LOR from a minister?

[k12123]

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I have numerous ECs related to church work. The charity work I've done for the last two years are from a church charity organization. Also, the youth group that I'm the president of is also a church organization. Because I work closely with the minister, would it be a good idea to ask a letter from him? I feel like he would be able to write me a fairly strong letter because he is familiar with my involvement. Would schools view it differently because of its religious affiliation? Thanks!

 

[Blackxp]

No idea on this one. It really shouldn't though (in my opinion though, obviously). Especially since so many of your extracurriculars and service activities would be tied around the letter.

As long as you are getting a majority of your LOR from academic sources and another from a practicing physician then you should be fine. I would imagine it might even help at schools with service based missions. It also always depends on who ends up reading the letter too and the content of the letter itself.

 

[iWillOneDay]

While I think there should be separation of church and medicine (just like the separation of church and state that is in our constitution(?), which is obviously a joke considering everything in the politics [mostly republicans] has religious influence) - a whole another issue that I am not going to get into in SDN -
I don't think getting a letter from your minister is a bad idea.
LOR can practically be from anyone that knows you (except family or friends).
If you think your minister can write you a good letter, get it from him.

But, what do I know?
Wait for one of the cat faculties to respond (no disrespect to those physicians/faculties with cats as their pictures).

 

[Mr Roboto]

If he was your supervisor and/or can speak intelligibly as to your work ethic, maturity, and professionalism—then sure. Not sure what him being your pastor would have to do with whether you're qualified to attend medical school, though, so maybe leave that bit out.

 

[NurWollen]

While I think there should be separation of church and medicine (just like the separation of church and state that is in our constitution(?), which is obviously a joke considering everything in the politics [mostly republicans] has religious influence) - a whole another issue that I am not going to get into in SDN -
I don't think getting a letter from your minister is a bad idea.
LOR can practically be from anyone that knows you (except family or friends).
If you think your minister can write you a good letter, get it from him.

But, what do I know?
Wait for one of the cat faculties to respond (no disrespect to those physicians/faculties with cats as their pictures).

Lol. Yeah, churches haven't done anything good for medicine. Let's just close all the Baptist and Catholic and Methodist and Adventist hospitals! That would surely make the world a better place.

 

[iWillOneDay]

Lol. Yeah, churches haven't done anything good for medicine. Let's just close all the Baptist and Catholic and Methodist and Adventist hospitals! That would surely make the world a better place.

No where did I mention anything that you said.
Churches have done wonderful things for society and medicine.
However, some/large proportion are preventing further progress in medicine/medical research.
There are many good things that church did/do, but there are also many bad things they did/do.
Just because you don't like/agree with something I said doesn't give you the right to put words in my mouth. If you are religious, shouldn't you be tolerant of people like me?
If you and those churches are doing good for the people just so you will be awarded an eternal life in heaven when you die, you are not doing good for the right reason.

 

[NurWollen]

No where did I mention anything that you said.
Churches have done wonderful things for society and medicine.
However, some/large proportion are preventing further progress in medicine/medical research.
There are many good things that church did/do, but there are also many bad things they did/do.
Just because you don't like/agree with something I said doesn't give you the right to put words in my mouth. If you are religious, shouldn't you be tolerant of people like me?
If you and those churches are doing good for the people just so you will be awarded an eternal life in heaven when you die, you are not doing good for the right reason.

Yes, there are churches that, unfortunately, tend to oppose science/research/medical progress. Sorry I put words in your mouth, I'm just tired of the now popular idea that religious people should confine their religiosity to their private lives and not let it be part of who they are all the time. I got a little defensive. Some religious people bug me too. I just want to be careful that we don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

[touchpause13]

I don't see what it would add... All my LORs were professors or physicians. What is the purpose of this letter?

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

Since this appears to be an important aspect of your life. I think a LOR from someone that knows you well and can attest strongly to your character and goodwill would be looked on favorably regardless of the schools religious affiliation. The goal is to stand out in a positive manner and obviously this letter would accompany the typical MD/DO letter(s). Good luck.

 

[k12123]

I don't see what it would add... All my LORs were professors or physicians. What is the purpose of this letter?

He oversees everything I do in the youth group as well as the charity organization. He knows every single event and activity that we conduct. So I figured that he might be able to say a lot of things about the work that I do.

