Faith, Medicine, and Tech

Healthcare Professionals on Faith and Vocation

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, professionals are increasingly integrating their faith into their vocations. Dr. Michael Sherr, Associate Dean of the School of Education and Social Work at Cedarville University, and Jason Lee, a theology professor and pastor, are among those leading this integration. Their work emphasizes the importance of biblical counseling and theology in shaping the practices of healthcare workers.

Angelia Mickle, Dean of the School of Nursing at Cedarville University, brings her extensive nursing experience to this mission. With a career spanning 35 years, she focuses on helping nurses become the hands and feet of Jesus, integrating theology into nursing practice to prevent burnout and foster compassion.

Integrating Faith and Practice

Drs. Sherr and Lee highlight how God’s Word guides Christian professionals beyond standard practices. Dean Mickle joins them, contributing her background in nursing and biblical integration. Together, they address the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of building faith into daily life through church, prayer, and service.

Dr. Lee notes the toll that healthcare professions can take on Christians, suggesting that affirmations should be rooted in God’s will. Dr. Sherr emphasizes the stress in healthcare and the importance of finding identity in the Lord to thrive throughout their careers. Dr. Mickle shares her experiences in emergency and trauma nursing, stressing the need for daily devotion and worship to maintain spiritual strength.

AI, Spirituality, and Identity

Dr. Drew Dickens, host of the AI and Spirituality Podcast, explores the impact of AI on spiritual direction and divine inquiry. He discusses how AI, as a societal shift, offers opportunities to engage with Scripture and translate sermons. However, he cautions against relying on AI for theological direction without examining its source.

Dr. Dickens raises questions about identity and inspiration, noting the potential for AI to influence spiritual guidance. He values devotions based on the Word of God and encourages questioning AI’s inspiration when seeking spiritual direction. Drawing parallels to the mobile phone’s impact, he urges intentional and mindful engagement with AI’s opportunities.

As AI continues to evolve, healthcare professionals and spiritual leaders must navigate its influence on their vocations. By integrating faith and leveraging technology responsibly, they can enhance their impact and foster spiritual growth in a rapidly changing world.