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

I think the whole thing is a two-edged sword. The non-believers will always feel pressured by the Christians because of their "our way is the only way philosophy," and the Christians will always feel persecuted by the non-believers because of their criticism of what seems to them closed-minded.

Been this way for centuries, I imagine, so I don't think any of us here are going to change it. :chuckle

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

How very true, manna.

I think the whole thing is a two-edged sword. The non-believers will always feel pressured by the Christians because of their "our way is the only way philosophy," and the Christians will always feel persecuted by the non-believers because of their criticism of what seems to them closed-minded.

Been this way for centuries, I imagine, so I don't think any of us here are going to change it. :chuckle

Specializes in Research,Peds,Neuro,Psych,.
I think the whole thing is a two-edged sword. The non-believers will always feel pressured by the Christians because of their "our way is the only way philosophy," and the Christians will always feel persecuted by the non-believers because of their criticism of what seems to them closed-minded.

Been this way for centuries, I imagine, so I don't think any of us here are going to change it. :chuckle

Good point. I for one, don't feel "pressured". BTW, the ones who think they can change someone's whole belief system actually push someone like me closer to my faith.

BeachNurse,

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Are you aware that Emerson was a Universalist minister?

Did you know that Charles Darwin was a Unitarian?

There are many U-U Churches that are named Emerson. I heard a Sunday Service at a U-U Church in Tucson last September that consisted of one of Emerson's sermons.

I'm trying to tell everyone in every post that my religion is the only one that is any good because it consists of any and ALL of the collective wisdom and belief systems for anything worth believing in.

Being a U-U is like having to deal with an infinite variety of mixed nuts. You have to figure out how to crack the shell, pick out the meat, and leave the shells behind. It is called the religion for the modern thinker because we all have the responsibilty to find our own spiritual path. If you discuss religion with a U-U you will always be given more questions than answers.

LOVE :kiss

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I believe episcopalism

I believe in baptism

I believe in methodist

I gelieve in Jehovah witnesses

I believe in Golfism

I believe in nudism

I believe in a lot of isms

makes me happy

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
But, you see, for someone to feel that strongly about Him, (for me to react that way) you know He has to be good. He's amazing. You all should try Him.

Well, if you have read the thread thoroughly, you will find that most of us nonChristians have "tried Him" wholeheartedly and found the experience lacking.

But then, have you read the whole thread?

One could also say, "Buddha is wonderful, and my life is so peaceful....you should all try him, He's amazing!", or Mohammed, or Shiva, or Baal, or Adonai.

So when are you going to try them????????????????????

My belief in my G-d does not require any bloody sacrifices on crosses for salvation. I am "saved" because G-d is good, no crucifixion needed.

Specializes in Research,Peds,Neuro,Psych,.
BeachNurse,

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Are you aware that Emerson was a Universalist minister?

Did you know that Charles Darwin was a Unitarian?

There are many U-U Churches that are named Emerson. I heard a Sunday Service at a U-U Church in Tucson last September that consisted of one of Emerson's sermons.

I'm trying to tell everyone in every post that my religion is the only one that is any good because it consists of any and ALL of the collective wisdom and belief systems for anything worth believing in.

Being a U-U is like having to deal with an infinite variety of mixed nuts. You have to figure out how to crack the shell, pick out the meat, and leave the shells behind. It is called the religion for the modern thinker because we all have the responsibilty to find our own spiritual path. If you discuss religion with a U-U you will always be given more questions than answers.

LOVE :kiss

Very interesting..that Emerson quote was more of a personal philosophy that I share. I will have do some reading on U-U. Again I am quite happy with my religion, but would love to learn about others.

Specializes in LTC.

Does everyone have a right to speak their mind EXCEPT Bible-believing Christians?

Specializes in LTC.

Does everyone have a right to speak their mind EXCEPT Bible-believing Christians?

Does everyone have a right to speak their mind EXCEPT Bible-believing Christians?[/quote

it stands to reason that if one faith is going to state that theirs is the ONLY one and be so rigid and absolute, then others are going to rebel against it. everyone has a right to speak their mind but no one has the right to cram their beliefs into someone's head.

Does everyone have a right to speak their mind EXCEPT Bible-believing Christians?[/quote

it stands to reason that if one faith is going to state that theirs is the ONLY one and be so rigid and absolute, then others are going to rebel against it. everyone has a right to speak their mind but no one has the right to cram their beliefs into someone's head.

I have never tried to "cram my belief" into someone's head and I certainly don't think my faith is the only one. For me, it certainly is, but I know that there are so many others out there....I don't think any of us will know the "real truth" of our faith until it is our time to leave this earth.

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