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.
As with anything majority, I think there are instances where non-religious people have run into the extremists, and vice versa. Are there *rabid* atheists? Yes. There are those who are compassionate about giving everyone a fair shake, for example,those you see trying to take down nativity scenes around the country and rally for the seperation of church/state. I don't disagree with that, however, there are ways to go about things. Are there *rabid* christians/other faiths? Of course. I'm in NY, a pretty liberal state but every so often I run into someone who is *preachy* (pardon the expression).
I will give a little insight from my own perspective/experience on the "I'll pray for you" statement. When a non-religious person makes their non-beliefs known to religious people, and all they get back in return is "I'll pray for you".. it usually is condescending and implies that something is wrong with the non-religious person. Again, majority privilege. Most atheists (including myself) don't need prayer, because first, we don't believe in it, and second, don't believe that there is anything wrong with us, so *praying* isn't going to fix us or change anything. I understand the connotation, being that the majority grew up with religion and praying, so I don't really fault them because its all they've known, but I hate the implications behind it.
The only time I really have ever run into an issue was back when I was in nursing school. We gave our labor/delivery instructor a retirement party and one of my classmates piped up and asked everyone to join hands and pray. I politely excused myself to the bathroom, without uttering a word about my non-beliefs. I think most people don't realize that for us, being the non-majority, situations are uncomfortable because to voice our non beliefs, especially in a situation as such, puts us in the spotlight and the majority tend to judge you so most often than not, we just do what I did... silently excuse ourselves.
I have yet to be in any situation in my nursing practice. My patients do not know about my non-belief as it really has no place in my every day working environment. I care for all of my patients equally, no matter their faith or diagnosis, as we all should.
As with anything majority, I think there are instances where non-religious people have run into the extremists, and vice versa. Are there *rabid* atheists? Yes. There are those who are compassionate about giving everyone a fair shake, for example,those you see trying to take down nativity scenes around the country and rally for the seperation of church/state. I don't disagree with that, however, there are ways to go about things. Are there *rabid* christians/other faiths? Of course. I'm in NY, a pretty liberal state but every so often I run into someone who is *preachy* (pardon the expression).
I will give a little insight from my own perspective/experience on the "I'll pray for you" statement. When a non-religious person makes their non-beliefs known to religious people, and all they get back in return is "I'll pray for you".. it usually is condescending and implies that something is wrong with the non-religious person. Again, majority privilege. Most atheists (including myself) don't need prayer, because first, we don't believe in it, and second, don't believe that there is anything wrong with us, so *praying* isn't going to fix us or change anything. I understand the connotation, being that the majority grew up with religion and praying, so I don't really fault them because its all they've known, but I hate the implications behind it.
The only time I really have ever run into an issue was back when I was in nursing school. We gave our labor/delivery instructor a retirement party and one of my classmates piped up and asked everyone to join hands and pray. I politely excused myself to the bathroom, without uttering a word about my non-beliefs. I think most people don't realize that for us, being the non-majority, situations are uncomfortable because to voice our non beliefs, especially in a situation as such, puts us in the spotlight and the majority tend to judge you so most often than not, we just do what I did... silently excuse ourselves.
I have yet to be in any situation in my nursing practice. My patients do not know about my non-belief as it really has no place in my every day working environment. I care for all of my patients equally, no matter their faith or diagnosis, as we all should.
You are awesome. Your attitude is the reason I like being around atheists more than Christians or Muslims.
I will never give Christians difficult time or sue them if they say "I will pray for you" or worse "I will ask Jesus to save you". However, that just makes me despise them more. Evangelical Christians seem not to have any decency in their being. To them, winning converts is more important than anything else.
You shouldn't despise anyone though Khminh. I'm sorry that some religious people have left a bad taste in your mouth. I have had similar experiences but it doesn't make me hate them or anyone. You have to be respectful in the fact that everyone on this planet are not group thinkers and everyone has their own personal preferences. I use the opportunity at times to educate people on my personal beliefs and I listen to theirs. You can reach common ground on a human level without chastising one another's religious preferences or lack thereof. I have Christian friends, Jevohah's witness friends and quite a few of my friends are Muslim. I grew up around family that were mostly Catholic/Christian. It just made me question their beliefs all the more and study. I educated myself about all the different religions in the world and gain an understanding about them and just decided it wasn't for me. It doesn't grant me the right to look down on anyone who thinks differently.
