Real Physicians Real Faith

In the fall of 2024, Ben spent a sabbatical at The Faraday Institute for Science & Religion and St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge. The Faraday Institute is a welcoming community of keen-minded scholars and good-hearted friends. The place is a beehive of activity. They have programs for undergraduate and graduate students, churches, and schools. Their team lectures everywhere from Japan to the United Arab Emirates. They greeted Ben into their midst, hooked him into all fun Cambridge spots, and challenged him with the most provocative ideas.

Several of the Faraday scholars mentioned a deeply influential book, Real Scientists, Real Faith, first published in 1991, which is a collection of essays by Christian Oxbridge scientists who reconcile their faith and their science. They are astronomers, biochemists, and physicists of the highest rank. At a time when the "New Atheists" are so popular, and the "Nones" are on the rise, this thoughtful collection gives a refreshing perspective: it is possible to be both a scientist and a Christian.

This collection is borne from that tradition; and yet, perhaps physicians engage in faith a bit differently than the scientist. A scientist beholds the glory of God in the cosmos, in the chemical reaction, and in the microscope. A physician beholds the glory of God in the patient. God’s presence is often experienced in the weeping, the suffering, the grind of the work, and even, hopefully, the healing. We rejoice when the patient improves; but we also struggle with our burnout and our failures. Sure, we too are scientists. But we are also human. Because medicine is intensely human, we, as Christian physicians, lean into our faith. What else are we to do? As Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69)

Ben, Andre, David, and Mike invited a variety of Christian physicians from different pathways to write a thoughtful, personal essay about how their faith and medical practice intertwined. Perhaps they were influenced by a patient? A tragic moment in their lives? A grace-imbued rescue? A conflict difficult to resolve? They are a diverse group - surgeons, primary care docs, missionaries, academics, researchers, and even a flight surgeon!

And so, the book has a diversity of stories.  Some are intensely personal. Stories come from the highest echelon of the academy. The authors tell lots of stories of the patients who inspire us, challenge us, and deepen our faith (please note, any patient name has been changed and details have been altered to preserve confidentiality).Throughout, we share how God has moved in their lives.  How else can we contend with the suffering of our patients? Our own challenges with grief and trauma? 

The co-editors are so grateful for the authentic struggles, the deep faith, and the abiding love of these contributors-and also for receiving their manuscripts in the requested six weeks, a miracle in itself! We are not perfect - far from it. We struggle with our faith. We doubt. We weep. But each of these stories articulates the mystery of God’s power to work in our lives. Ben and David hope these stories give witness not to us, but to God’s grace. We hope these stories would encourage those on their own journey, those who ponder how being a Christian and a physician are not contrary to each other but synergistically lead to the flourishing of both.