Biblical Answer

Can I really trust the medical system?

Trust and Faith in Medicine

The question of whether we can trust the medical system is a complex one. On one hand, medical professionals undergo extensive training and education to provide the best possible care for their patients. They are bound by a code of ethics that prioritizes the well-being and safety of their patients. However, as the quote from C.S. Lewis suggests, we all live by faith to some extent. When we go to a doctor, we need faith to trust their diagnosis, and when the pharmacy fills our prescription, we have faith that the medication will work as intended.

The Limits of Medical Knowledge

Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, there are limits to their knowledge and abilities. As Stanley Hauerwas notes, the demand for euthanasia may come because we lack the skills humanely to know how to care for the dying. Similarly, doctors may misdiagnose maladies or struggle to explain unusual symptoms. This is not to say that medical professionals are not competent or trustworthy, but rather that there are inherent limitations to their knowledge and abilities. Ultimately, we must acknowledge that there are some things that are beyond human understanding, and that is where faith comes in.

Faith and Trust in God

As the passage from Mark 2:17 suggests, we must put our trust in Christ until we have first despaired of ourselves. This means recognizing that we are finite and fallible beings, and that there are things that are beyond our control. In the face of uncertainty and doubt, we can trust in the sovereignty of God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful. By putting our trust in God, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of uncertainty, even when the medical system fails us. As the apostle Paul wrote, "We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). By trusting in God, we can find the strength and courage to face even the most difficult challenges.