant about the whole religion. When it comes down to it, this belief is based on the fear of going to hell.

cj - if you don't need religion, then there's no reason to believe in what they say. You can be happy, fulfilled, etc., without it.

Indeed, Randy.

As someone who grew up attending Lutheran schools and church every Sunday, I realized there were a lot of amazing things that could come out of a close relationship with God. I do still sometimes doubt that the natural world (plants, animals, etc) could exist without some sort of divine assistance (whatever it may be) and I do acknowledge that miracles happen.

However, being constantly exposed to religion also made me see its dangers and the negative things that can come out of it - judgment, hypocrisy, and ignorance to name a few. I have no problem with the possibility of God's existence - just a problem with those who have taken it upon themselves to do what they at other times claim only God can do. Those who say that the Bible should be taken literally, but conveniently ignore the parts they don't want to follow.

Those who will tell me to stop questioning and leave them be, and later claim they know where I'm going after I die.

" . . . Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." Matt 6.

God does not desire that your reward be presented to you when you die. He wants to bring Heaven to Earth as you live. The closer I walk with God, the more blessings He lays out before me.

I've swung between atheism and agnosticism (not because I believe, but because I'd rather have an open mind) my entire life, and my life is and always has been pretty darn awesome. Anything I truly wanted/needed, I got. Even the minor things in my life that seemed negative at the time ended up potentially saving my life by taking me out of a dangerous situation.

If (and that's a BIG if) there is a God, I couldn't be further from his light, and yet I'm pretty darned "blessed," to use the religious vernacular. So screw that "walk with God and receive great things" bs. I make my own great things happen.

Peaches, I guess my problem is I can't just choose to believe in something. I let the evidence lead me to conclusions. If I told you I had a suitcase with a million dollars in it and if you just believed it was real that you could have it, could you do that? Do you really believe there's a man in the sky who made everything, or do you just pretend to out of superstition?

cj7219- what if it isn't so much a desire to escape hell (which should be a good motivator anyway), but a desire to spend eternity in heaven/paradise without grief, anger, etc. And instead, learning about all things regarding my Creator and His Creation? I mean, how many questions in life do you have that you don't have answers for? How many things do you not understand? I'm looking forward to having those answers, and to fully understanding how much I am/we are truly loved. Many blessings to the boy, his family, his group, and all of you.

mnabi - I understand your desire, and I'm glad that you are getting that out of your faith. And you have every right to believe. What turns me away is those who threaten me with hell. Like Ryan said, it leads me to believe that people are believing out of superstition and the fear of going to hell - and what kind of reason is that?

Personally, I will entertain the idea, as many things are possible, but I don't feel certain enough to declare it to be true, especially if it means condemning those who may not feel comfortable enough to believe. So instead, I focus on the teachings of Jesus and use them to better myself. I think many could benefit from reading about his ideas.

Again, I don't have a problem with the idea that what you are saying could be true, but what we as people have done to it all. I understand your idea of thinking God will answer your questions about him/heaven/etc someday, but I have my own questions for the leaders and participants of this religion who practice hypocrisy every day. I wonder what Jesus would say to them...

I'm not saying I didn't have successes before I committed my life to God's work; I had a great job, beautiful wife and daughter, nice house, nice car, etc. Plenty of people experience worldly success without God in their lives. Very few of those things have any real, eternal value though. I'm talking about things like restored relationships, conquered addictions, redeemed lives. Those things I can't seem to do very well without God.

For all those non believers, pessimistic, rude, selfish, unhappy people if at one time in your life you had or have children and they got very ill, i think at that moment you would or will kneel down and pray to someone or something, so don't even go there. Lots of prayers do not get answered but that's not for you or me to judge, God gave us life and he will take it away at any second. So if you can't accept that then you probably have a lot of issues!! Oh, bye the way Gob Bless.

Such a categorical and absolute statement requires evidence. I doubt you can provide anything convincing to the rational people.

