[glow_worm]

So many nurses in my part of the world are Christians, and for some reason they expect me to be one, too. I NEVER discuss religion with co-workers, but I suffer in silence when they share cutsy Christian emails, stories, or comments with me.

It offends/scares some people in the South to interact with non-Christians (ie. non-religious = sinner = going to Hell = evil). Should I just smile/nod when they're sharing stuff with me, or say "I'm not a Christian" or "I'm not religious"... "but that's a nice story?"

Since so many nurses are Christian, I'd love some advice from a Christian nurse....

[cheerfuldoer]

Hello glow__worm!

I am a Christian and a nurse. There are many Christian Nurses where I work, and we often converse about prayers requested and talk about our faith in a light setting, but never in a debated fashion.

I never comment when I hear someone who is not a Christian talking about something because I don't feel I should unless they ask for my comment.

Your idea of just saying your not a Christian, but that was a nice story should suffice.....or.....choose not to involve yourself in that particular conversation. It shouldn't matter what the conversation if it is one you prefer not to partake in, just don't partake. Hope that was helpful, if not, please accept my apologies ahead of time.

[eb_rn]

i will pray for u that u find the understanding u look for.

[2bPhD]

Three things I never discuss with coworkers or patients: religion, politics, and sexual preference. My personal life does not go to work with me. When others offer personal information to me, I smile and nod, but avoid putting in my 2 cents.

[renerian]

2BPHD I agree.

renerian

[Qwiigley]

Seems to me that you are able to appreciate all the is "good" in any religion without being of the religion. Enjoy the cute stories, etc. Thaey are jjust tradition, mostly. If you find something that is hateful to others, then by all means, do not participate. Otherwise, enjoy what is there. No harm, no foul. On the other side of the coin, those people who are of a different religion than you, should also celebrate all that is good with yours.
I understand the south can be sticklers. I am in LosAngeles, we live in a totally different world. We have learned that at most turns, you WILL be different than anyone else near you and just to go with the flow.
(PS: Vatican II in 1965, yes, 1965, said "Celebrate all that is good in other religions" and that is from the ORIGINAL Christians!

[Gator,SN]

Three things I never discuss with coworkers or patients: religion, politics, and sexual preference. My personal life does not go to work with me.

I totally agree and wish everyone felt this way!

[gwenith]

2bphd - I could not have said it better myself.

At present there is a thread about christian nurses in the break room forum. I suggest you check that out.

[Nurse Ratched]

Originally posted by glow_worm
I NEVER discuss religion with co-workers, but I suffer in silence when they share cutsy Christian emails, stories, or comments with me.

Glow worm, I understand where you are coming from. Perhaps it would be helpful to not think of it as "suffering in silence." Someone here has a great sig line quote from The Matrix Reloaded - "Not everyone believes as you do." Response: "My beliefs do not require them to." My beliefs as an atheist do not require others to feel that way, nor do I feel I am doing anything wrong by *not* discussing my thoughts on the subject, especially in settings where others may feel a much greater need than I to emphasize their beliefs. Nothing about atheism requires us to "witness" to others.

I have dear friends who are religious who may or may not know of my beliefs. As I get older, a debate I may have enthusiastically tackled in my younger years no longer holds the same fascination. Live and let live .

[Rocknurse]

I get very uncomfortable when a religious person starts spouting doctrine at me. I think it should be left out of the workplace. I am an athiest and dislike being involved in a religious conversation. It should be kept private. I would feel uneasy sharing any part of my private life with a religious person for fear of being thought "a sinner", so I feel obliged to keep my private life quiet. That's quite oppressive.