Are you a nurse with "alternative" spiritual beliefs?

Nurses Spirituality

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Girlafraid13

309 Posts

I think that's awesome. It's less about people *not* understanding it and more about people being *unwilling* to understand it.

You are totally right. Everyone has different beliefs and that's totally OK with me. I've been told I'm going to hell, usually respond with "don't threaten me with a good time". Been laughed at in a very nasty way for understanding evolution vs creationism..etc. work and religion usually do not mix.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

I follow mostly levayan satanism for about the past 8 years but never share that with anyone and never will. Especially will never share that with a patient.. people usually don't understand it.

I do have a tattoo of the sigil of baphoment but it's covered when I wear scrubs :). And if someone wants me to pray with them I allow them to pray and will hold their hand or whatever they need no problem.

Ok.....what? I'm unfamiliar with those terms.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
LaVeyan Satanism is one of several distinct religions identifying itself as Satanic. Followers are atheists who stress dependence on the self rather than reliance on any outside power. It encourages individualism, hedonism, materialism, ego, personal initiative, self-worth and self-determinism......To the LaVeyan Satanist, Satan is a myth, just like God and other deities.
LaVeyan Satanism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Sigil of Baphomet is the official insignium of the Church of Satan, and is trademarked by the organization. Variations are also used by several other organizations, usually those associated with Satanism and the Left-Hand Path.

god-levi-baph.gif

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Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN

6 Articles; 11,658 Posts

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I don't know that I'd define myself as having "alternative" spiritual beliefs. I was raised Lutheran, and generally don't follow any religious path as an adult. I have studied Wicca, and felt that the balance of light and dark/male and female definitely appealed more to me than the very patriarchal Christian religion, but do not quite yet feel comfortable as identifying myself as Wiccan as I am still learning and researching. However, I do not open up about such feelings at work. I do work in a rather conservative area, and some of the comments at the lunch table or in the break room have been... rather shocking shall we say. And some of those comments were about sexuality- made in front of me, despite being openly bisexual. Not sure I'd want to open myself up even more in such an area.

grandpaj

206 Posts

Not sure if I would consider myself to have an alternative spiritual belief, although I'm not a religious person. Most of my coworkers are extremely religious people, but thus far I haven't had any problems being openly gay and non-religious in a fairly conservative area of the country. I just don't share excessively when others talk about their church and home lives, which suits me because I prefer that my work and private lives are somewhat separate anyway.

When I was a new nurse, I had trouble navigating patients' nosy questions about my personal beliefs, although I feel like I've learned to respond and redirect appropriately over the last few years.

Girlafraid13

309 Posts

Ok.....what? I'm unfamiliar with those terms.

Exactly as esme posted. there's the 11 rules of the earth which are a lot of fun and truths i mainly follow except maybe 1 in there. Not disrespecting while in someone's house, not harming animals(vegetarian) , not harming small children (pediatric nurse) , when someone bothers/harasses you ask them to stop, if they don't "destroy" them. Usually I destroy them with annoying kindness or a smarta** comeback. It seems intimidating but it's not most people are usually terrified of this no I don't sacrifice animals and chant with candles around them. Lol

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

LaVeyan Satanism is one of several distinct religions identifying itself as Satanic. Followers are atheists who stress dependence on the self rather than reliance on any outside power. It encourages individualism, hedonism, materialism, ego, personal initiative, self-worth and self-determinism......To the LaVeyan Satanist, Satan is a myth, just like God and other deities.

The Sigil of Baphomet is the official insignium of the Church of Satan, and is trademarked by the organization. Variations are also used by several other organizations, usually those associated with Satanism and the Left-Hand Path.

god-levi-baph.gif

Welll.....ok then.

I put some of that definition in bold.....and it seems to me it can all be summed up by saying "This religion is All About Me"? It's what *I* want, it's only *me* that matters, in a nutshell?

Thanks for the info, Esme.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

Exactly as esme posted. there's the 11 rules of the earth which are a lot of fun and truths i mainly follow except maybe 1 in there. Not disrespecting while in someone's house, not harming animals(vegetarian) , not harming small children (pediatric nurse) , when someone bothers/harasses you ask them to stop, if they don't "destroy" them. Usually I destroy them with annoying kindness or a smarta** comeback. It seems intimidating but it's not most people are usually terrified of this no I don't sacrifice animals and chant with candles around them. Lol

So.....the basis of this religion is not how you relate to others (which is a foundation in most religions....think "golden rule" and similar philosophies). Instead, it's about how you relate....to you?

