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

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.

louisepug

OK...your explanation of what you believe sits much better with me than an actual rising from the dead. That is just is too far out there. Spirit, yes. I believe in the spirit and I can imagine one as good as Jesus had a very strong one at that! I have felt them (spirits). I can almost believe that perhaps, maybe Jesus' was bright enough to shine on many at the same time.

Specializes in Endocrinology.

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.

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.

works for me....

If you are seeking peace in your life, then try doing it without Jesus, and let me know how it's working for you.

:rolleyes: It's this kind of backhanded nastiness from so called christians that keeps me out of church. :rolleyes:

Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
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.

It would help your cause, if you could realize that your way is not the only way. Your statement shows no respect for others belief systems. There are many paths to peace and enlightenment. You, in effect, say that unless everyone folllows the same faith as you, they are retched souls of no hope. Even Jesus wouldn't approve of a stance such as you have taken.

What saddens me is that somewhere along the line so many people have had dealings with "righteous Christians" that have totally turned them against Christianity. I was always taught that I had no right to force my beliefs on anyone. All people are loved by God, whether they all believe alike or not.

Oh, didn't realize that Billy was there 2000 years ago :angryfire ... I am Presbryterian, but believe that the bible is metaphorical. Ain't no one rising from the dead...I think the message is that being conveyed is that death isn't the end and/or personal change is always possible. And it's funny how "holy" billy is, and then goes on to bash some of god's children (gay, jewish,etc.) Someone who is truly enlightened shows tolerance and acceptance of others.

Where in the letter does he bash God's children? I did not read anything that he said to indicate intolerance or unacceptance of others.

And besides which, this lady was asking Billy Graham what she could do to overcome her feelings about death. What was he going to say? "I'm sorry lady, I can't state my personal convictions in fear of you thinking my thoughts are intolerant and bashing you because of your unbelief"?

Of course he's going to try to give her the best biblical advice he can on the subject of death!

Actually I remember reading an article about Mr. Graham in TIME a few years ago. And I am familiar with his writings and you couldn't be more wrong about him.

"in the 1980s he became a preacher of world peace, urging reconciliation with Russia and China, where his wife Ruth, the daughter of missionaries, was born. Angry Fundamentalists turned against him, a move that became an anti-Graham passion when he rejected the program of the Christian right: "I don't think Jesus or the Apostles took sides in the political arenas of their day." The break between Graham and the Christian right became absolute when he denounced the violence of the antiabortion group Operation Rescue. "The tactics," Graham declared, "ought to be prayer and discussion."

He is NOT Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell. His compassion shines and even though he holds "fundamental" beliefs about abortion, etc., he reaches out with love and compassion instead of anger and divisiveness. Billy does not bash God's children.

And just a little observation for those of you who don't believe in the resurrection . . .you are taking to task those who do for belittling your beliefs while at the same time belittling those of us who do.

A conversation about the resurrection is fine but lets not bash each other.

steph

Specializes in Endocrinology.
All people are loved by God, whether they all believe alike or not.

But not everyone loves God, yet expect him to be there in tough times.

Specializes in Endocrinology.
:rolleyes: It's this kind of backhanded nastiness from so called christians that keeps me out of church. :rolleyes:

I'm not at all nasty. I've never even used the back of my hand to be nasty.:chuckle

Billy G has a track record of intolerance and smallmindedness more than fifty years long.

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