You believe, I choose not to. I don't judge you, I just don't agree with you. Live and let live.

Actually, yes, it's totally unscientific. It's implausible on its face, and it can't be tested or falsified. That is, by definition, unscientific.

Why don't you try to apply your religion to the scientific method then?

"propose a hypotheses as explanations of phenomena, and design experimental studies to test these hypotheses via predictions which can be derived from them. These steps must be repeatable,"

Good luck.

That's very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Prayers never fail. God hears all of our prayers. He has a plan for all of us. When people die at an early age you have to look beyond the death itself. Look at the ripple effect it causes. Look at the lives it touches. God's great plan is far more than just our individual needs. He loves us all and wants us to be with him one day. As you said "it wasn't the kid's time". God schedules the time.

All prayers fail.

How do you know, Randy? You don't pray.

I don't. I only said that to counter the opposite assumption that all prayers work.

If you've never prayed then how do you know that prayers always fail? maybe you should try it some time...

Oh, and Liz.... God had everything to do with it, if god hadn't intervened that little boy would not be here today considering he was dead for up to 20 minutes and was said that he would never talk or walk and within the first few minutes of waking up from a coma could talk in full sentences, how did the doctors explain that???? wait, THEY COULDNT! Oh, and if you don't know anything about god stop trying to tell people what he can and cant do :) He can do more than you could ever imagine!

Marty, so what you're saying is it's already all planned out. Therefore, by your own logic, prayers are useless.

I didn't say I never prayed before.

This saddens me so much to know there are so many of you that don't believe. The Lord works in so many ways that are difficult to understand and might not be right in front of your face, and then there is the work that IS right in front of you. The world isn't and never will be a perfect place, but I've personally seen the Lord's work all around me, and I see everyday what happens when we reject him. No one can argue that our nation is crumbling and on a fast track to nowhere, and I can speak for millions when I say that taking God out of just about everything was our first mistake. For those of you who believe God doesn't exist, I challenge you to think about it again. Talk to someone or make a Sunday trip to church, you might feel differently when you leave.

And Marty? Thank you! Very well said! :)

Woodenfrog, in what ways is the nation crumbling? And when did we take god out of everything? "In God We Trust" was actually put ON our money in the 50s. It hadn't been there before.

Well spoken, Marty.

Having just read "Heaven is for real" I'd like to encourage all believers - and atheists alike - to read this wonderful story. Prayers do change things, whether or not we understand just how.

Anyway, isn't it wonderful that those kids on the beach spontaneously knelt down and started praying? It takes a lot of character and faith to do such a thing and it didn't go unrewarded. God was watching, as He always does.

Praise the Lord.

Alex, I'll read it if you read Christopher Hitchens "God is not great". The difference between most atheists and theists is that most Atheists have explored religion through many readings. Personally I've read the Bible cover to cover 4 times, I've read "A Case for Christ" and multiple other readings my family have given to convert me...

Just because someone prayed doesn't mean that had any effect. You just think it does because it supports what you want to believe.

Coastal Exchange, why bother since you have clearly chosen NOT to believe? You read with a closed mind so just tell your family 'thank you', but no. Also judging the Divine is a typical human behavior. Remember some spiritual teachings is that you are in school. You would learn absolutely nothing if you did not witness to the good, the bad and the ugly. Good luck with you choices I doubt they will comfort you.

From what I understand, Hitchens criticizes (organized) religion rather than God. Religion is, basically, relating to God (supposing God's existence is real, of course). I am myself of the opinion that a lot of religious actions did a very poor job of, well, relating to God. So what? Why should I therefore be against God?

You have read the Bible more than once. Let me remind you of what Jesus did in order to prevent that woman's stoning: He didn't belittle morality and He didn't speak against marriage or in favor of infidelity and fornication. No, He simply asked of the woman's accusers to determine which one of them had never sinned, so that guy could throw the first stone. Since they were all sinners, not a single stone was thrown at the poor woman. And Jesus, far from encouraging her to keep sinning, dismissed her by saying that neither did He condemn her and she should go and sin no more.