I think I'm struggling with the definition as Esme posted it. It seems that this religion is not about doing good for anyone but the practitioner (hedonism, ego, materialism, etc etc). Can't wrap my head around that.

If my children were demonstrating such "values", I'd instruct them as to why they were being selfish....not religious.

I honestly, truly mean no disrespect to someone who follows a religious belief system other than my own. I have had a close friendship with a Pagan priest (called himself a Witch, explained his belief structure to me, and we did just fine :) ) I encourage lively (and respectful) debate. To that end, I would REALLY appreciate an explanation as to how THIS (L. Satanism) is a religion....and not just being self-indulgent?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence.Many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that are intended to explain the meaning of life and/or to explain the origin of life or the Universe. From their beliefs about the cosmos and human nature, people derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle.
It's a religion because they practice their beliefs in a group together. Who are we to judge what is a religion and what is not. I am fascinated by other religious practices. Yes it is about indulging oneself.
LaVeyan Satanism, in the form of the Church of Satan, began in 1966. Many of its practitioners are atheists or agnostics, and view Satan as a symbol, not as an actual entity. The so-called Nine Satanic Statements outline some of the beliefs of the Church of Satan, including that Satan represents “man as just another animal,” and that followers should embrace indulgence instead of abstinence.

First, forget anything your religious figures or writings may have told you. This is a complete overhaul

Understand that this form of Satanism was created by Anton Szandor LaVey (1930-1997) with the founding of the Church of Satan in 1966 C.E. (Year One)

Comprehend Satanism actually DOES NOT worship the devil, and the religion that worships Satan is actually Luciferianism, and Satanism does not condone the sacrificing of animals, or hurting of others (especially children).

Understand the Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth:

  • Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
  • Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure that they want to hear them.
  • When in another's lair, show him respect or else do not go there.
  • If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
  • Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
  • Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the person and he cries out to be relieved.
  • Acknowledge the power of magic if you have used it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
  • Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
  • Do not harm little children.
  • Do not kill non-human animals unless attacked or for your food.
  • When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

Perhaps even more important; the Nine Satanic Statements:

  • Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!
  • Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe dreams!
  • Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
  • Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates!
  • Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek!
  • Satan represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires!
  • Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all fours, who, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development, has become the most vicious animal of all!
  • Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
  • Satan is the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!

Official Church of Satan Website | churchofsatan.com

Remember it isn't about we agree or disagree....it is about knowing and respecting others belief or non belief....as long as it is legal

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

It's a religion because they practice their beliefs in a group together. Who are we to judge what is a religion and what is not. I am fascinated by other religious practices. Yes it is about indulging oneself.

As an aside, I am reminded of The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. A tongue-in-cheek "internet religion", yet according to the definition posted is most certainly a religion!

Who are we to judge? Well.....we are humans, and we do judge. Whether we use our judgements to do harm or just keep them to ourselves is of course up to the individual.

Out of respect for the purposes of this message board, and in the efforts of goodwill, I will keep any judgements I believe would be seen as unacceptable.....to myself. Can't be more fair than that

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Absolutely...For whatever reason in my nursing career I have been exposed to many different religions. There are some that are ok and some that I just shake my head once I get in the car and think..."Really? :facepalm: Well that's what religious freedom means."

RNsRWe, ASN, RN

3 Articles; 10,428 Posts

Absolutely...For whatever reason in my nursing career I have been exposed to many different religions. There are some that are ok and some that I just shake my head once I get in the car and think..."Really? :facepalm: Well that's what religious freedom means."

I have actually spent quite a lot of time on Spirituality boards and in-person interfaith workshops over the years; sometimes it's to share what I know for those who are curious, and sometimes it's to learn about what else is out there, who is doing what, so to speak. For the most part, it's been a positive experience....on occasion, I'd come across what I'll call The Holy Roller, the one who has been Born Again (and again, and again!) and is now here to share with me why I will be burning in eternal hellfire for all time. Ummm....ok ;)

A friend I met on one such board (the Pagan I just mentioned) was absolutely fascinating; he KNEW his religion, he STUDIED and LEARNED and SHARED. It most certainly wasn't "all about him" at all. It was because of him that I learned the Halloween pointy-black-hatted witch was a negative stereotype :D

And sometimes, yes....it WAS a palm-faced smack with some people!

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