Atheist or Agnostic?

[firstyearstudent]

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?

[burn out]

Plenty have......and what does that have to do with anything?

Reading the DaVinci Code and understanding that, has not necessarily converted everyone to its' beliefs.

I have read the DaVinci Code and it is a novel based on some wild ideas that Leonardo DaVinci was a memeber of some religous secret group. This is not a religous book nor is it bible. Who ever said Davinci was a saint or a prophet or even a preacher? As far as I am concerned the book was a good novel but it was not gospel.

[fergus51]

I think we might be taking this a little too personally in some places. I seriously doubt anyone goes up to a dying patient to tell them their religious beliefs are wrong. Thinking their beliefs or even their behaviors (evangelizing) are wrong doesn't mean you can't provide them with sensitive care. I don't like people evangelizing to me either (I can tell you why if you're curious) and I don't believe the Bible is a literal history. I can express those opinions on an internet bb without it meaning that I will spend my time looking to harass evangelical christians on their death beds with my opinions. Others are welcome to think otherwise as far as I'm concerned.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

So are you in essence saying you are prejudiced against evangelical christians?

I can't speak for the poster you're addressing, but I didn't read that she/he was going to be a different type of nurse based on the faith of the patient.

This poster was saying her/his experience with evangelical Christians has very negative and it has tainted her/his current view.

Frankly, we all judge what we see and do by the experiences we have. Unfortunately for some of us, myself definately included, the experiences we have had with these types of Christians has been very negative and hurtful.

It doesn't mean I judge every Christian I come across and by no means doesn't mean I'm a horrible nurse to Christian patients.

However, a warning sign from the past goes up in my head.

I hope this makes sense.

[pricklypear]

I think we might be taking this a little too personally in some places. I seriously doubt anyone goes up to a dying patient to tell them their religious beliefs are wrong. Thinking their beliefs or even their behaviors (evangelizing) are wrong doesn't mean you can't provide them with sensitive care. I don't like people evangelizing to me either (I can tell you why if you're curious) and I don't believe the Bible is a literal history. I can express those opinions on an internet bb without it meaning that I will spend my time looking to harass evangelical christians on their death beds with my opinions. Others are welcome to think otherwise as far as I'm concerned.

I think this is the real question here. We've all given our opinions, but does anybody have any eyewitness accounts to share? In 7 years, I've never seen it. If some people are so sure that religious beliefs or lack of them will interfere with nursing care, back it up.

[burn out]

my last reply to this thread. To the atheist You say God does not exist, You say Christ does not exist. I am a Christian, do you say I do not exist?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

So are you in essence saying you are prejudiced against evangelical christians? If so how do you plan on caring for an evangelical christian as a patient, is this the kind of garbage you plan on sharing with them on thier death bed. I hope and pray to GOD that I am never your patient in that situation.

Let's see what was this thread again. How was the atheist wondering they were going to be accepted in nursing? or how about How is the atheist going to accept Christiasms innursing?

I'm certainly prejudiced against evangelical anyones.

And I fully plan on questioning every patient as to their beliefs and doing my utmost to upset the dying ones. Indeed.

The original thread had to do with atheists being accepted by Christians in nursing. Judging from their reactions on a message board it doesn't look good.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

So are you in essence saying you are prejudiced against evangelical christians? If so how do you plan on caring for an evangelical christian as a patient, is this the kind of garbage you plan on sharing with them on thier death bed. I hope and pray to GOD that I am never your patient in that situation.

No, she said nothing whatsoever of the kind.

She said that she does not have the same beliefs as the evangelical christian despite being an intelligent person and having read the Bible and hvaing explored the evangelic position.

You can take care of someone and render them excellent care without espousing their same beliefs. And rendering them care has nothing to do with sharing your beliefs on their death bed.

Your beliefs enter into it not at all.

And quite bluntly, her beliefs are not "garbage" - they are just as valid as your beliefs, and just as valuable to her.

Please do not refer to others' values as garbage. That is completely rude and uncalled for, and you owe her an apology.

Many intelligent people, educated people have read the Bible, explored it thoroughly and do not believe in Christ. Please do not insinuate that because someone is not a Christian doesn't mean they don't know the Bible.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

my last reply to this thread. To the atheist You say God does not exist, You say Christ does not exist. I am a Christian, do you say I do not exist?

No, but my beliefs don't match yours.

I'm sorry that was your last post because I'd like a clarification as it makes no sense to me. Why ask a question, expecting responses, and then leave the discussion??? No flame intended and I'm sorry you feel you can't have a conversation with us agnostics and atheists without getting angry and running off.

I meant to make my last post a few pages ago, but yet here I am......sigh. LOL

[fergus51]

my last reply to this thread. To the atheist You say God does not exist, You say Christ does not exist. I am a Christian, do you say I do not exist?

I don't see what your existance has to do with the question of whether or not God exists. You believe in him. My niece believes in Santa Claus. Most would agree that she's wrong. You could be right, you could be wrong. Your belief isn't fact.

[leslie :-D]

And quite bluntly, her beliefs are not "garbage" - they are just as valid as your beliefs, and just as valuable to her.

Please do not refer to others' values as garbage. That is completely rude and uncalled for, and you owe her an apology.

thank you. my sentiments exactly.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

One's beliefs are as personal and individual as the persons themselves. Someone said earlier the patient is what it's all about.

Please debate the subject. Not others' beliefs, not others activities. Right now the mods are reading some of the more "fiery responses." I'm closing this for a cool down period. Thank everyone for their understanding.