There are many non-Western cultures which would prescribe some sort of meditation or vigil for some illnesses, many of which are accorded great respect by those who apparently decide such things. But Christian prayer is just a joke. I guess some cultures are apparently more equal than others.

To squelch an appointment based on a man's religious beliefs on the basis of what he MIGHT do if appointed is the rankest form of discrimination. Sort of preemptive, you might say...

For the record, I don't think he's the best choice either, but I don't like the snide tone of the Time article and it pissed me off.

As for his refusing to prescribe birth control to unmarried women in private practice, that's his perogative, same as a Jewish doctor refusing to prescribe on a Saturday. Lord knows there's enough other sources for birth control. 11-year-olds can get it in some places without parental notification.