2400 years ago, an oath attributed to the Greek Physician Hippocrates was put in writing. I find it interesting that in ancient Greece, a culture famous for its Pagan idolatry, a man would be so committed to such high moral ideals as are included in the oath.

Do you realize that the original Hippocratic oath prohibited both abortion and euthanasia?

“I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art” (Hippocratic oath, believed to have been written between the 5th and 3rd century BC).

This certainly gave me pause. Hippocrates, called “the father of medicine” was against euthanasia & abortion.

“Purity and holiness” I additionally admit, is a phrase I was very happy to see in the original.

Purity and holiness. Rejecting euthanasia. Rejecting abortion.

Has civilization really advanced in 2400 years?

Jesus said he came to bring us life, and abundant life at that in John 10:10. He also said that there was a thief who came to steal, kill and destroy. It would seem that the thief has many militant and vocal supporters these days in stark contrast to the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates.

Perhaps that perspective of a present-day doctor will help shed some light on our society:

“We’ve distorted things to the point where people believe that anyone who opposes mothers killing their babies is waging a war on women. How can we be so foolish to believe such a thing? One must be able to recognize the depravity to which we have sunken as a society when valuing a baby’s life is frowned upon.” Dr. Ben Carson (CNNOpinions, July 28, 2015)

A salient point, don’t you think?