One nice thing about graduating is all the loot. Yesterday I got a little leather case in which to carry a two inch notepad. I can think of many, many uses for a two inch notepad. Like writing the letter A for example. Or S. Or even M. Using just three pages I could show Sam how to write his name.
But I did get a very nice gift today from OSAC. It was a fancy pen engraved with my name and "M.D." It was a bit alarming to see. But once I was over the nice gold letters after my name, I realized how convenient it was to have a pen with which to write on my new pad.
The best gift of all came yesterday from the Boss. She couldn't wait until actual graduation day and neither could I. Plus, I took a message from Hobby Lobby a couple days ago when she was working on a paper and they refused to tell me what it was regarding, so I had a feelin' something was coming. Turns out, my sweetie got me a framed James Christensen print. He is my favorite artist. He did the garden room murals in the Nauvoo temple as well as many gorgeous paintings like "The Widows Mite" that we've had hanging next to our door for years. The print she got me was "The Oath". I love it. Not much more to say than that.
But speaking of the oath, I was wondering if anyone would care to comment on this conundrum. The Oath of Hippocrates we will be taking during graduation is this:
I do solemnly swear by that which I hold most sacred:
That I will be loyal to the profession of medicine and just and generous to its members;
That I will lead my life and practice my art in uprightness and honor;
That into whatsoever house I shall enter, it shall be for the good of the sick to the utmost of my power, I, holding myself aloof from wrong, from corruption, and from the temptation of others to vice;
That I will exercise my art solely for the cure of my patients, and will give no drug, perform no operation for a criminal purpose, even if solicited, and far less suggest such a thing.
That whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of others which is not fitting to be spoken, I will keep inviolably secret.
These things I do promise, and in proportion as I am faithful to this, my oath, may happiness and good repute be ever mine--the opposite if I shall be forsworn.
My question is, should I feel conflicted at all about taking an oath when the scriptures say not to? Is there anything qualitatively different in this oath than in the kind of oaths forbidden?
7 comments:
Good question, Coach! But from reading the reference and some of the relevant cross-references, it looks like some oaths are good, even desirable (i.e. the Oath and Covenant of the Preisthood).
My opinion is that if it is a promise that will ultimately lead you and others to God or to do good, that's great. You won't be swearing by the earth, Heaven, or any part of God's creation(s), you are making a promise.
But I am very interested to see what others have to say in response to this q!
PLus congratulations again on making it through med school, and on your awesome grad gift (good job, Boss!)
Congratulations on your accomplishment. I cannot, unfortunately, get you a lovely gift, but send you the gift of my good wishes . . . and I like your question! I had fun doing some searching. I had never read the Oath of Hippocrates, but when I read it, it sounded in tune with scripture - be good, be kind, be helpful, be honest and trustworthy - all things that Jesus tells us to do. As for the reference to James 5:12, the original audience to which James was writing was dealing with many hardships and was finding it difficult to remain faithful. James was most likely warning against striking bargains with God; instead their prayers should be ones of faith and authenticity - the God Who said would do something, would certainly come through! James says
to his audience, pray with faith, endure, and simply do what you will say as well, instead of praying, "If You'll only do this, God, why
then . . . " Look at verses 10-11 just before and and verses 13-16 just after, which discuss perserverance and concrete acts of faith such as prayer, calling the elders, and confession. Verse 12 also references Matthew 5:33-37.
Anyway, in my opinion, I think that the Oath of Hipprocates is nothing like the oath discussed in this passage of scripture, and you should with no conflicting emotions take the Oath - that's just my opinion!
I think your feelings of conflict are justified. Clearly you cannot take the Hippocratic Oath and still retain your temple recommend. Why don't you just give up medicine.
Don't worry, now you can just become a photographer. Or maybe you could open a bonsai store. No, better yet, become a chocolatier--make chocolate for a living! Mmm! Who needs doctors anyway?
Also, nice gift, Boss. Does James Christiansen also make whimsical paintings of fish?
Congratulations Doc! We are very proud of you.
Concerning the oath - you are promising to use your skills and conduct yourself with honor and turn away from evil. Though it is silent on the first great commandment, it contains elements which, if lived, are part of the second great commandment. It would be nice if everyone would promise to behave honorably toward others.
We love you, Daddy-Alpha
Congratulations Coach! I hope you have a great graduation day.
Thank you all for the insights! Amy, I'm very impressed by your scripture scholarship. I did take the oath during graduation, so I guess there's no wiggling out of the whole physician's oath obligation now.
Yes, Anne Marie, it is the same fish painting dude you are thinking of. Isn't my boss smart?
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