Nursing and Religion

sunnygirl272 · Feb 16, 2003

being an atheist or agnostic does not mean one does not believe in caring.

Rootbear76 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by sunnygirl272
being an atheist or agnostic does not mean one does not believe in caring.

I understand that, but I asked how do religious, atheists, or agnostics cope with death and sickness. I know you don't have to believe in God to care about people, that's common sense, animals care for their young.

Darlene K. · Feb 17, 2003

Sunnygirl, I agree!

sunnygirl272 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by Just_wondering
I understand that, but I asked how do religious, atheists, or agnostics copes with death and sickness.

ummm...the same as anyone else? :rolleyes:

Rootbear76 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by sunnygirl272
ummm...the same as anyone else?

:rolleyes:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 17, 2003

Personally, I don't know how anyone in the human medical field can be an atheist or agnostic.......we are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made". I've learned such an appreciation of the way God wired our bodies together in the years I've been in nursing, and I think it's miraculous that more things DON'T go wrong with us. I'm not particularly churchgoing---as a lapsed Catholic, I consider myself more "spiritual" than conventionally religious---but whenever I witness a death or see a new life come into the world, I'm once again in awe of God and all His creations. I also have no problem praying with patients if that is what comforts them, or joining in ceremonies at the bedside when asked to by the patient, family or minister. It doesn't matter what my comfort level is; I'm there to help the patient and yes, to serve God as well.

sunnygirl272 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by Just_wondering
Anyway:rolleyes: I guess this question is over your head!

oh..you are absolutely right...i shall now remove myself from this thread, as i am too stupid to comprehend..... :cool:

Rootbear76 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by mjlrn97
Personally, I don't know how anyone in the human medical field can be an atheist or agnostic.......we are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made". I've learned such an appreciation of the way God wired our bodies together in the years I've been in nursing, and I think it's miraculous that more things DON'T go wrong with us. I'm not particularly churchgoing---as a lapsed Catholic, I consider myself more "spiritual" than conventionally religious---but whenever I witness a death or see a new life come into the world, I'm once again in awe of God and all His creations. I also have no problem praying with patients if that is what comforts them, or joining in ceremonies at the bedside when asked to by the patient, family or minister. It doesn't matter what my comfort level is; I'm there to help the patient and yes, to serve God as well.

Beautifully Stated!!! I'm not "religious" myself per se, I'm Christian so it's more of a relationship with God that following 10 millions rules you'll break anyway. I too am in awe of God's creation, just reading about how complex the human body is, is TRULY AMAZING!

Rootbear76 · Feb 17, 2003

Originally posted by sunnygirl272
oh..you are absolutely right...i shall now remove myself from this thread, as i am too stupid to comprehend.....

My goodness I was just asking a simple question and you brought up caring! I didn't ask if you don't believe in God do you care about people, I asked how do you cope with death and sickness, so I figured it went over your head because you brought up something irrelevant! :eek: Oh well, anyway the question remains.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 17, 2003

I don't know about *RELIGION* helping anyone in nursing practice, but I do believe w/all my heart, SPIRITUALITY is invaluable. You don't have to be religious to be spiritual and let that guide your daily practice, as all areas of life. Just my belief anyhow as someone who has basically shrugged off religion my personal life. I am always on a constant quest of spirituality, and open to many possiblities and ways of learning.:)

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 17, 2003

That quote about the question" being over one's head", directed at Sunnygirl, I believe, is VERY pompous and a huge reason I have walked away from conventional religion in my search for spirituality. It was VERY presumpuous and arrogant.

I am out of here as this thread will be way too hot to handle soon enough. Wonder why we cannot entertain other ideas and points of view w/o resorting to insults? Are debating skills THAT weak in some people?