Reconciling Religion and Science in a Medical Crisis

People tend to view religion and science as opposing forces. If something is rooted in religion, it can be scientific. If something is proven scientifically, then it cannot be the result of something religious. At least that is how some people feel anyway. However, I have never subscribed to that train of thought. In my opinion, they are intricately related. In fact, if we look at things from the Christian perspective, which is my personal belief system, an all-powerful God created everything. Science is part of everything. Therefore, God created science. Right? So, when there is a medical crisis, it is reasonable to believe that both faith and science have a role in how a patient manages it. I believe this is true for other religions as well, but I will only focus on Christianity. In doing so, I will show you my way of reconciling religion and science during a medical crisis.

Religion during a medical crisis

Having faith in God is important in the Christian religion, so many turn to Him during a medical crisis. Some people pray and ask others to pray for them. Others may fast to improve their spiritual connection and/or detoxify their body, which is a “temple.” By doing so, many hope that they will be fully healed from their medical crisis. In some cases, God does fully heal the person in the form of recovery. Unfortunately, some struggle with faith when “healing” does not come in the way they expect. As such, they begin to lose their faith. Yet, there may be a greater purpose in their “suffering." Maybe the purpose is reconciliation with family or friends. For some, the purpose is advocacy, serving as a donor, or helping physicians learn how to treat others in the future. Regardless of the outcome, your medical condition is the “test” from which your testimony comes.

Science during a medical crisis

No matter what the medical crisis is, science plays a role in treating it. How people approach the use of science differs. There are natural (herbal) and chemical (medication) approaches that are holistic (whole body) or systemic (organ or system focused). All approaches have benefits to a certain degree, even if something claims to be a "cure." Lifestyle choices cause many medical conditions. So, changing dietary habits and using herbs or herbal supplements may help delay or reverse symptoms. This is when, in my opinion, natural approaches are most effective. The tricky part is when you have an advanced medical condition. Those usually require medications and/or other advanced interventions. Natural approaches may be helpful, but certain herbs can reduce the effectiveness of medication. That is why it is important to discuss supplements and other changes with your physician.

Where religion and science can meet in a heart failure journey

For those who consider natural approaches, such as dietary changes, God outlines “clean/unclean” foods. If we look at some of the common foods deemed “unclean” as an example of religion meeting science, “unclean” foods tend to be associated with toxic materials. For instance, pigs are scavengers that eat anything, literally. They contain parasites that can be killed if properly cooked. However, there may also be remnants of other toxins despite cooking. We may not even know this because science may not be that advanced yet. God also created the herbs used in natural approaches. Similarly, His work may lie in medical advances to reverse damage or relieve symptoms, such as medications or medical devices. It may also be in aligning you with the right physicians at the right moment.

In my opinion, God works in many ways during a health crisis. This is my way of reconciling religion and science.

Do you have a heart failure story? Click the button below to share with our community!