Please Believe Me


Life is a complex journey filled with twists and turns, often challenging our beliefs and testing our faith. In the story of Josh and Janet, we are confronted with a heartbreaking situation that raises questions about responsibility, faith, and personal choices. Josh's untimely demise due to lung cancer and the doctor's role in it have left us pondering several important questions.


The Doctor's Role

Firstly, let's address the question of whether the doctor is responsible for Josh's death. To put it plainly, the doctor is not responsible for Josh's passing. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the doctor's approach to the situation may not have been the most sensitive or effective. Instead of telling Josh that he was going to die because of his lack of faith, a more compassionate approach would have been to encourage him to consider his spiritual beliefs and seek solace in his faith during a challenging time.

Encouragement and positivity play a crucial role in helping sick individuals maintain a fighting spirit. Blaming someone for their impending death based solely on religious beliefs is neither constructive nor fair. Therefore, the doctor's words, although well-intentioned, may not have been delivered in the most helpful manner.


The Real Culprit

Josh's passing is a tragic reminder that our actions have consequences, sometimes dire ones. Lung cancer is a well-documented consequence of smoking cigarettes, and it is not connected to one's faith or religious beliefs. Josh's habit of smoking ultimately led to his illness, making it crucial to acknowledge personal responsibility in such cases.

It's essential to separate the doctor's words from the reality of the situation. Lung cancer is a medical condition with clear causes and effects, and in this case, smoking was the primary cause. Therefore, blaming the doctor for Josh's death is neither fair nor accurate.


Seeking Reconciliation:

Janet's grief and anger towards the doctor are understandable, but it is important to remember that emotions can cloud our judgment. Accusing someone of causing harm or death due to superstition or personal beliefs is not justifiable. To prevent further harm to all parties involved, the doctor should consider extending an apology to Janet for the way he handled the situation.

Intriguing Questions:

  1. Should the doctor have approached Josh's situation differently, focusing on support and encouragement rather than emphasizing faith as a potential solution?
  2. Is it fair for Janet to blame the doctor for Josh's death when the primary cause was his smoking habit?
  3. Do you believe that Josh would have survived if he had been a Christian, or was his fate sealed due to the consequences of smoking?
  4. Should Christians smoke cigarettes, given the well-documented health risks associated with smoking?
  5. How can we strike a balance between respecting individual beliefs and offering medical advice and support to those facing life-threatening illnesses?


In conclusion, the tragic story of Josh's passing serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and personal responsibility. While the doctor's words may not have been delivered in the best way, it is essential to recognize that Josh's choices ultimately led to his illness. Blaming someone for a medical condition based on religious beliefs is not a constructive or fair approach, and seeking reconciliation and understanding should be our path forward.