Watch No Greater Law

No Greater Law is a documentary film from 2018, directed by Tom Dumican, that explores the lives of the Followers of Christ Church in Oregon, United States. This Christian sect is known for its belief in faith healing and refusal to seek medical attention, even in life-threatening situations. The film introduces us to several families within the church, including the Davidson family, whose young daughter Ava died from complications related to diabetes. The Davidsons refused to seek medical treatment for Ava, even though she was clearly suffering, and instead relied solely on prayer and faith healing. The film follows the legal battle that ensued, as the government tried to prosecute the Davidsons for manslaughter.

The film also profiles several members of the church who have left and are now speaking out against its practices, including Linda Martin, who lost her son to the church's refusal to seek medical treatment. Martin now works as an advocate for children's medical rights.

In addition to examining the specific case of the Davidsons, the film also delves into the larger issue of religious exemptions from medical treatment. The Followers of Christ Church is just one of many religious groups that believe in faith healing and avoid medical attention, and several states in the US have laws that allow for religious exemptions from child neglect and abuse charges.

No Greater Law presents a nuanced and thought-provoking look at this issue. On the one hand, it is easy to see why the government would want to prosecute parents who refuse to seek medical treatment for their children, especially when it leads to preventable deaths. On the other hand, the film does a good job of presenting the deeply held beliefs of the church members and the difficult choice they face between their faith and the well-being of their children.

The film also raises important questions about the role of the government in regulating religious practices. Is it appropriate for the government to intervene in cases where religious beliefs are putting children at risk? Or is this a violation of religious freedom?

One of the strengths of No Greater Law is the way it humanizes the members of the church. It would be easy to demonize them for their beliefs, but the film shows that they are real people with families and emotions. Many of them genuinely believe that faith healing is the best form of treatment for their children, and it is clear that they are struggling with a difficult and emotionally fraught decision.

At the same time, the film does not shy away from the consequences of these beliefs. The death of Ava Davidson is a heartbreaking moment, and it is hard not to feel anger and frustration at the parents who refused to take action to save her. The film also includes interviews with former members of the church who talk about the trauma they experienced as a result of their upbringing, including chronic illness and untreated injuries.

Overall, No Greater Law is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about the intersection of religion and medicine. It is not an easy film to watch, but it is an important one, and it serves as a reminder of the real consequences of religious extremism.

No Greater Law is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.