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

so your faith is fear based?
"the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom." psalm 111:10

topcat

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Yeah, let a Christian state their truth and watch the flames begin. Let a Christian take to task a non-Christian and let the flames begin. But let a non-Christian state their believes and we expect tolerance. Funny isn't it?

Yeah, funny as in interesting . . . :) Since I used to be on the other side.

I guess I'd like to point out that those who disagree with others . . you are on the flip side of the same coin, 180 degrees different and yet expect tolerance but don't give tolerance.

You are sure of your beliefs and the other side is sure of theirs. There is a fine line between debating the subject and denigrating the subject-holders. And I've seen it happen both ways today actually.

Like the post about Jesus saying he is the only way. It does actually say that. Is pointing out that simple fact denigrating to those who don't believe?

Whew . .. . my head is spinning. :chuckle

steph

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
"the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom." psalm 111:10

topcat

an interesting way to find peace of mind. but obviously it works for some.

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an interesting way to find peace of mind. but obviously it works for some.

wisdom is peace of mind. "for the lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." proverbs 2:6

topcat

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
jesus has approved of such a stance. he himself said "i am the way, the truth and the life. no one can get to the father except by means of me." john 14:6

topcat

the difference i see is in the way he speaks as opposed to how j lynn does. that is where i take exception. i doubt very much he would approve of the snide, condescending attitude she displays.

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Don, to tell the truth I had never heard of that controversy about Billy Graham and so read a couple of articles. The one below is a refreshingly honest one by his biographer.

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/102/story_10213_1.html

steph

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
sbic56, when are you going to get it through your thick skull that is exactly how Christians feel. They have the TRUTH, end of discussion for them. Most acknowledge that there are others in the world who don't feel as they do, but they are wrong.

I understand that completely about Christians. That's why these types of discussions generally get know where. It's very hard to debate with those who know the truth without a shadow of a doubt. (See Topcat's post for an example).

Why you continue to try thread after thread month after month is amazing. LOL

Said with much love mind you, cause you know I loves you. I certainly appreciate that when a Christian is being unreasonable you call them on it. But getting them to consider anything outside of the Truth is not gonna happen. :)

I will be heard, I will be heard...lol. I know, I just can't seem to let it go. Why on earth must I continue to believe that all the gods of any and all the great religions are good and loving and don't need to use fear, guilt and shame as a tool to control us? I guess there is just no hope for this unenlightened soul of mine.

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
"the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom." psalm 111:10

topcat

then i'll remain a fool. sounds pretty dysfunctional all this love and fear rolled up onto itself. kind of creepy, really!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
The difference I see is in the way he speaks as opposed to how J lynn does. That is where I take exception. I doubt very much he would approve of the snide, condescending attitude she displays.

Well Jesus did have some harsh things to say to those who didn't think like him. In fact, he threw a major tamtrum in a temple throwing things, screaming at the merchants "stop making my father's temple a marketplace".

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
I will be heard, I will be heard...lol. I know, I just can't seem to let it go. Why on earth must I continue to believe that all the gods of any and all the great religions are good and loving and don't need to use fear, guilt and shame as a tool to control us? I guess there is just no hope for this unenlightened soul of mine.

No hope. But be careful, you talk like that and people are going to pray for you. :)

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Well Jesus did have some harsh things to say to those who didn't think like him. In fact, he threw a major tamtrum in a temple throwing things, screaming at the merchants "stop making my father's temple a marketplace".

Yep, he was appalled at the merchants who perverted the temple. And rightly so.

Sometimes I think people see Jesus as the guy with the kids on his lap and the lambs and cattle in the meadow behind him, who never raised his voice or sounded disappointed. Because of Easter, in reading the story of his death and resurrection, when he was in the garden awaiting what he knew was coming he asked his disciples to pray with him and was saddened when they left him and fell asleep. He wasn't a plastic person with only goodie two shoes things to think and say.

steph

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I don't remember who commented that if He does come back, He'll be real ticked off that His fans all carry reminders of how we killed Him off last time!

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