Asclepius

August 6, 2023

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Asclepius – enemy of Christianity

Asclepius (Roman Aesculapius), who was the patron of doctors, was admitted to the pantheon of Roman deities in the 3rd century BCE. However, it was not until the second century CE he became an important god for the Romans, who was not only a healer of the body, but also a savior of souls. A morally correct attitude guaranteed his followers the initiation into a posthumous life.
(imperiumromanum.pl)

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The Caduceus vs the Staff of Asclepius (Inductive Bible)
Both are now used to represent modern medicine. Friedlander surveyed 242 logos or insignias of American organizations relating to health or medicine in which the caduceus or staff of Asclepius formed an integral part dating from the late 1970s to early 1980s. He found that professional associations were more likely to use the staff of Asclepius (62%) while commercial organizations were more likely to use the caduceus (76%). The exception is for hospitals, where only 37% used a staff of Asclepius versus 63% for the caduceus [but remember that US hospitals are usually commercial ventures]. Friedlander notes that while the prevalent use of the caduceus for the commercial aspects of medicine might be seen as “more-or-less appropriate”, he thinks the reason is that professional associations are more likely to have a real understanding of the two symbols, whereas commercial organizations are more likely to be concerned with the visual impact a symbol will have in selling their products. (“Friedlander, Walter J. The Golden Wand of Medicine: A History of the Caduceus Symbol in Medicine.” New York, Greenwood, 1992)

2 Timothy 3 (NKJV)
1-9:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 
² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 
³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 
⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 
⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 
⁶ For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women
loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 
⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 
⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: 
men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 
⁹ but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Christians were hostile to this returning worship, for there were many similarities between Christ and Asclepius. They were both born of God and woman, they were merciful, they had the power to heal and help those in need – while Asklepios provided such help only to the just. An expression of dislike from the followers of Jesus of Nazareth can be found in the texts of Tertullian, Lactantius or Eusebius. They considered Asclepius a false copy of their Messiah. The attitude of Christians was relaxed thanks to Clement of Alexandria (2nd – 3rd century CE), who appreciated the positive features of worship.
(imperiumromanum.pl)

I’m not saying all medicine is bad – there is good and bad, as with everything. I think we need to look at this and make our own decisions.

hope you have a great day!
thanks for stopping by!!