enjoying religion without actually being religious yourself?

[ceccia]

I believe in God, but not in organized religion. I think that all religions have some truths to them, and I don't think any one religion or belief system has ALL the answers or gets everything right. Re: afterlife, I'm agnostic & don't think anyone really knows anything about the details of that.

But I actually really enjoy talking with people about their beliefs. I find it really interesting to hear about how other people think and what they believe, even if it's not what I believe. The only time I've ever felt offended or uncomfortable was when a patient started talking about his beliefs and it devolved into a homophobic rant. I like to focus on what we have in common when a patient wants to talk about his/her faith, rather than focusing on the things about that faith that I don't agree with. I've had patients of various faiths ask me to pray with them and I feel honored that they would ask and am happy to do so. There's a nurse who occasionally sings gospel/worship songs on Sunday mornings while prepping for med pass, and idk, I don't have to be a Christian to think that's beautiful. :) (and sounds a lot more lovely than other things you generally hear in the hallways at work! ) or another nurse who, when you ask her "how are you today" answers "blessed". :) I was just like...huh. i like that! she raised the positive energy in the room with that mindset/answer.

I would never bring up religion or beliefs with patients or co-workers, but if they bring it up, I'm happy to listen and ask them questions and learn more. Am I weird? Or are any of you the same way? It seems like most people who aren't religious also don't want to encounter any of that at work and are offended by it, but i think displays of faith/discussions of faith are beautiful even if i'm not a believer myself.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

I think that's a great attitude. Religious freedom is a beautiful thing. You go beyond the lip-service tolerance to appreciation- very cool.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I'm like you. I'm not a church goer, but I am very spiritual and religious in my own way. If a patient wants to talk about their spiritual or even non spiritual, I will always listen. However, I'm always fascinated by what makes people tick.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am spiritual, but not religious. I do believe in God and the power of prayer. In addition, I see some truth in all religions even though I do not identify with one particular religion.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

It sounds like you have a very open minded attitude which is great from the usual knee-jerk "no religion whatsoever...hmph!" I appreciate coworkers who are positive and promote their beliefs through their actions/attitudes/behaviors/etc. Yeah, I agree, it's not something I would bring up but for people who do have a strong faith in a certain specific religion, I'm all for supporting it and learning what I can do to help prevent spiritual distress and see if there is anything I can carry over from that person to other pts going through similar experiences. :)

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Count another one who has the same thought process!

I find me being fluid to not having a particular religion gives me the ability to address my patient's spiritual needs.

I believe in the power of prayer, as well as strongly use the power of meditation.

[Lola Lou, BSN]

I completely agree with the OP's opinion of religion and spirituality. I too think that it is a fascinating topic. I've actually taken a course on world religions and it was one of the best elective classes that I have ever been a part of. I feel like I am able to serve my patients more holistically if I at least understand the basics of their religion. I recently read a few bible passages to a patient because he said that was what he would do at home to reduce anxiety. He died a few days later and I am glad that I was able to do that for him and hopefully bring him some peace during a scary time in his life. If the power of well wishes, positive energy, prayers, or whatever you choose to call it bring you peace then bring it on!

[SeattleJess]

Thanks for posting this, ceccia! You wrote a blueprint for how to be happy. I don't think you're weird at all, rather on to a spiritual solution for religious problems. Everything you've said works for me, too.

I especially like your point about searching for commonalities. I work for a Catholic services facility, one that was founded by nuns. Their mission is "committing ourselves to works of love, mercy and justice in service among God's people" to "demonstrate God's Providence." I love the community - the values of respect, compassion, stewardship and justice that I experience being lived there. Love, mercy, justice and stewardship are universal values. Focusing on these allows people from all faith traditions - or none - to work together in the best work environment I've ever experienced.

That said, I am a member of one of the other two monotheistic religions and I know it's very likely that if I let myself get into a discussion of theology with a dogmatic Catholic, we'd be focusing on what divides us rather than unifies us. This happens in intrafaith interactions as well. We'd move from our hearts into our brains and then neither of us would be living our values. The issue never comes up with staff, but residents sometimes ask me, "Are you Catholic?" I don't answer that question right away; instead I ask whether they feel they need the support of another Catholic right now and would they like me to get someone else to take them to the chapel (or whatever service I'm providing.) No one has ever taken me up on that offer and the conversation goes on to other things. If I ever do encounter someone who needs a co-religionist, well, fortunately there are many around!

So for me it's not so much not having a religious practice as focusing on the commonalities. As the Buddhists say, "All beings want to be happy."

Thanks again for your heartful and wise post.

[nursel56]

I couldn't agree more with you, ceccia.

I love hearing people talk about their religion and their churches (or other places of worship). The only time it bothers me is when they pressure or attempt to convert me, but honestly that rarely happens. I can now fully embrace and appreciate aspects of various religions or philosophies without letting my disagreement with other parts color my view. Thanks for writing this!

[kakamegamama]

I am interested in well in what others believe. I myself believe in Christ as Messiah, and my Savior. For me, it is not a religion, but a relationship, one which I have found throughout the years grows sweeter. I mean, after all, the fact that I am loved beyond all measure, not because of who I am or what I have done or do, but because of Who He is, and what He did for me. And, I find it interesting to hear what others believe so that I have a greater understanding of other religions.

[Jillybean48]

I absolutely love this post, it warmed my heart just reading it because it reminded me of the many people I've worked with in the past who also would sing or hum gospel songs or answer "blessed". Personally, I am a Christian and a Catholic, but it doesn't matter to me what other people's religions are. In this country (United States) we have freedom of religion and we are so lucky to have that right. As a matter of fact even when I hear people of other religions singing in different languages I usually find that powerful and beautiful also. I like having people of different religions together, accepting each other, learning about each other, coming together in peace... I do have to admit though that I have had one problem at work with another nurse and religion. I don't know what religion she was but she was required to pray a certain amount of times per day in a quiet area and could not be disturbed... which I understand and would not want to disrupt. But she put a call out to a physician, did not tell me she put the call out, did not tell me what patient it was for or what the call was concerning, and then did not tell me she was going on this prayer break. She left the floor and it took forever to find her. I hated to interrupt her but I opened the door just a crack and whispered her name, apologized profusely for interrupting such an intimate moment, but she just ignored me. That doctor was not pleased and I had to take the brunt of it. Oh yes, one more thing for the home care nurses. I recently took care of a baby for about 2 years and at Christmas time I found myself singing Christmas songs to her; well her family is Muslim. Since they are a different religion I wanted to make sure I did not offend the family so I asked them is it okay with them if I sing Christmas songs to her.... they had no problem with it.... it might seem like a silly thing but it could have offended them. That baby LOVES Silent Night!

[tmcmenamee]

Religion is something I do not like to get involved w/ Pt. care wise unless of course it is medically or emotionally relevant. I am an athiest and I don't have a problem w/ people that are religious-nor should I however, I dread the question when they ask if I'm Christian (or religious/whatever). There's always an awkward silence and then I quickly try to turn the question back to them and or change the subject. I'm all about listening to patients and their experiences and beliefs, but I don't think its professional or appropriate to include mine...I guess I wonder sometimes what the correct response is? It's not about me at all. I don't want to lie to someone and I don't want to leave them hanging either. Today a Pt. I had in clinicals (LPN-RN school) ask me if I'm a christian and if I know the word of god and then she started talking to me in tounges and it kind of caught me off guard. I don't remember what exactly I said but I think I answered with a question, turning it back around to her. Hopefully that was appropriate. I want to maintain professionalism at all costs.