It's your choice, really. Jesus respected that woman, not necessarily her ways, but that person as one of God's many children. You can also choose to respect God despite the many shortcomings of His children.

I could not agree with you more. And Alex, I have also read "heaven is for real"! It is truly an amazing story.

I cannot be upset for those who do not understand the power of God. I will pray for you.

Marty, did you ever also witness tragedy? Have you ever witnessed the opposite - that being someone who should have lived but for some unknown reason didn't? What is that then? Thinking that god was responsible for certain unusual good things but not for unusual bad things is shooting an arrow and then drawing a bullseye around it.

Alex, no, Hitchens (rightly) criticizes god (the god that christians made up anyway).

cm-2413397

I need no comfort. But I appreciate your, typically religious often Christian, hostility towards my non-belief.

I fought and struggled and studied, open minded , for years trying to cope with my disbelief; the fact that god never "spoke" to me, and other questions no one could ever intelligently resolve. Now? Of course, I'm where I am now but just like science, I'm ever evolving. I have no hope of god. I have denied the holy ghost both subconsciously and consciously which, according to the bible, is the one "unforgivable sin". However, I'm always learning and open to learn. In fact, I'm probably more open-minded than you just based on your intolerant view of my non-religion. .... but I shouldn't presume as I don't know you.

May all your fairy tales come true for you in the end.

Alex-1469785

From what I understand, Hitchens criticizes (organized) religion rather than God. Religion is, basically, relating to God (supposing God's existence is real, of course). I am myself of the opinion that a lot of religious actions did a very poor job of, well, relating to God. So what? Why should I therefore be against God?

I highly recommend reading his book. It's not dark sorcery and in fact, it may challenge your view of God which could end up strengthening it.

You have read the Bible more than once. Let me remind you of what Jesus did in order to prevent that woman's stoning: He didn't belittle morality and He didn't speak against marriage or in favor of infidelity and fornication. No, He simply asked of the woman's accusers to determine which one of them had never sinned, so that guy could throw the first stone. Since they were all sinners, not a single stone was thrown at the poor woman. And Jesus, far from encouraging her to keep sinning, dismissed her by saying that neither did He condemn her and she should go and sin no more.

Then Why Alex, do so many Christians cast so many stones? Why are they politically active and out to enforce "God's word" ? This passage would assume a passive Christ but the bible shows a much more hostile Christ overall; not to even mention the hostility of the father.

I love that you see that part of the bible as inspirational but to do so, you are ignoring other parts.

"If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you ... Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die." -- Dt.13:6-10

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."

The God who you deny the existence of calls you fools. Don't tell The internet world He doesn't exists, tell Him.

Your right bad things do happen to good people.The reason there is death and sickness is because of the absence of God. The reason we have darkness is because of the absence of light. It takes more faith to believe there is no God than it does to believe there is. For those of you who believe there is no God you better hope your right but there is a God and he loves you anyway.

To those that think that God is the cause of all things good and bad, you need to study up on your religion. In the beginning we were all given an opportunity to choose to follow Christ or Satan. Christ who would allow as all to have our free agency and Satan who would force us all to do things his way. Because we are here on earth, we know that we chose to follow Christ and therefore are subject to a plan created by God. God gave us free agency to do what we want to do when we want to do it and He also must let us do it or the plan would not be perfect, like it is. Just because someone has chosed to do something wrong does not mean that it is Gods fault. He has to allow it to happen because He is also bound by His plan of free agency. Ever heard the saying " Not my will but thine be done"? I believe that he can intervene if it is necessary to further His cause, but just because someone chose to go to the beach one day and and got got in a rip tide is not Gods fault. We all have to do something in order to return to God. We can't just sit on our butts and do nothing. It requires work, and if we want additional help, then we ask God for that help. God will not just pick up the boy out of the water and place him on the beach. It requires someone to act. So it really is a joint effort for the recuers to take things into their own hands to get the boy to a point to where medical science can then help, and if God lends a helping hand to help the boy survive, then give God credit due.