Get the same annoying reaction should I divulge the "wrong" denomination I belong to. So I never allow the discussion to go far when it comes to religion. I feel that others can find alternate targets for their attacks or better explanations if they have a true interest in the beliefs of my brand of religion. One of my friends says that when certain people come to her door to discuss religion, she loves to say, "I am (insert name of "wrong" religion) just to see the looks on their faces. Then the door gets closed.
You shouldn't despise anyone though Khminh. I'm sorry that some religious people have left a bad taste in your mouth. I have had similar experiences but it doesn't make me hate them or anyone. You have to be respectful in the fact that everyone on this planet are not group thinkers and everyone has their own personal preferences. I use the opportunity at times to educate people on my personal beliefs and I listen to theirs. You can reach common ground on a human level without chastising one another's religious preferences or lack thereof. I have Christian friends, Jevohah's witness friends and quite a few of my friends are Muslim. I grew up around family that were mostly Catholic/Christian. It just made me question their beliefs all the more and study. I educated myself about all the different religions in the world and gain an understanding about them and just decided it wasn't for me. It doesn't grant me the right to look down on anyone who thinks differently.
Believe me. I do have friends who are Christians. It's evangelical Christians who make me tired of religion. Did I mention that I lived in a Catholic neighborhood for 10 years before I came to the States? I love people there. They treated me just like their own people.
I got along with American Christians until I was friend with this fundamentalist Christian. It was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. The moment she found out about my sexual orientation, she made every possible attempt to proselytize me into Christianity even though I never brought up the topic. I simply smiled and stayed a good friend to her until school was over. Since then, I have made a decision to screen Christians carefully until I am sure that they accept who I am. Many atheists know my spiritual beliefs, and they accept me totally. My Christian friends are the same. They accept my spiritual path just as valid as their.
You shouldn't despise anyone though Khminh. I'm sorry that some religious people have left a bad taste in your mouth. I have had similar experiences but it doesn't make me hate them or anyone. You have to be respectful in the fact that everyone on this planet are not group thinkers and everyone has their own personal preferences. I use the opportunity at times to educate people on my personal beliefs and I listen to theirs. You can reach common ground on a human level without chastising one another's religious preferences or lack thereof. I have Christian friends, Jevohah's witness friends and quite a few of my friends are Muslim. I grew up around family that were mostly Catholic/Christian. It just made me question their beliefs all the more and study. I educated myself about all the different religions in the world and gain an understanding about them and just decided it wasn't for me. It doesn't grant me the right to look down on anyone who thinks differently.
Believe me. I do have friends who are Christians. It's evangelical Christians who make me tired of religion. Did I mention that I lived in a Catholic neighborhood for 10 years before I came to the States? I love people there. They treated me just like their own people.
I got along with American Christians until I was friend with this fundamentalist Christian. It was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. The moment she found out about my sexual orientation, she made every possible attempt to proselytize me into Christianity even though I never brought up the topic. I simply smiled and stayed a good friend to her until school was over. Since then, I have made a decision to screen Christians carefully until I am sure that they accept who I am. Many atheists know my spiritual beliefs, and they accept me totally. My Christian friends are the same. They accept my spiritual path just as valid as their.
Believe me. I do have friends who are Christians. It's evangelical Christians who make me tired of religion. Did I mention that I lived in a Catholic neighborhood for 10 years before I came to the States? I love people there. They treated me just like their own people.
I got along with American Christians until I was friend with this fundamentalist Christian. It was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. The moment she found out about my sexual orientation, she made every possible attempt to proselytize me into Christianity even though I never brought up the topic. I simply smiled and stayed a good friend to her until school was over. Since then, I have made a decision to screen Christians carefully until I am sure that they accept who I am. Many atheists know my spiritual beliefs, and they accept me totally. My Christian friends are the same. They accept my spiritual path just as valid as their.
People in general can be judgmental with and without religion. I would caution you to not become judgmental yourself and alienate entire groups of people because of a bad experience with one.
I have learned so many enlightening and inspiring points of view on a given subject from people of many different races, countries, and religions. Remaining open minded and accepting of others differences keeps me open to new experiences and some very cool conversations.
No one likes anyone who's pushy regardless of their beliefs. As adults, we are free to decline the company of people who don't meld well with our own values, morals, and belief systems. It isn't necessary to dislike them, simply move on without them.
People in general can be judgmental with and without religion. I would caution you to not become judgmental yourself and alienate entire groups of people because of a bad experience with one.
