Case Study:
Mr A.M., a newly converted Christian and a 2nd year medical student, has recently found himself at a crossroads. His newfound faith has led him to believe that he no longer needs to continue his medical studies, as he now has the power to heal and perform miracles. He questions the necessity of medications and medical interventions when Christians can be healed through faith. A.M. is seeking guidance to understand how to reconcile his faith with his medical education. What would you advise Brother A.M. in this situation? We gathered feedback from some of our chapter members regarding the scenario, and here are their responses. Sure, here are the responses summarized to ten words each:
Response 1: Medicine is an art authored by God but taught to men. Luke exemplified this balance.
Response 2: Faith and medicine are not mutually exclusive; they complement beautifully.
Response 3: Medicine is a gift from God, manifesting His grace and love.
Response 4: Faith brings healing, but God works through various means, including medicine.
From Ajayi Okiki.
Brother A.M., congratulations on your newfound faith! It’s inspiring to see your passion and belief in the power of healing through faith. Throughout history, there have been many instances where faith has played a crucial role in healing and providing comfort to the afflicted. The Bible is replete with stories of miraculous healings performed by Jesus and His disciples, which undoubtedly reinforces your belief in the power of faith. However, it’s essential to consider that these miraculous healings were often meant to demonstrate God’s power and serve specific purposes within the context of His divine plan.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 3:13-14 states, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” As a medical student, you’re being equipped with knowledge and skills that can save lives and alleviate suffering. This education is not in opposition to your faith but can be seen as a complementary tool provided by God. He has endowed humanity with the ability to discover and develop medical interventions to alleviate suffering and heal diseases. In fact, many early scientists and physicians were
motivated by their faith to explore and understand the natural world.
Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan’s compassionate response included both spiritual and practical actions: he tended to the man’s wounds and ensured he received care. This parable highlights the importance of using all available means to help those in need, including medical knowledge. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, advised Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake and his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23). This practical advice underscores that even in biblical times, the use of available remedies was encouraged alongside faith
In conclusion, Brother A.M., you need not abandon your medical studies to honor your faith. Instead, see your education as a means to extend God’s healing through your hands. Embrace the opportunity to merge faith and medicine, providing care that heals both the body and the soul. This balanced perspective can allow you to fulfill your calling as both a dedicated Christian and a skilled physician.
Ajayi Okiki