Danosaints - are you saying only people who deny god get sick and die? It does NOT take more faith to not believe in something for which there is no evidence than to believe in something for which there is no evidence. God loves me even if I don't believe? Then why would he cast me into a pit of fire for eternity? Your arguments collapse under their own weight.

The article only states a "church youth group". There is nothing indicating the faith system of the Prayers.

Believer-3888411,

In the beginning we were all given an opportunity to choose to follow Christ or Satan.

That doesn't even make sense. Christ didn't pretend-exist until supposedly around 1 BC... so what did Christ have to do with anything?

Just because someone has chosed to do something wrong does not mean that it is Gods fault. He has to allow it to happen because He is also bound by His plan of free agency. Ever heard the saying " Not my will but thine be done"?

God is a Free Agent? This I've never heard. ..... So , as Randy said earlier, if everything is already mapped out, why bother praying?

We can't just sit on our butts and do nothing. It requires work, and if we want additional help, then we ask God for that help. God will not just pick up the boy out of the water and place him on the beach. It requires someone to act.

So God *can* do miracles but chooses to hang back and let man do the work...sometimes? God its back while the Janjaweed kill and rape women & children..... because no one was there who could act on his behalf?

Why the big test? It's ridiculous in my opinion, sorry. But you can believe that. It's mostly a free country.

I'm sure someone else has asked this already, but why did God let the other little boy die? There is no answer that will convince me that there is a God. May as well believe that David Copperfield can make the Empire State Building disappear. Pleeeez.

Peace Monger, sure, do you have his email address, maybe toll free number, or his facebook page?

I went outside and looked at the sky and yelled it, but he didn't respond.

Believer-3888411, when was that vote on the house floor? Was he "furthering his cause" when he told W Jeffs to abuse those young girls?

I have every intention of placing credit where it is due. The rescue workers here are hero's. Their extreme dedication to service is apparent and highly appreciated. Great job guys, you are an inspiration to humanity.

The prayers of the righteous avail much...Praise the Lord for His Faitfulness!!! What an amazing testimony...

The bible says that what satan meant for evil God will turn it around for good for those WHO LOVE HIM!

People, Stop rejecting the very One who created you & gives you breath!!!

WOW! I started reading about this little boy who is alive after being "dead" for 20 minutes and it turned into this debate. I think that if it was your little boy (or girl), you might WANT people praying for him (or her). Put yourself in his parent's shoes. It is a miracle that he is alive and I am sure God had his hand in it some how. The important thing is, he is alive!! God bless!

How typical of religious nuts to give the credit to God and prayer.. I suppose if things had gone the other way they would have said it was God's will .. Religion is just convenient that way I guess.It was by the grace of courageous human beings that risked their own lives to save another that saved the boy not the adults there groveling on the beach praying.

Just because we pray doesnt mean we will get the answers we want. Also what makes you think as humans we can understand God's plan. Yes there are bad things in this world, but just because we dont understand the reason doesnt mean there isnt one. Just because God doesnt save everyone doesnt mean he is bad. From where I stand heaven is a good place to go, not a punishment. By the way I am also an RN and have seen many, many miracles in both my personal and professional roles. Many, many medical professionals are believers, many like myself know we get our healing power from God, not from this world. What can I say sometimes you have to be quiet to hear him. I will keep all non believers in my prayers. God Bless.

so "GOD also gave that healing power to the nurse that was lilling patients in a nursing home....so was that "GOD" doing as well... believers cannot pick and choose what "GOD" has a hand in and what he doesn't have a hand in. either you believe or you don't....either "GOD" exists and had a hand in it or he.she,it exists and "GOD" has nothing to do with anything. You Just cannot pick and choose for your own convience!