Between I942 and 1945 psychiatrist Viktor Frankl labored in four different Nazi prison camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. In Mans Search for Meaning he shares his experiences and stories of many of his patients. There may not be another account written that paints a more vivid picture of the Nazi network of concentration and extermination camps. The above excerpt takes place toward the end of Frankls imprisonment when he had the opportunity to escape. Yet the idea of leaving a sick and dying comrade behind combined with the stinging words You, too, are getting out? seems to have caused him to discover something greater than escape . . . peace. In the midst of the most hellish situation imaginable there existed a relationship bound together by a common hope.
In the end accountability has at its binding agent that which existed between Dr. Frankl and his countryman patient so many years ago: hope. When we discuss the issue of accountability and ones inner circle, we must see ourselves in two very distinct lights: being both doctors and patients. An inner circle of people following Jesus and walking beside each other must recognize the need to care for each others souls (the role of doctor) while also allowing their soul to be cared for (the role of patient). In other words if we understand accountability we are both doctors and patients.
-Brent Crowe