This article will attempt to demonstrate the necessity of an explicitly Christian view of medicine by examining the field in light of its presuppositions and characteristics as a profession. The creedal, ministerial, and non-neutral aspects of medicine will be briefly examined followed by suggestions for bringing this field under the authority and dominion of Christ.

In the 5th Century BC, a physician by the name of Hippocrates formulated the basic tenets of ethical conduct for physicians. The Hippocratic Oath defined the duties and boundaries within the doctor-patient relationship and contained the three basic elements of a covenant: oath, obligation, and a penalty for violating the terms of the covenant.