 

[chizledfrmstone]

He oversees everything I do in the youth group as well as the charity organization. He knows every single event and activity that we conduct. So I figured that he might be able to say a lot of things about the work that I do.

If the letter speaks highly of your character and resolve for medicine then I think you should get it.

 

[touchpause13]

He oversees everything I do in the youth group as well as the charity organization. He knows every single event and activity that we conduct. So I figured that he might be able to say a lot of things about the work that I do.

Then there is your answer haha. Go for it

 

[DocWinter]

Yes, you are seeking a letter from a person is in a position of respect/authority who knows you well and who can vouch for your inclination towards community service. The fact that it is a religious institution does not need to or should be a factor.

Assuming he is an ordained pastor who possesses credentials, yes.

One of my best LORs came from my chief at the fire department.

 

[DoctorKrieger]

I think this depends more on what schools you're applying to, as letter requirements are different from school to school. MSU-COM, for example, only asks for letters from anyone who knows you well, not necessarily a physician or professor, so a letter from a minister would be fine for that school. Many (most?) schools explicitly require letters from science faculty and/or a physician so a letter from a minister sent to those schools would just be viewed as an extra letter that might not carry much weight. In those cases, call the admissions office and ask how they view extra letters of recommendation beyond what is required.

 

[iWillOneDay]

I think this depends more on what schools you're applying to, as letter requirements are different from school to school. MSU-COM, for example, only asks for letters from anyone who knows you well, not necessarily a physician or professor, so a letter from a minister would be fine for that school. Many (most?) schools explicitly require letters from science faculty and/or a physician so a letter from a minister sent to those schools would just be viewed as an extra letter that might not carry much weight. In those cases, call the admissions office and ask how they view extra letters of recommendation beyond what is required.

as far as my undergrad school health committee, they want us to submit at least 3, up to 5 total. I don't know if the committee pick and choose the strong ones when writing their letter but they won't accept more than 5.
Anyways, I don't think there is anything wrong with having more than what the schools require. As long as you don't go overboard..... like 6-7+, unless md/phd or do/phd....

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I think anyone reasonable would see this positively. I'm a non-religious person, but like you, I want to build a better society. If the route you choose for it was through religion, more power to you. Don't over-think it, honestly.

 

[Mad Jack]

No where did I mention anything that you said.
Churches have done wonderful things for society and medicine.
However, some/large proportion are preventing further progress in medicine/medical research.
There are many good things that church did/do, but there are also many bad things they did/do.
Just because you don't like/agree with something I said doesn't give you the right to put words in my mouth. If you are religious, shouldn't you be tolerant of people like me?
If you and those churches are doing good for the people just so you will be awarded an eternal life in heaven when you die, you are not doing good for the right reason.

I don't think you get the idea of religion. You aren't supposed to be nice just to get into heaven. God, if he exists, would be smart enough to see through a bad person doing good things just to skate by into the pearly gates. You're supposed to do good things because you are a good person, after which heaven happens to be your reward for not being a douche and also happening to be whatever denomination of Christian. You can't just skate by filling in boxes like it's the admission committee in the sky or something.

If you did ECs there, and the minister was the person overseeing those ECs that can vouch for your character, they are just as reliable a reference as any other volunteer EC director. Such a letter will even carry extra weight at certain schools (LUCOM, CUSOM, MU-COM). This LOR would fall more into the category of "other", rather than professional or academic, however, so make sure you get your other requisite letters and use this one as a supplement.

 

[iWillOneDay]

I don't think you get the idea of religion. You aren't supposed to be nice just to get into heaven. God, if he exists, would be smart enough to see through a bad person doing good things just to skate by into the pearly gates. You're supposed to do good things because you are a good person, after which heaven happens to be your reward for not being a douche and also happening to be whatever denomination of Christian. You can't just skate by filling in boxes like it's the admission committee in the sky or something.

If you did ECs there, and the minister was the person overseeing those ECs that can vouch for your character, they are just as reliable a reference as any other volunteer EC director. Such a letter will even carry extra weight at certain schools (LUCOM, CUSOM, MU-COM). This LOR would fall more into the category of "other", rather than professional or academic, however, so make sure you get your other requisite letters and use this one as a supplement.

