Much has been said and crossed my mind concerning the doctor in Florida who posted a sign in his office that might turn away those who voted for Obamacare. I have read the book from which the Hippocratic Oath is taken, and while I respect his agency to treat whom he will, I find it to actually be a violation of that oath and the principles of medicine.
One of my favorite movies as a young boy was "Captain Blood". Peter Blood was a physician during the Scottish Wars of Succession. He is called to the home of a separatist on the eve of combat, a man he knew well. While in the midst of care for this man, he is taken by the king's men, put on trial, and convicted for service to an enemy of the King. Eventually, he turns pirate and plies his hand against the tyrant King James.
Perhaps some people fear to end up as Captain Blood. While I was jogging this morning, a thought came into my mind as powerful as any impression I have ever had. Do what is right; that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest. For the benefit of those who have not actually read the Hippocratic Oath, here it is:
For your own edification, I recommend you read the entire volume from whence this oath originates as well as the historical context during that time. Hippocrates wrote On the Sacred Disease years ago. Perhaps it would behoove this doctor to read it again.
Do I like Obamacare? Hoboken no. I resent being told I MUST buy health insurance. I resent that it comes with a fine. I have a friend who has sprained or broken her ankle every year since I met her. Why should I pay for her recklessness? It is a fundamental tenant of my faith that men should bear the consequences of their own choices. They are not there when I need them.
People will say that I am unChristian because they think that my opposition to Obamacare constitutes an opinion that I don't care about other people. On the contrary, I care a great deal. It is these people who misunderstand the Christ. They have imagined a Jesus who asks of them more social responsibility while he ignores the degree of their personal unrighteousness. They hope that he will laud and reward what they do for others and ignore the liabilities they accumulate on the ledger of individual choice. Charity towards others remains imperfect and does you little good until you also do what is right to and for yourself.
Do what is right; that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.
I have served my enemies and done good to those who despitefully use me and persecute me. God knows my name and he knows my heart. I pray, this Easter Sunday, that he will have mercy on me at the day of judgment and turn away his wrath because of the Sacrifice of the Savior, whose resurrection we celebrate today. By that Master Physician, we will all live again.
One of my favorite movies as a young boy was "Captain Blood". Peter Blood was a physician during the Scottish Wars of Succession. He is called to the home of a separatist on the eve of combat, a man he knew well. While in the midst of care for this man, he is taken by the king's men, put on trial, and convicted for service to an enemy of the King. Eventually, he turns pirate and plies his hand against the tyrant King James.
Perhaps some people fear to end up as Captain Blood. While I was jogging this morning, a thought came into my mind as powerful as any impression I have ever had. Do what is right; that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest. For the benefit of those who have not actually read the Hippocratic Oath, here it is:
I swear by Apollo, the healer, Asclepius, Hygieia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath and agreement:
To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; To look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art.
I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.
I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.
But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts.
I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art.
In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves.
All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.
If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men
and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.
For your own edification, I recommend you read the entire volume from whence this oath originates as well as the historical context during that time. Hippocrates wrote On the Sacred Disease years ago. Perhaps it would behoove this doctor to read it again.
Do I like Obamacare? Hoboken no. I resent being told I MUST buy health insurance. I resent that it comes with a fine. I have a friend who has sprained or broken her ankle every year since I met her. Why should I pay for her recklessness? It is a fundamental tenant of my faith that men should bear the consequences of their own choices. They are not there when I need them.
People will say that I am unChristian because they think that my opposition to Obamacare constitutes an opinion that I don't care about other people. On the contrary, I care a great deal. It is these people who misunderstand the Christ. They have imagined a Jesus who asks of them more social responsibility while he ignores the degree of their personal unrighteousness. They hope that he will laud and reward what they do for others and ignore the liabilities they accumulate on the ledger of individual choice. Charity towards others remains imperfect and does you little good until you also do what is right to and for yourself.
Do what is right; that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.
I have served my enemies and done good to those who despitefully use me and persecute me. God knows my name and he knows my heart. I pray, this Easter Sunday, that he will have mercy on me at the day of judgment and turn away his wrath because of the Sacrifice of the Savior, whose resurrection we celebrate today. By that Master Physician, we will all live again.
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