One Atheist FAQ Answered

I have had some interesting experiences as an atheist nurse, if not downright puzzling. What follows is but a few of the many interactions that I have encountered.

When pressed for an answer to the question "What church do you belong to?" and I divulge my lack of religious belief, I am always utterly amazed that the next question is invariably "You worship the Devil?" Ummm, no. No I don't. It is my understanding that to believe in one (God) is to believe that the other exists as well (Satan) and since I don't believe in God it wouldn't make sense to believe in the Devil alone.

"Aren't you afraid for your soul?" Again, no. See above.

"How can you have morals if you don't believe in God?" Ethics. I believe in doing what is right simply because it's the right thing to do and not because I fear for my soul or that "someone" is watching and judging my every thought and action. I get an uncomfortable feeling in my gut if I don't address something that should be addressed or if I'm thinking of doing something that I shouldn't do. On the flip side, I get a nice, cozy "atta girl" feeling when I've done the right thing. In other words, my conscience guides me.

"You can't be a good nurse unless you believe in God." Yes I can. See above.

"You just haven't been to the "right" church." Wrong. I've read quite extensively on many different sects of Christianity as well as other religions and have attended many different denominational services and remain unwavering in my position on the subject of religion.

"I'll pray for you." If it'll make you feel better, be my guest.

What gets me riled and provokes "Rabid Atheist Mode" is when I'm told that I "must" be an amoral, Devil-worshipping nurse and sorry excuse for a human being because I don't believe in God. That's when the gloves come off. Personal attacks are unwelcome and will be dealt with accordingly.

This is just a small sample of some of the most common questions/statements that I've heard over the years. There have been many, many more I can assure you.

Let it also be known that I truly don't care what or who anyone worships, to each his own. If you choose to worship a badger that's fine by me, whatever gets you through the day. I ask that you please refrain from trying to get me to worship with you and I'll refrain from trying to get you to abandon your beliefs. I respect your beliefs, you respect mine. I think we can agree on that.

[Faada]

Interesting to read! I also am not religious, not sure if I would call myself atheist... My husband calls us that (to be honest I don't know all the facts behind it maybe I should look that up!) but it was great to read what you wrote I'm guessing I will have some of the same dilemmas when I start working!

[Farawyn]

I get it. I don't like religious types in my face. That includes atheists.

Rabid religious and rabid atheists are equally as annoying.

In work, I don't have to answer these questions.

Live and let live.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I've got some of the same reactions, too. I generally try to avoid the subject altogether unless I know person well and trust that I can have a decent conversation with them about such issues.

What I struggle with the most is the political ramifications if I don't join in religious activities at work. If I exercise my right to not participate, then others get upset with me or complain that I am not supporting their group, etc. -- as if their desire to include me in their religion outweighs my right discomfort with it.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I've got some of the same reactions, too. I generally try to avoid the subject altogether unless I know person well and trust that I can have a decent conversation with them about such issues.

What I struggle with the most is the political ramifications if I don't join in religious activities at work. If I exercise my right to not participate, then others get upset with me or complain that I am not supporting their group, etc. -- as if their desire to include me in their religion outweighs my right discomfort with it.

I understand that. I happen to work for a religion-based facility, so obviously there are many religion based goings on. I obviously knew that going in and don't have a problem with it so long as I am allowed to politely decline invitations without ramifications. So far so good, other than the occasional sideways glance. I can live with that.

[Girlafraid13]

Yes!! I get the "worship satan" all the time. And when people say they'll pray for me(but in a disrespectful way) it's really nasty.

I have a nice older coworker who always tells me god bless you, I don't correct her because it's her way of telling me she thinks im an awesome nurse. And I'm not about to give my 60/70 year old coworker crap for it especially when she's always so happy to see me.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

I have had some interesting experiences as an atheist nurse, if not downright puzzling. What follows is but a few of the many interactions that I have encountered.

When pressed for an answer to the question "What church do you belong to?" and I divulge my lack of religious belief, I am always utterly amazed that the next question is invariably "You worship the Devil?" Ummm, no. No I don't. It is my understanding that to believe in one (God) is to believe that the other exists as well (Satan) and since I don't believe in God it wouldn't make sense to believe in the Devil alone.

