Atheist or Agnostic?

fergus51 · Apr 4, 2006

"I have decided that they are just doing it because they want to share something with me that they think I will like, just like they might recommend a good restaurant."
I try to keep that attitude, too, but most people don't threaten you with eternal damnation if you don't try their favorite chowhouse... Heh heh

:lol2: I do. Anyone who doesn't like the pizookies at BJ's going straight to you know where... :devil: So don't say I didn't warn you

tryingtomakeit, RN · Apr 4, 2006

It's funny, but as much of an atheist as I am, I never let a patient know that, nor do I ever let them know I disagree with them. The closest I'll come is to say, "I don't know. I hope that's true, and you're right that we all go to Heaven."
I guess it's the same as young nurses getting all impassioned about "the profession" and stuff. I just don't much need to have the world agree with me or hold me in any kind of esteem. I'm making a mess of explaining this so if you're offended please don't be, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I have a sick, frightened person who is comforted by believing in something I don't, why would I feel the need to maintain my intellectual integrity or whatever if it meant forcing them to question that which is keeping them going.
I'm not explaining myself well. But if a dying child asks me if I believe in Heaven, you can bet your sweet bippy I'm saying yes. And telling him it beats Candyland and Disneyworld rolled up together. What, I'm gonna tell him what I really think, which is that we're a bunch of sentient cell colonies? Nah.

You didn't make a mess of explaining yourself at all! I am a Christian and I agree with you totally. I try to show who I am through my actions - I don't feel the need to preach to everyone who crosses my path. If someone comes out and ASKS me to pray with them - I will, but I am not going to try and argue anyone out of his or her own beliefs. I think what you posted was what we all should do - respect others. Are you sure you aren't a Christian?! (Teasing )

burikat_mata · Apr 4, 2006

I know, I know, you're never supposed to talk about religion or politics, right....
I'm really not trying to start a religious debate, but just get a sense of where people are at. I'm a first year student and an atheist, yet all my fellow students and the nurses I'm meeting are believers.
If and when I become an atheist nurse, am I going to find myself a fish out of water?

I think for me it all boils down to "mutual respect" regardless of belief.

CHATSDALE · Apr 4, 2006

stitchie...post a picture of your little ones some time...toddlers are much fun the whole world is new to them

Hodge · Apr 4, 2006

Recovering son of a pentecostal minister here (i.e. Atheist)........................................................................

Workers of the World unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.....

Marx

Templar1961 · Apr 4, 2006

Yep, agnostic bordering on atheist. It was leaving Christianity that actually spurred me into nursing in the first place, believe it or not. Without the excuse of "God made it that way" to explain away most of the universe, I found myself curious to know how the human body did, in fact, work. Additionally, nursing seems like a good way to contribute to the human cause for my own reasons, rather than just because God said so.

Keep in mind this is not to imply Christians are not curious about science, or anything even remotely offensive -- this was just how I responded to leaving the fold, so to speak. It's been exhilarating and quite rewarding so far!

pugmum · Apr 4, 2006

...If and when I become an atheist nurse, am I going to find myself a fish out of water?

It will depend on you. If you treat your co-workers respectfully and your patients holistically, and you don't try to impose your beliefs on anyone else, I suspect you will feel comfortable in your work setting.

Take the same setting, but you announce to all that you are an atheist, find yourself unable to support your patients or challenge your coworkers beliefs, I suspect you might have a little difficulty and end up defending yourself on a daily basis.

My feeling is religion is best kept private in the workplace along with your your sex life and how much money you have in the bank.

allnurses Guide · Apr 4, 2006

I do. Anyone who doesn't like the pizookies at BJ's going straight to you know where... So don't say I didn't warn you

Well, Fergus is right about this.

steph

lorster · Apr 5, 2006

you know, i've never read a Bible in my life. i can count on one hand the number of times i've attended church. i have an amazingly intimate and personal relationship with God. i continue to grow and prosper through His Grace.
my closest friends are Christians: they know every scripture in the Bible. when i first learned that God would never accept me if i didn't accept Jesus Christ as His Son, i almost blew a gasket. i was insulted, mortified and downright indignant. i still don't believe it. yet that doesn't stop me from conversing with Him sev'l times a day. it doesn't stop me from deeply and ferverently loving Him, as i know how much He loves me. i would never think to try and impose my beliefs on anyone else. i don't appreciate it when others' beliefs are imposed on me. and when i meet someone who doesn't believe in a God, i quietly take pity on them. but i would never be so bold as to preach. so if there are people that know i am doomed to hell, then so be it. that's their belief. i'm very secure in my God. i think if we were all secure, there wouldn't be the need to be so vocal in the word of God/Christ and we could coexist peacefully. imagine that.:balloons:
leslie

Why would you pity someone who did not believe in God?

Juli68 · Apr 5, 2006

I, like it or not, hope you do find yourself a fish out of water and the mere fact that you are asking this type of question leads me to believe you aren't sure yourself if you are a believer or not. I mean, if you are set in your "values" then why worry if you will be a fish out of water or not, you wouldn't care what others thought.

pricklypear · Apr 5, 2006

I wanted to know if I, as a nurse, I was going to be working with mostly religious people. And also, if I would feel uncomfortable in that environment as an atheist.

Answer to your question: You probably won't even be aware of the religious/ or lack of beliefs in the people you will be working with. I worked at a Catholic hospital run by nuns, and only knew one of my co-workers was Catholic because she told us what she was giving up for lent. As for the rest, I have no idea - it never came up.

Right now I work with a couple Catholics, some Mennonites, and various other religions - as well as some agnostics and atheiests. We have WONDERFUL discussions about religion - none of which have become heated. Maybe it's just the exceptional group of people I work with, I don't know. I think as long as people don't go around cutting down other's beliefs and challenging each other, it can be a great learning experience. The bad feelings start when someone starts in with "I can't believe you believe/don't believe....."

jlbns · Apr 5, 2006

I am a third semester student and atheist living in the buckle of the bible belt. There has been lecture on spirituality, but professors are careful to point out the difference between religion and spirituality. Spirituality is about a power higher than ourselves. I tend to have a bit of a problem with that definition, as I think the only power people need is within themselves. Atheists love life and their fellow humans, which make us the perfect fit for the field of nursing. Who better to tend to the sick and injured than someone who knows their time on earth is precious and should be experienced to the fullest? Atheists want the best for all people, and we don't try to get others to believe the way we do. Atheists are open minded, non-judgmental, and caring; exactly what a nurse should be. Good Luck in school and practice. :mad:

To learn more about atheism, please visit www.atheists.org

jlbns