We live in a world where facts and fiction are mixed together in a very complex way. I’ve heard so many times that scientists do not believe in God, or that religious people are not scientific. Sadly myths become dogma, just by repeating the same statement again and again.
In fact, the internet is such a powerful tool that fiction can become reality very quickly. The reality is that there is a perception that scientists do not believe in God. I have also heard that “Doctors do not believe in God”. I’ve been puzzled by this problem, and would love to analyze it with you. Here we go!
Scientists, doctors, or anyone who deals with science are regular human beings. They have their own realities and backgrounds.
Indeed, there are scientist-doctors that don’t believe in God.
On the other hand, I have visited many different churches and encountered a lot of Doctors at church.
I should also say that there atheists that are not scientist. In other words, you don’t have to be a scientist to be atheist.
If we take this matter to another level, let’s look at some magnificent scientists who are also considered pioneers.
I am referring to people like Albert Einstein, Louis Pasteur, Johannes Kepler, Blaise Pascal, and Joseph Lister. Do you realize that these pioneers were Christian? But these are not mid-level scientist. They are in the top of the list.
The contribution of Einstein to science is extraordinary. He was a devoted Christian.
Louis Pasteur discovered that small living creatures (microorganism) were associated with infections. He is the father of the microbiology and inventor of the process called “Pasteurization”. He was also a devoted Christian.
Johanes Kepler was a Christian mathematician that created the equation used today by the NASA to calculate the trajectory of the planets.
Do you remember Pascal Laws in physics? And do you realize that the sterilization techniques used today in hospitals are based on Lister’s work? Lister was also a … “Christian.”
Our job as physician allows us to interact with patients that have different backgrounds. We have to be mindful and respectful of their religious or non-religious views. This particular interaction is not the setting to establish debates about religion.
We are there to help the patients through the difficulties they are facing. I believe that because doctors are extra-careful regarding those issues. It is interpreted or perceived as “Doctors do not believe in God”. The reality is that there are a lot of atheists that aren’t physicians so you don’t have to be a doctor to be an atheist!