"Aren't you afraid for your soul?" Again, no. See above.

"How can you have morals if you don't believe in God?" Ethics. I believe in doing what is right simply because it's the right thing to do and not because I fear for my soul or that "someone" is watching and judging my every thought and action. I get an uncomfortable feeling in my gut if I don't address something that should be addressed or if I'm thinking of doing something that I shouldn't do. On the flip side, I get a nice, cozy "atta girl" feeling when I've done the right thing. In other words, my conscience guides me.

"You can't be a good nurse unless you believe in God." Yes I can. See above.

"You just haven't been to the "right" church." Wrong. I've read quite extensively on many different sects of Christianity as well as other religions and have attended many different denominational services and remain unwavering in my position on the subject of religion.

"I'll pray for you." If it'll make you feel better, be my guest.

What gets me riled and provokes "Rabid Atheist Mode" is when I'm told that I "must" be an amoral, Devil-worshipping nurse and sorry excuse for a human being because I don't believe in God. That's when the gloves come off. Personal attacks are unwelcome and will be dealt with accordingly.

This is just a small sample of some of the most common questions/statements that I've heard over the years. There have been many, many more I can assure you.

Let it also be known that I truly don't care what or who anyone worships, to each his own. If you choose to worship a badger that's fine by me, whatever gets you through the day. I ask that you please refrain from trying to get me to worship with you and I'll refrain from trying to get you to abandon your beliefs. I respect your beliefs, you respect mine. I think we can agree on that.

I totally respect your stand. Though I am a Christian I do not belong to any specific church or denomination. Si in some ways I often get many of the same comments you get. I always have felt the choosing/our not choosing to adopt a specific is extremely personal. I have a niece who is a practicing WICCA and is one of the nicest people I know.

I have known many people who claim to be Christians who are some of the most amoral people I know.

So I say if religion works for you go for it - if not you should not be made to feel bad about that either.

Hppy

[khminh]

I totally respect your stand. Though I am a Christian I do not belong to any specific church or denomination. Si in some ways I often get many of the same comments you get. I always have felt the choosing/our not choosing to adopt a specific is extremely personal. I have a niece who is a practicing WICCA and is one of the nicest people I know.

I have known many people who claim to be Christians who are some of the most amoral people I know.

So I say if religion works for you go for it - if not you should not be made to feel bad about that either.

Hppy

Why are American Christians not like you? I feel very lucky that Christians I encounter tend to act like you, unlike aggressive fundamentalists.

[Farawyn]

Why are American Christians not like you? I feel very lucky that Christians I encounter tend to act like you, unlike aggressive fundamentalists.

Expand your circle, then.

Many(most) American Christians are not fundies.

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

I get it. I don't like religious types in my face. That includes atheists.

Rabid religious and rabid atheists are equally as annoying.

In work, I don't have to answer these questions.

Live and let live.

How many "rabid atheists" have you run into? How many have knocked on your door to share their beliefs with you? How many have told you "I won't pray for you" when you were having a bad time? How many tax-free places for atheists to gather did you drive by on the way to work today?

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Why are American Christians not like you? I feel very lucky that Christians I encounter tend to act like you, unlike aggressive fundamentalists.

I am 100% American bred and born in the USA my mother is a very fundamental "Christian" (Think the mother in Stephan King's Carrie) In my 52 years I have been to many places seen a bunch of crazy stuff I am also a conservative republican if you can believe that at. My faith journey is a very personal one.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[khminh]

I am 100% American bred and born in the USA my mother is a very fundamental "Christian" (Think the mother in Stephan King's Carrie) In my 52 years I have been to many places seen a bunch of crazy stuff I am also a conservative republican if you can believe that at. My faith journey is a very personal one.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

Unfortunately, the fundamentalists are so vocal that they scare me. I don't mind them telling me to my face that I'm a sinner. I'm bothered by the fact that they try to dominate the white house to make America a theocracy. These people remind me of communist government at my birth country.