Am I wrong to see a non-Christian doctor?
Question:
As a patient who needs to have an appointment for a potentially serious health issue, is it acceptable according to God's Word for the patient to see a doctor who is most likely not a Christian? I would prefer that the doctor be a Christian, but in the location where we live, the non-Christian specialist is the only one who might do the procedure to the best of my knowledge. I was in the Emergency Room recently, and his name was given as the doctor to see.
My husband and I live in a rural area and had planned to travel to another doctor who might hold to the Christian faith, but I don't know what his beliefs are. However, due to family issues with traveling to a location that is farther away than the one we've chosen, we thought it might be better to be closer to home.
In addition, being closer to the church of Christ where we attend is another consideration if I had surgery. The other location would make the distance more difficult to travel for my husband and family as well as church members who might have an opportunity to visit me.
I decided to make an appointment, in part, when I heard that a church member has seen this doctor and had a good opinion of him. I think there may be other members who think highly of him also.
Another consideration is a family member who lives with us and has chronic health issues. If she's not feeling well, it would be good to be closer to home if I'm having a procedure or maybe a following surgery done.
I also have OCD-scrupulosity, so the thoughts about this are difficult for me to think in a clear way.
I appreciate your advice as you go to the Bible for answers. Thank you so much for your time and diligence in studying God's Word.
Answer:
"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world" (I Corinthians 5:9-10).
I would prefer that everyone I deal with were a Christian, but that isn't going to happen. Faithful Christians are always a minority (Matthew 7:13-14). Therefore, much of your secular dealings will be with people who are not faithful Christians. You are not promoting false teachings by using the services of a non-Christian for secular matters.
Response:
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
Thank you so much for your helpful thoughts. I appreciate that you look to God's Word for the answers.