I have learned so many enlightening and inspiring points of view on a given subject from people of many different races, countries, and religions. Remaining open minded and accepting of others differences keeps me open to new experiences and some very cool conversations.
No one likes anyone who's pushy regardless of their beliefs. As adults, we are free to decline the company of people who don't meld well with our own values, morals, and belief systems. It isn't necessary to dislike them, simply move on without them.
I totally agree with you. My problem is that I invest myself almost 100% to the people I care about. If I am as rational as you are, I may think differently.
With the Christian fundamentalist friend, I even put my belief aside to make her happy by going to her church although I anticipated I was going to get. She didn't reciprocate the same. It's not that she yelled at me. It's the "I love you, but I hate your sin" attitude that hurt my feelings. If I could brush if off like other Americans, I wouldn't be too cautious of Christians.
I am serious when it comes to friendship. It triumphs my personal belief. Christians put their beliefs above all else.
I know I am being unfair. However, until I can get over my false friendship, I can't put my trust in a devout Christian. If Christians cannot accept who I am, I won't be around them. No if or but. I only need tolerance from neighbors, but I want acceptance from a friend. At work, I have a Christian colleague who respects and accepts me completely. I feel comfortable talking about my love life with her without worrying about her quoting the bible. With other Christians, I'm not so sure.
No nurse I know will impose a prayer on a patient that doesn't request it.
It's not about the nurse. It's about the patient.
The odds are that you do not *know* this nurse, but you may have also missed this recent post from the nurse who makes it a point to seek out patients at the absolutely most vulnerable points in their care and prays over their unconscious bodies. They neither requested, nor consented, to this - it is *indeed* all about the nurse and not at all about those vulnerable patients.
The odds are that you do not *know* this nurse, but you may have also missed this recent post from the nurse who makes it a point to seek out patients at the absolutely most vulnerable points in their care and prays over their unconscious bodies. They neither requested, nor consented, to this - it is *indeed* all about the nurse and not at all about those vulnerable patients.
Okay, yes. I don't know what I don't know. I've never witnessed it, nor have I suspected it from coworkers.
So, because your so called friend is an intolerant bigot, you are as well?
Don't paint everyone with the same brush.
I'm not a bigot, but you are not wrong. I'm not free from intolerance. That experience makes me a lot more cautious of people I'm around, especially religious people. At work, some of my colleagues are Christians. I know about their religion, and I keep my distance. I'm not hostile to them, but I only exchange a few words. After verifying that they accept me for who I am, I drop my tough act and become their friend. I know it's not really a fun way to make friend, but I have to do that to protect myself from being emotionally hurt. I'm vulnerable when I am a friend because I will do anything for people I care about. I don't want to devote myself to people who don't deserve it.
Heartnurse24
21 Posts
As with anything majority, I think there are instances where non-religious people have run into the extremists, and vice versa. Are there *rabid* atheists? Yes. There are those who are compassionate about giving everyone a fair shake, for example,those you see trying to take down nativity scenes around the country and rally for the seperation of church/state. I don't disagree with that, however, there are ways to go about things. Are there *rabid* christians/other faiths? Of course. I'm in NY, a pretty liberal state but every so often I run into someone who is *preachy* (pardon the expression).
I will give a little insight from my own perspective/experience on the "I'll pray for you" statement. When a non-religious person makes their non-beliefs known to religious people, and all they get back in return is "I'll pray for you".. it usually is condescending and implies that something is wrong with the non-religious person. Again, majority privilege. Most atheists (including myself) don't need prayer, because first, we don't believe in it, and second, don't believe that there is anything wrong with us, so *praying* isn't going to fix us or change anything. I understand the connotation, being that the majority grew up with religion and praying, so I don't really fault them because its all they've known, but I hate the implications behind it.
The only time I really have ever run into an issue was back when I was in nursing school. We gave our labor/delivery instructor a retirement party and one of my classmates piped up and asked everyone to join hands and pray. I politely excused myself to the bathroom, without uttering a word about my non-beliefs. I think most people don't realize that for us, being the non-majority, situations are uncomfortable because to voice our non beliefs, especially in a situation as such, puts us in the spotlight and the majority tend to judge you so most often than not, we just do what I did... silently excuse ourselves.
I have yet to be in any situation in my nursing practice. My patients do not know about my non-belief as it really has no place in my every day working environment. I care for all of my patients equally, no matter their faith or diagnosis, as we all should.