Faith, Medicine, and Tech
Source: jesuscalling.com
Healthcare Professionals on Faith and Vocation
Dr. Michael Sherr, Associate Dean of the School of Education and Social Work at Cedarville University, teaches social work and practices biblical counseling and discipleship. Jason Lee teaches theology at Cedarville University and pastors a church in Ohio. As the director for the Center of Biblical Integration at Cedarville University, he connects with colleagues to help them integrate theology and Scripture into their work.
Angelia Mickle, Dean for the School of Nursing at Cedarville University, has been a nursing professor for seventeen years and a nurse for thirty-five years. She loves teaching nursing at Cedarville, integrating theology and beliefs into nursing practice, with the mission of helping nurses become the hands and feet of Jesus and preventing burnout.
Integrating Faith and Practice
Drs. Sherr and Lee discussed how God’s Word guides Christian professionals beyond standard practices. This led to Dean Mickle joining them, creating a team with backgrounds in social work, nursing, and biblical integration.
Dr. Lee notes the toll that healthcare professions can take on Christians and how the grind of hard work can make people wonder if it's worth it. He suggests building faith into one's lifestyle through church, small groups, prayer, Scripture, and service. He also notes that affirmations should be rooted in what God wants, connecting with Him through His Word daily. As July 22nd in Jesus Calling says, letting others’ expectations scatter your energy.
Dr. Sherr describes healthcare professionals as serving on the front lines, interacting with people in vulnerable moments and reminding them of their mortality. He emphasizes the stress in healthcare and the importance of finding identity in the Lord to avoid living separate lives or turning to vices. The goal is for Christians in healthcare to thrive throughout their careers.
Dr. Lee was inspired to encourage those on the front lines, especially his daughters-in-law in counseling and NICU nursing, and his son studying pharmacy. He connects vocation with a broader sense of purpose from Colossians 3, doing everything to God’s glory with thanksgiving. Combining professional and spiritual journeys creates a greater impact, purpose, and longevity, with all actions ultimately for God’s glory.
Dr. Mickle spent the majority of her career in emergency and trauma nursing, observing emotional fatigue and burnout in colleagues. She emphasizes keeping her identity in Christ through daily devotion, worship, and prayer. As a flight nurse, she found comfort in Isaiah 40:31, renewing strength through hope in the Lord, and loving others unconditionally as Jesus would. With Jesus in our heart, we reflect His love.
We live in a fallen world and are called to be servants of grace, pointing people to Jesus. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus, caring for others and also nurturing our own spiritual growth.
AI, Spirituality, and Identity
Dr. Drew Dickens, host of the Encountering Peace Podcast and the AI and Spirituality Podcast, explores the impact of AI on spiritual direction and divine inquiry. He has a doctorate in the Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Spiritual Direction and Divine Inquiry.
AI is more than a tool; it is a societal shift. While many use it playfully, it offers a greater opportunity. AI's training involves consuming vast amounts of data, leading to domain-specific knowledge and potential bias. Dr. Dickens interviewed a voice-activated AI that offered to pray for him, raising questions about identity and inspiration. This is concerning because of the issues of identity and inspiration.
With artificial general intelligence potentially arriving soon, it is important to consider what it means to be human and made in God’s image. AI offers opportunities to explore Scripture and translate sermons. However, there is a risk of relying on AI's theological direction without examining its source. He notes that prayer requires effort and is a privilege to communicate with God.
Dr. Dickens values devotions based on the Word of God, citing Jesus Calling and Jesus Listens as inspirations. He appreciates Sarah Young's struggle with the source of her inspiration and encourages questioning AI's inspiration when seeking spiritual guidance. He asks if we are relying on AI for spiritual direction.
Drawing parallels to the mobile phone's impact, Dr. Dickens urges conversations about AI's effects on families, relationships, community, and communion. While technology can engage with the divine, like Gutenberg's printing press, we should be intentional and hopeful, but also mindful of the opportunities.
Referencing Sarah Young’s Jesus Listens, November 29th, Dr. Dickens reminds us to worship God alone, avoid idols, and seek God for joy and peace, walking in His light to draw others to Him.