Practicing Christian Science and health-care law: My journey so far

I began studying Christian Science at a time in my life when I needed answers. I had just graduated from law school and accepted a job working for a United States government agency, and I felt unprepared for and intimidated by the work. Although I began to experience quick healings in Christian Science, one thing really confused me. It related to the seeming conflict between what I was being asked to do professionally and what I was learning about the spiritual and wholly good nature of God.

My job involved handling cases against health-care providers, including instances of patient abuse and neglect along with cases involving fraud and mishandling of government funds in the health-care context. This meant that I spent a lot of time reviewing patients’ medical records and arguing in court that people had been harmed. I was learning that reliance on prayer alone and the application of Jesus’ teachings could completely heal all kinds of problems, including health needs. So as a new student of Christian Science, I became concerned that these ideas were in conflict with the medical principles that I was required to apply in my professional life. 

My initial reaction to this problem was to run away. I began applying for positions in other areas of legal practice, but to no avail. While taking a two-week course in Christian Science healing, I shared this dilemma with my teacher. She suggested that I do my job to the best of my ability and with compassion, and trust that God, divine Love, would provide the necessary answers. This was a wake-up call to start praying!