1. I already said I don't want to get into this subject on SND.
2. What is up with people putting words in my mouth??!!!!
When did I say religious people do things just to get to heaven?????
I said, "IF" you and those churches... An "IF" statement is different from an assertion (whatever the correct term is).
"If you raped someone, you are a bad person" DOES NOT mean "You raped someone, you are a bad person."
3. There are some/many people who do good things just to get to heaven and be rewarded. If you don't think so, you don't really know the real world.
4. "You aren't supposed to be nice just to get into heaven." I KNOW! that's basically what I said.
5. Don't interpret what others said based on your preference. After all, this isn't a religion, a religious book, or a metaphor. It's a random guy who gave an advice to the OP on SDN.
6. You must be living in the 4th dimension.

 

[Mad Jack]

1. I already said I don't want to get into this subject on SND.
2. What is up with people putting words in my mouth??!!!!
When did I say religious people do things just to get to heaven?????
I said, "IF" you and those churches... An "IF" statement is different from an assertion (whatever the correct term is).
"If you raped someone, you are a bad person" DOES NOT mean "You raped someone, you are a bad person."
3. There are some/many people who do good things just to get to heaven and be rewarded. If you don't think so, you don't really know the real world.
4. "You aren't supposed to be nice just to get into heaven." I KNOW! that's basically what I said.
5. Don't interpret what others said based on your preference. After all, this isn't a religion, a religious book, or a metaphor. It's a random guy who gave an advice to the OP on SDN.
6. You must be living in the 4th dimension.

You don't know my preferences or a damn thing about me. I'm one of the most vocal people on this forum whenever religious hypocrites pop up as a subject of discussion, because I have a depth of loathing for them that is beyond measure (looking at you, Liberty University 😉! Though LUCOM is still up in the air- perhaps they'll break a bit from the oppressive tendencies of their parent university). I was responding specifically to your comment that "If you and those churches are doing good for the people just so you will be awarded an eternal life in heaven when you die, you are not doing good for the right reason," which, while being an "if" statement, seemed loaded with implications of disdain for conservative Christianity in the context of your posts thusfar, and therefore felt like a totally uncalled for jab against the OP. He'd never hinted that those were his motives, nor had he spoke of them, so why would you just throw a potentially negative assessment of the reason for his activities in your post to begin with?

Then again, I'm in the middle of a hideous 74 hour stretch of work, so I may just be so tired I'm misinterpreting your comments.

 

[iWillOneDay]

You don't know my preferences or a damn thing about me. I'm one of the most vocal people on this forum whenever religious hypocrites pop up as a subject of discussion, because I have a depth of loathing for them that is beyond measure (looking at you, Liberty University 😉! Though LUCOM is still up in the air- perhaps they'll break a bit from the oppressive tendencies of their parent university). I was responding specifically to your comment that "If you and those churches are doing good for the people just so you will be awarded an eternal life in heaven when you die, you are not doing good for the right reason," which, while being an "if" statement, seemed loaded with implications of disdain for conservative Christianity in the context of your posts thusfar, and therefore felt like a totally uncalled for jab against the OP. He'd never hinted that those were his motives, nor had he spoke of them, so why would you just throw a potentially negative assessment of the reason for his activities in your post to begin with?

Then again, I'm in the middle of a hideous 74 hour stretch of work, so I may just be so tired I'm misinterpreting your comments.

Sir, my comment was to NurWollen. That's is why I quoted NurWollen and not OP. People take time to read other's posts.
You wrote, "You don't know my preferences or a damn thing about me." and wrote "seemed loaded with implications of disdain for conservative Christianity in the context of your posts thusfar"............ hm... I wonder how much you know about me. Oxymoron? Hypocrite?
"therefore felt like a totally uncalled for jab against the OP" again, to reiterate, my comment was to NurWollen.
My comment to OP is the second one on this tread. Welcome to SDN?

 

[Mad Jack]

Sir, my comment was to NurWollen. That's is why I quoted NurWollen and not OP. People take time to read other's posts.
You wrote, "You don't know my preferences or a damn thing about me." and wrote "seemed loaded with implications of disdain for conservative Christianity in the context of your posts thusfar"............ hm... I wonder how much you know about me. Oxymoron? Hypocrite?
"therefore felt like a totally uncalled for jab against the OP" again, to reiterate, my comment was to NurWollen.
My comment to OP is the second one on this tread. Welcome to SDN?

