THE CROSS AND THE CADUCEUS

CROSS - CADUCEUS TOTEMS

Caduceus: The caduceus is an ancient mythological symbol of Greek origin associated with the god Hermes (Mercury.) It has a staff with two serpents intertwined. Originally it was considered a symbol of commerce relating to Hermes action as a messenger. Its association with medicine has only been in the last two centuries (particularly in the US.) because of confusion with the Rod of Asclepius, (a single rod with a single serpent wrapping around the rod ) which in ancient times was a symbol of medicine and healing. (Wikipedia)

Cross: As of April 10, 2013, pictures of a possible contender for the first use of the cross symbol has been found at the Tell Khaiber excavation site in Ur, Iraq. The shape of one of the buildings, believed to be about 4,000 years old, is in the shape of a cross of the type used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. (Wikipedia).

In our lesson for today we have a person, Rev. Scott Morris, M.D. , who has cross-trained as a physician and minister utilizing both aspects of the totem in living a life of meaning. 

Establishing the Church Health Center, Morris has built a system that sees 45,000 patients a year from low income and homeless populations aided by healthcare volunteers. But as a minister he still sees all problems as basically spiritual ones. 

As one of the patients states about the center, "they just know human beings."

Morris' comments below:

Mission: "to reclaim the the church's biblical and historical commitment to care for the poor who are sick."

"The most effective argument for recruiting volunteers is that this is the right thing to do."

"50% of all people who come to a primary care doctor have no medical problem."

Regarding a woman with a pain in her rectum that had two previous surgeries to no avail,  Morris asked. "Have you ever been sexually abused." Once she acknowledged so, she was referred to the hospital pastoral counselor, "now we are dealing with the real issues, those of the spirit and heart."

On changing his view as a medical professional: "I try to adopt a viewpoint that we're in this life and world together."

"I really do feel that poverty is a spiritual disease."

"The Church Health Center is more in the hope business today than in the healing business."

Walter Morton for Terra Incognita