Biblical Answer

The Limits of Human Trust

While it's true that we all live by faith to some extent, trusting our doctors when they say they're doing everything they can is a unique situation. Our trust in medical professionals is often based on the assumption that they have the power to enforce their prescriptions and diagnoses. However, as philosopher Stanley Hauerwas notes, a doctor is essentially saying, "If you wish to be healthy, then do this." This highlights the fact that our trust in doctors is not a matter of blind faith, but rather a trust in their expertise and the treatments they provide.

The Illusion of Control

When we trust our doctors, we're not just trusting their ability to diagnose and treat our medical conditions. We're also trusting that they have the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions for our care. However, as the author notes, doctors can and do make mistakes. They may misdiagnose or struggle to explain unusual cases. This raises questions about the limits of human trust and the assumption that our doctors have the power to control our health outcomes. In reality, our health is influenced by a complex array of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices.

Faith and Trust

In the context of our relationship with God, faith and trust are closely tied. As Christians, we're called to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand the circumstances of our lives. Similarly, our trust in doctors is a form of faith, but it's not the same as trusting in God. While we can trust in the expertise and knowledge of medical professionals, we must also acknowledge the limits of their power and the uncertainties of medical care. Ultimately, our trust in doctors is a form of human trust, which is different from the faith and trust that we're called to have in God. By acknowledging the limits of human trust, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities of medical care and the role of faith in our lives.