On Integrity
It is the “I” in our mnemonic C WITH Jesus Eyes. I use that mnemonic to help me recall all of our seven core values of Compassion, Wholeness, Integrity, Teamwork, Humility, Justice, and Excellence. I must say that Integrity seems to be an almost lost virtue in today’s world. Whether in politics or daily discourse, the idea of always telling the truth, even if it hurts, seems to be losing credence.
To spin a set of facts and make them appear other than they are is an unethical art of communication. We see it all the time. With one view, something appears clear-cut, but with another view of the same data, we are led to consider something different. It is not just the late radio legend Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story,” it is a different story! When you couple this with the information overload from today’s technology, it becomes very difficult to sort out truth from bias or facts from assumptions and assertions.
We face this a lot in science and particularly in medicine. Over half of what I learned as “truth” 50 years ago is now incorrect! It is impossible to keep up with the various claims made by so many nutritional supplements or the relative value of new medicines. In many of these situations, we must weigh information in the balance and be prepared to change our minds.
So what does this mean for those of us who value integrity and honesty in all our dealings and relationships? What does it mean for family members or friends balancing between confrontation and tolerance of each other? Is real integrity even possible or safe in our polarized world? Is the Abraham Lincoln style of honesty a legitimate goal for today? How do we avoid getting caught in what Harvard University professor Joshua Green calls “moral tribalism?”
We have had multiple workshops here at Loma Linda University Health on how to have difficult conversations to help us face conflict between colleagues and work through them. But in the political and social world, it still seems a free-for-all, with everyone peddling his or her own version of truth. There is a growing tendency to force the courts with carefully selected juries to finally sort through “facts” and deliver their version of reality. But now, even judges are questioned based on their political affiliation and apparent leanings.
When played out on the global scene, nations seek to position themselves to protect their interests and enhance their own futures. This can lead to strange bedfellows, whether it is identifying with China vs. Taiwan, Russia vs. Ukraine, or a host of other bilateral or multilateral relationships. We all have a need to protect our own interests, so I guess that is understandable to a degree. It is when self-interests force us to change sides, to deny previous thoughts or commitments, that integrity becomes a factor. It is particularly bothersome when groups or movements identified with a faith-based commitment to truth make claims or let their own biases sideline integrity.
On another note, we recently lost a giant that stood for authentic integrity, for maintaining a north star in his viewpoints and writings. Bill Johnsson, who died last month, was editor of the Adventist Review for a quarter century, the main printed voice of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a prolific writer and called everyone to a truer understanding and commitment to authentic Christianity. He nudged us to start the Center for Understanding World Religions here at Loma Linda University Health, based on a strong belief that the search for truth is embodied in many religions and people of various faiths. We honor Bill’s passion and this commitment to truth that transcends the daily winds of time and politics. May his brand of integrity empower each of us to strive for honesty in all we do.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH
President
Loma Linda University Health
