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 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.

Specializes in LTC.

I may be a failure as a Christian, but I'm not going to use that to say that Christianity is wrong or bad.

Specializes in LTC.

I may be a failure as a Christian, but I'm not going to use that to say that Christianity is wrong or bad.

and what does 'failure as a christian' mean? i know too many catholics that go to church q sunday and are the farthest thing from christian i've ever seen. then there are those that have their own faith or are non-denominational but are the most christian people i've ever met.... i really don't understand 'failure as a christian'.

and what does 'failure as a christian' mean? i know too many catholics that go to church q sunday and are the farthest thing from christian i've ever seen. then there are those that have their own faith or are non-denominational but are the most christian people i've ever met.... i really don't understand 'failure as a christian'.

Specializes in Psychiatric.

I was not going to post because I simply enjoy reading everyone else's views on this...but Jenmommy, your post does offend me, especially the line about 'standing up to all these nonbelievers' in the last one...I am not Christian, and I have never once nor do I ever plan on ridiculing anyone's religion, including yours...nor do I think you're ignorant because you don't believe the same things I believe. And I certainly don't consider myself ignorant of Christianity because I was brought up in a Christian household and was Christian until I was 16 years old.

It is not up to me to decide who's ignorant and who isn't, and certainly not for me to decide who is right and who is wrong, and it's not up to you, either. In this case, I think your words speak VOLUMES more than your actions.

btw, I feel strongly about Osama bin Ladin and Jeffrey Dahmer...does that make them good?

I won't argue with you on this simply because it's pointless...you think you're right, and I think I'm right...we'll simply leave it at that and call it a day. I just wanted to let you know how I felt...Thanks for reading.

Letitia

Specializes in Psychiatric.

I was not going to post because I simply enjoy reading everyone else's views on this...but Jenmommy, your post does offend me, especially the line about 'standing up to all these nonbelievers' in the last one...I am not Christian, and I have never once nor do I ever plan on ridiculing anyone's religion, including yours...nor do I think you're ignorant because you don't believe the same things I believe. And I certainly don't consider myself ignorant of Christianity because I was brought up in a Christian household and was Christian until I was 16 years old.

It is not up to me to decide who's ignorant and who isn't, and certainly not for me to decide who is right and who is wrong, and it's not up to you, either. In this case, I think your words speak VOLUMES more than your actions.

btw, I feel strongly about Osama bin Ladin and Jeffrey Dahmer...does that make them good?

I won't argue with you on this simply because it's pointless...you think you're right, and I think I'm right...we'll simply leave it at that and call it a day. I just wanted to let you know how I felt...Thanks for reading.

Letitia

I'm not sure how to respond to all these posts. It saddens me. I'm not going to start a debate only because as a Christian, I don't like to argue about religion. Some people just don't get it. If you are seeking peace in your life, then try doing it without Jesus, and let me know how it's working for you.

You are so right. I know what Christ has done for me in my life,and it saddens me that there are so many out there that are lost. It is a much better life doing it the Lord's way than my way. Stay close to Jesus my sister in Christ.

I'm not sure how to respond to all these posts. It saddens me. I'm not going to start a debate only because as a Christian, I don't like to argue about religion. Some people just don't get it. If you are seeking peace in your life, then try doing it without Jesus, and let me know how it's working for you.

You are so right. I know what Christ has done for me in my life,and it saddens me that there are so many out there that are lost. It is a much better life doing it the Lord's way than my way. Stay close to Jesus my sister in Christ.

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
You are so right. I know what Christ has done for me in my life,and it saddens me that there are so many out there that are lost. It is a much better life doing it the Lord's way than my way. Stay close to Jesus my sister in Christ.

What is this board coming to? This kind of intolerance and lack of respect for each others personal beliefs is what saddens me!

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
You are so right. I know what Christ has done for me in my life,and it saddens me that there are so many out there that are lost. It is a much better life doing it the Lord's way than my way. Stay close to Jesus my sister in Christ.

What is this board coming to? This kind of intolerance and lack of respect for each others personal beliefs is what saddens me!

What is this board coming to? This kind of intolerance and lack of respect for each others personal beliefs is what saddens me!

It happens all the time on other threads...why not this one as well?? :o

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