For a while, I spent some time with the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. Historically Friends had an issue with oaths, and the more traditional adherents still follow this, to the point that courts of law make exceptions for swearing in. Like lots of things in life, there are always conflicts. Personally, I appreciate the spirit of this particular concept. However, being a military veteran, my relationship with oaths was already established well before I knew anything about this. As far as that goes, being in the military will often challenge one's philosophies, or require modifications in outlook.
I think that's the nature of life. So often it's intention that matters: The spirit rather than the letter. A well-lived life will offer us challenges. How we address them in the moment defines who we are and who become.
Wow, what an interesting life combination: veteran and Quaker! (I'm sure there's an interesting story there.)🙂 Do you recall on what religious or philosophical grounds the Society of Friends opposed oath-taking? Is it basically the Bible passage I quoted in my article? I'm like you, I think--my position on oath-taking was deeply informed by my early military service, but I'm glad that our society (courts, etc.) can accommodate those who hold a different position.
Yes, lot's of interesting stories. And yes, the opposition is based on Matthew 5:37. As much as anything, it comes down to being truthful. A topic for another discussion, but staying true to basic simple ethics is such an extremely powerful witness, example.
What a great summary of our discussion. It reinforced the depth one could go in the practice of taking an oath. My big takeaway quotes from Hippocrates outside of the oath itself were both in here, and are certainly ones to ponder over the length of a career.
Really interesting. Thank you. I’m writing a novel at the moment where ancient medicine features heavily. I wondered if any of you were signed up to any relevant publications that might be useful ?
How exciting Joanna! I’d really encourage you to check out the original sources like Hippocrates, Galen, and others. It would give you a good sense of what that life was like, and it’s more approachable than you’d think.
Oh, interesting, I didn’t know. Kinda like writing your own marriage vows, I suppose. While I can see that it might create a symbolic bond between class members, it leaves out the wider profession. What happens when different classes begin to diverge on what they hold sacred?
For a while, I spent some time with the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. Historically Friends had an issue with oaths, and the more traditional adherents still follow this, to the point that courts of law make exceptions for swearing in. Like lots of things in life, there are always conflicts. Personally, I appreciate the spirit of this particular concept. However, being a military veteran, my relationship with oaths was already established well before I knew anything about this. As far as that goes, being in the military will often challenge one's philosophies, or require modifications in outlook.
I think that's the nature of life. So often it's intention that matters: The spirit rather than the letter. A well-lived life will offer us challenges. How we address them in the moment defines who we are and who become.
Wow, what an interesting life combination: veteran and Quaker! (I'm sure there's an interesting story there.)🙂 Do you recall on what religious or philosophical grounds the Society of Friends opposed oath-taking? Is it basically the Bible passage I quoted in my article? I'm like you, I think--my position on oath-taking was deeply informed by my early military service, but I'm glad that our society (courts, etc.) can accommodate those who hold a different position.
Yes, lot's of interesting stories. And yes, the opposition is based on Matthew 5:37. As much as anything, it comes down to being truthful. A topic for another discussion, but staying true to basic simple ethics is such an extremely powerful witness, example.
What a great summary of our discussion. It reinforced the depth one could go in the practice of taking an oath. My big takeaway quotes from Hippocrates outside of the oath itself were both in here, and are certainly ones to ponder over the length of a career.
Thanks Andrew! And great job to you facilitating our discussion that evening! It was a memorable one. 😊
Really interesting. Thank you. I’m writing a novel at the moment where ancient medicine features heavily. I wondered if any of you were signed up to any relevant publications that might be useful ?
How exciting Joanna! I’d really encourage you to check out the original sources like Hippocrates, Galen, and others. It would give you a good sense of what that life was like, and it’s more approachable than you’d think.
In many medical schools, the graduating class writes their own oath.
Oh, interesting, I didn’t know. Kinda like writing your own marriage vows, I suppose. While I can see that it might create a symbolic bond between class members, it leaves out the wider profession. What happens when different classes begin to diverge on what they hold sacred?