A SECOND OPINION
LETTER in RESPONSE by FOREST W . ARNOLD , DO , MSC , FIDSA
Dear Editor ,
I read with interest the article in Louisville Medicine addressing the decision of the diocese in Phoenix , Arizona to render baptisms performed by Rev . Andres Arango illegitimate because he used the wrong pronoun (“ we ” instead of “ I ”) during his ceremonies . 1 The author ’ s observation that salvation hinges on the tenuous use of a preposition is based on a misconception of Christianity that should not go unanswered . The same misconception was summarized in the author ’ s reference to , “ Be good , pray every day and you ’ ll get into heaven .” The good news ( gospel ) is that one ’ s salvation is only dependent on the work of Christ ; hence - Christianity .
Paul addressed a similar issue to the Jews and the Galatians in modern day Turkey who were trying to be saved by obeying the law – outlined in Genesis-Deuteronomy . Today , we could substitute “ the law ” with any legality one might be hung up on . Here is what he said , “ Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ , not by obeying the law . And we have believed in Christ Jesus , so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ , not because we have obeyed the law . For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law … So I died to the law — I stopped trying to meet all its requirements — so that I might live for God .” 2
Christians do good and pray because they are saved , not in order to be saved . There is a freedom in Christ that doesn ’ t need the effort of anyone ’ s contribution ( including mine ). If nothing else , the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted to physicians that the aspect of spiritual health is an integral part of our overall health , and the more we understand another ’ s religion , the more accepting and understanding we can be .
1
Kolter JD . Oh , hell no . Louisville Medicine . 2022 ; 69:31-32 .
2
Galatians 2:16,19 . New Living Translation , © 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
Dr . Arnold is a practicing infectious disease physician with UofL Health .
STANDINGOVATION
As your local medical society , we are always looking for ways to highlight the achievements of our members . We want to give a standing ovation to the following physicians on their great accomplishments in our medical community . We congratulate you on winning these awards and representing the Greater Louisville area so proudly !
HAVE YOU OR A COLLEAGUE RECENTLY WON AN AWARD OR BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR WORK ? CONTACT KATHRYN VANCE AT KATHRYN . VANCE @ GLMS . ORG TO BE RECOGNIZED IN THE NEXT LOUISVILLE MEDICINE .
FEDERATION OF STATE MEDICAL BOARDS 2022 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
» Dr . Heidi Koenig
Standing Ovation is a self-reported award recognition in GLMS publications . This includes award winners and nominees when recognized in a publication or by an institution .
32 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE