Religion's Place in Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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I often read Billy Graham's column and thought today's was particulary pertinent to our profession. I'm just curious as to your own personal thoughts and feelings on the matter. (Please, no screaming at one another...this is not a debate.)

Dear Dr. Graham,

I'd like to be a Christian, but I have a hard time believing that Jesus rose from the dead. You see, I'm an intensive care nurse, and I know that once a person dies, that's the end. Maybe you can help me get past these doubts. -- Mrs. K.W.

Dear Mrs. K.W.:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most important event in all history -- and yes, incredible as it may seem, it really did happen.

In fact, it might interest you to know that one of the Gospels was written by a medical doctor (Luke). Like you, he knew that death is final and irreversible -- and yet he also gave us one of the most extensive accounts of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Why? Because he had thoroughly investigated the evidence for Jesus' resurrection for himself and he knew only one conclusion was possible: Jesus had come back from the dead.

Why is the resurrection important? Why did God raise Jesus from the dead? One reason was to prove that Jesus was who He said He was: the divine Son of God, sent from heaven to save us from our sins. The Bible says that He "was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:4). The resurrection sets Jesus apart from every other person who has ever lived.

But the resurrection points to an even greater truth: Death has now been conquered! The grave is not the end, but heaven's doors are now open! Jesus is alive, and He wants to come into your life today. Why not discover this great truth for yourself by turning to Christ today?

Edited to remove the dead link that stretched things past the edge of the screen - hope it makes it easier to read :)! - Ratched

Whenever a post leans toward or is directly about faith there are angry or self defensive posts in reply. It's probably human nature, esp since most of us don't see each others faces when posting. It can be easy to forget manners and the other posters basic human dignity. Kinda think Mohammed, Moses, Jesus would slap us all if they could!

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
Whenever a post leans toward or is directly about faith there are angry or self defensive posts in reply. It's probably human nature, esp since most of us don't see each others faces when posting. It can be easy to forget manners and the other posters basic human dignity. Kinda think Mohammed, Moses, Jesus would slap us all if they could!

I see no one become offended by the fact that people have faith. It is when they say things such as being "saddenned because people are lost" or that they are "wrong " in their opinion. No need to directly condemn by making such statements. There lies the difference.

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
Whenever a post leans toward or is directly about faith there are angry or self defensive posts in reply. It's probably human nature, esp since most of us don't see each others faces when posting. It can be easy to forget manners and the other posters basic human dignity. Kinda think Mohammed, Moses, Jesus would slap us all if they could!

I see no one become offended by the fact that people have faith. It is when they say things such as being "saddenned because people are lost" or that they are "wrong " in their opinion. No need to directly condemn by making such statements. There lies the difference.

Wow....I'm really feelin' the love here...Onward Chrisitan soldier...

Quadruple ditto, ditto!

Wow....I'm really feelin' the love here...Onward Chrisitan soldier...

Quadruple ditto, ditto!

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

Well put Earle. I think number one puts a schmear on number two, and is one of the reasons some people have turned away from it.

and what does 'failure as a christian' mean? i know too many catholics that go to church q sunday and are the farthest thing from christian i've ever seen. then there are those that have their own faith or are non-denominational but are the most christian people i've ever met.... i really don't understand 'failure as a christian'.
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

Well put Earle. I think number one puts a schmear on number two, and is one of the reasons some people have turned away from it.

and what does 'failure as a christian' mean? i know too many catholics that go to church q sunday and are the farthest thing from christian i've ever seen. then there are those that have their own faith or are non-denominational but are the most christian people i've ever met.... i really don't understand 'failure as a christian'.
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

Well hello there gwenith. I havn't seen you around in a while. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places, hunh. Maybe if I put my specks on I'll see ya better. I miss your Aussie speech bloke.:specs:

A reminder to respect each others beliefs - whatever they happen to be.
Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

Well hello there gwenith. I havn't seen you around in a while. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places, hunh. Maybe if I put my specks on I'll see ya better. I miss your Aussie speech bloke.:specs:

A reminder to respect each others beliefs - whatever they happen to be.
Well hello there gwenith. I havn't seen you around in a while. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places, hunh. Maybe if I put my specks on I'll see ya better. I miss your Aussie speech bloke.:specs:

Frances- you truly have the gift of distraction and redirection...I love it :D

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
Frances- you truly have the gift of distraction and redirection...I love it :D
:chuckle :chuckle ...............
Specializes in LTC.
and what does 'failure as a christian' mean? i know too many catholics that go to church q sunday and are the farthest thing from christian i've ever seen. then there are those that have their own faith or are non-denominational but are the most christian people i've ever met.... i really don't understand 'failure as a christian'.

I've never been catholic so our traditions are different. My experience has been a mixture of mennonite, baptist, and charismatic. I used to think myself a strong christian. But I have been feeling very troubled now for some time.

It seems I'm fairly well thought of by my instructors and those who work with me (Their main complaint about me is that I need to be more assertive). I've always tried to be kind and gentle. I try to be a good worker. I used to think of myself as a "prayer warrior" or "intercessor". But something has felt very missing deep inside. There is more to this, but I can't share it here.

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