Description
The academic environment can sometimes be a
hostile place for people of faith. A big part of the problem results from those
who have a truncated view of the nature of truth, thinking it can only arise
from empirical reasoning. In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Tsai speaks about what
we can know empirically and what we can only know by faith. This distinction is
not a problem for the Christian, who recognizes that all truth comes from God. Ultimately,
empirically-based truth and rationality are tools to be used for the glory of
God, not excuses to deny His existence or supremacy.
1. What from this video inspired, edified or challenged you?
2. What motivates you to share your faith?
3. Dr. Tsai mentions that his “faith informs what I do, not detracts from it.” How do
you see your faith “informing” your practice? Be specific.
4. Dr. Tsai speaks of God revealing truth in two ways, through General Revelation (all that God has created) and through Special Revelation (God’s Word, the Bible). What are similarities and differences between the two? Explain the following quote from this episode in light of these two sources of truth: “You can still use reason to support your faith, but just don’t let reason supplant your faith.”
5. How would you answer a friend who asks, “Is Jesus the only way to God?”
6. How might transparency with colleagues and co-workers bring glory to God? How does Acts 24:16apply to transparency in your workplace?
7. Do you see your calling as a healthcare professional and as an ambassador for Christ as a duty or a delight?
8. Who has had the greatest impact on your faith through the years and, retrospectively, how intentional were they in investing in you (though it might not have been as apparent at the time)? Where is God calling you to sacrificially invest in others in the same way?
9. Dr. Pascal Magne describes his search for Christ as involving the consideration of several different religious perspectives before he adopted the Christian faith as his own. What might you say to someone who claimed that all religions are equally valid ways to reach God?
10. What is one take-home item from today’s session that you hope to implement?
Contributors
-
Jonathan Tsai, MD
Dr. Jonathan Tsai is an ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery on faculty at the Baylor Scott and White Eye Institute and Texas A&M College of Medicine, where he teaches medical students and trains residents in ophthalmology and plastic surgery. He is a lifetime member of CMDA and first became involved 26 years ago as a medical student in South Carolina. He and his family enjoy hosting medical students in their home for Bible studies and serving on medical mission teams delivering eye care in Peru. He and his wife Mandolyn have been entrusted with five sons and six daughters ranging in age from age 17 years to three months. Dr. Tsai has been a CMDA Member since 1995.