On Tue, 19 Dec 1995, Jo Clark wrote:

> No, this method is not Biblical, but do we have the right to try to
> change someone's religious views, or are we obligated to try to help
> them within their own culture?
>
> I'm just a bit confused as to how far it is allowed to go when/if I run
> into this situation, and would like be prepared for it.

Dear Jo,
You bring up an interesting question, and one that I have pondered
before. When I view a belief in the context of "culture", I feel an
absolute obligation to respect the culture. My observations about the
Victorian era influence on Christianity in general were reflective, and I
doubt that I would easily influence someone in the clutches of the
curriculum with such arguments. The "Ezzo method" was never meant to be a
"religion", according to the authors; the reason that it bothers so many
of us is that it *has* appeared to develop into a subculture, contrary to
their claims! When I have spoken with couples, I take them where they are
at---- if they are very immersed in the "biblicalness" of this method,
then I tackle only the things that are causing THEM the problems, ie, a
breastfeeding problem. I don't bring things up per se, but wait for them
to do it, wait for the "teachable moment". If I am talking to someone who
is investigating the curriculum and not immersed, however, I will be much
more forthright in my discussion, pointing out that there are biblical,
psychological and physical points of "error" in the method. I really do
tailor my discussion to where my party is "at".

It is very confusing. I have likened this conflict to dealing with
someone in a cult; we may recognize from the outside that this is a cult,
but they do not. Therefore, we must be sensitive in what we say and do,
and take the stance of helping them in their immediate needs first. If we
show compassion and intelligence in doing so, then I believe the door
will open to tackle the greater issues later. If we tackle their beliefs
first, however, we can easily lose the whole person, along with our
credibility......

I hope this helps clarify a bit.

-Lisa

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Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC
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