Biblical Answer

Can I really trust the doctor?

The question of trusting a doctor is a complex one that raises issues of faith and doubt. While it is true that doctors can misdiagnose or struggle to explain unusual circumstances, it is also true that patients have faith in their doctors to provide the best possible care. This faith is not blind, but rather a recognition that doctors are human beings who make mistakes, just like everyone else. As the Bible teaches, "We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). In other words, we trust in things that we cannot see or fully understand, including the expertise of our doctors.

Moreover, the doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, which is essential for effective communication and treatment. If patients do not trust their doctors, they are unlikely to follow their advice or adhere to their treatment plans. As Stanley Hauerwas notes, the doctor's prescription is not a command, but rather a recommendation based on their expertise and experience. Ultimately, patients must decide whether or not to follow their doctor's advice, and this decision requires faith and trust in their doctor's abilities.

In addition, the Bible teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and doubt. As we pray, "Lord, I pray that You would show us who that should be" (Psalm 16:2), we acknowledge that our trust is ultimately in God, not just in our doctors. This does not mean that we should disregard the expertise of our doctors or ignore their advice, but rather that we should trust in God's goodness and providence, even when we do not fully understand what is happening. By doing so, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of uncertainty, even when faced with a serious diagnosis or treatment plan. As one Christian writer notes, "It may be that the demand for euthanasia comes because we lack the skills humanely to know how to live with uncertainty and ambiguity" (Stanley Hauerwas). By trusting in God and our doctors, we can learn to live with uncertainty and find hope in the midst of doubt.