It's all in regard to the same topic dude. Sure, I misidentified the person you were jabbing at, but the gist of my comment still holds. Unless you're so against putting words in people's mouths that you refuse to do the mental gymnastics required to apply A to B, in which case, let me know, and I'll retype it all for you with NurWollen instead of OP.

 

[iWillOneDay]

It's all in regard to the same topic dude. Sure, I misidentified the person you were jabbing at, but the gist of my comment still holds. Unless you're so against putting words in people's mouths that you refuse to do the mental gymnastics required to apply A to B, in which case, let me know, and I'll retype it all for you with NurWollen instead of OP.

What OP wrote has almost nothing to do with what Nur wrote..... Read it carefully.... Get some sleep and come back tomorrow.
And please PM me as I do not want to flood this tread with more of irrelevant discussions. I gave an advice to OP after stating my opinion on a issue, even though I'm a nobody, and people like you are just bashing on it. Welcome to America and SDN, where everything I say is wrong, even though it's an opinion, and everything you say is correct.

 

[verynice]

While I think there should be separation of church and medicine (just like the separation of church and state that is in our constitution(?), which is obviously a joke considering everything in the politics [mostly republicans] has religious influence) - a whole another issue that I am not going to get into in SDN -
I don't think getting a letter from your minister is a bad idea.
LOR can practically be from anyone that knows you (except family or friends).
If you think your minister can write you a good letter, get it from him.

But, what do I know?
Wait for one of the cat faculties to respond (no disrespect to those physicians/faculties with cats as their pictures).

Just want to clarify for you. No where in the constitution does it state what I bolded above. It was actually stated in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists. This letter served to protect religious establishments from defilement by government; not the other way around.

Source: http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html

 

[iWillOneDay]

Just want to clarify for you. No where in the constitution does it state what I bolded above. It was actually stated in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists. This letter served to protect religious establishments from defilement by government; not the other way around.

Source: http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html

Hahaha, that's why I said "constitution(?)" I didn't know if it implicitly said it in the constitution.
And after further googling, I learned that the letter was regarding the First Amendment, which is part of the constitution......
The First Amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, ......" from Wiki.

"This letter served to protect religious establishments from defilement by government; not the other way around."
Umm.... no... It's both ways.
While the latter part, "prohibits the making of any law ...., impeding the free exercise of religion" means the government cannot impede on religion, the former "prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion..." prohibits US from creating a national religion.
So you are wrong... It is also the other way around. Why don't you do some research? It literally took me 5 mins...

That's why there is supposed to be a separate of state and church. It's not a separation if one side can dominate over the other. The government is not going to prevent you from practicing your religion on your own and in your communities. But don't try to influence the entire world and regulations based on your religion.

YOU CANNOT INTERPRET THINGS your own way.

The wall of separation is not like a semipermeable membrane that only allows religion/its influences to cross over to government and prevent government from influencing religion.
It's a solid wall that protect both sides equally. At least that was its job.
However, current politicians are influence by christianity and based their grounds of christianity.
Do some research and learn how to start a debate.
Learn both sides and come up with arguments that cannot be destroyed in a matter of simple google search.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I don't see any issue with it. A minister has the potential to be a very central figure in organize and helping better his community. As a whole faith based community outreach are usually pretty nice organizations and solid extracurriculars.

I mean, as long as your main job as not standing on the sidewalk near community centers or abortion clinics telling people to repent and to be abstinent then it's all good.

 

[DE15C]

I have numerous ECs related to church work. The charity work I've done for the last two years are from a church charity organization. Also, the youth group that I'm the president of is also a church organization. Because I work closely with the minister, would it be a good idea to ask a letter from him? I feel like he would be able to write me a fairly strong letter because he is familiar with my involvement. Would schools view it differently because of its religious affiliation? Thanks!

In my humble opinion, I think it is a very good idea to get this letter.
I submitted LOR's from science professors, but in every open file interview I had, they mentioned the LOR I submitted from my former fire chief. I had one interviewer tell me that he sees a ton of LOR's every cycle from professors who he can tell don't know that student from any others. A personal letter from someone who knows you well and can provide insight to you as a compassionate and dedicated professional is worth infinitely more than a form letter saying you got an A in Biochem and seem like a nice kid.
Just make sure that the writer gears his/her letter towards the things they know about you, that will aid you as a medical student and as a physician. There are some good guidelines for letter writers on the AACOMAS site.

 

[iWillOneDay]

@verynice Are you not entertained?