Religion's Place in Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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.
but. I offer pascals wager. I am an orthodox (little O) Catholic (big C). From an escatological standpoint...consider this.. believe or not which one is worse to be incorrect at? If you believe in life after death and it aint true then you are just a fool in this life. But what if the opposite were true? What if you (like most of the posters here) don't believe..and er eh..are wrong? Better to be a fool for a few decades then a fool for eternity. I offer all of you to simply contemplate it. If I am right you are all in big trouble...if I am wrong I am simply just a fool and have nothing to really lose. Another questions is to ask why people are so uncomfortable with such talk. Why do you feel uncomfortable with "religion" most people have their consciences dictating that one. And people wonder why the profession is going down the tubes.

That old fear based "reason to believe" just has never cut it with me. I just can't see how a loving god would banish someone to hell or where ever that evil place is, just because they didn't believe, meanwhile accepting the hardcore sinner, say like a serial killer, so loing as he "finds the way" prior to taking that last breath. I know that fear is what alot of Catholicism is based upon, as I grew up in a predominantly catholic french-canadian area where catholic guilt ran rampant. I could almost understand the hipocrisy, because I knew they were too fearful not to at least try and behave like they were good catholics on Sunday. No, I prefer to be good as I can to my fellow man; when I screw up my conscience gives me a kick in the pants and I come around. If it turns out there is a god, I'm sure he'll take me as I am.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
That old fear based "reason to believe" just has never cut it with me. I just can't see how a loving god would banish someone to hell or where ever that evil place is, just because they didn't believe, meanwhile accepting the hardcore sinner, say like a serial killer, so loing as he "finds the way" prior to taking that last breath. I know that fear is what alot of Catholicism is based upon, as I grew up in a predominantly catholic french-canadian area where catholic guilt ran rampant. I could almost understand the hipocrisy, because I knew they were too fearful not to at least try and behave like they were good catholics on Sunday. No, I prefer to be good as I can to my fellow man; when I screw up my conscience gives me a kick in the pants and I come around. If it turns out there is a god, I'm sure he'll take me as I am.
That is exactly why there is such a huge difference between Religion and Christianity. Ummm,:uhoh21: hope I didn't open up a can of worms.
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Specializes in pediatric, geriatric, med-surg.

I believe there is a POWER "out there"...but I don't believe the bible....It's just not what I believe. I believe in a LOVING God & Goddess, I believe in reincarnation, I believe in Karma and the Law of Three...I don't believe in the Devil, I don't believe in Hell.

In the long run, it doesn't matter who is right and who is wrong...all the many Gods/Goddesses are the same person...just with different names to represent them to ourselves...what we feel comfortable with. I think of "them" as a giant jewel with many facets...

I do think though that what WE believe is not really important. This thread started off by talking about PATIENTS (If I remember correctly). As nurses, we have to be open and accepting and NON JUDGEMENTAL and RESPECTFUL to our patients beliefts.

This is just my opinion and we each have our own...I suggest we let this thread die or people are just going to contiue to bicker.

Bright Blessings )0(

but. I offer pascals wager. I am an orthodox (little O) Catholic (big C). From an escatological standpoint...consider this.. believe or not which one is worse to be incorrect at? If you believe in life after death and it aint true then you are just a fool in this life. But what if the opposite were true? What if you (like most of the posters here) don't believe..and er eh..are wrong? Better to be a fool for a few decades then a fool for eternity. I offer all of you to simply contemplate it. If I am right you are all in big trouble...if I am wrong I am simply just a fool and have nothing to really lose. Another questions is to ask why people are so uncomfortable with such talk. Why do you feel uncomfortable with "religion" most people have their consciences dictating that one. And people wonder why the profession is going down the tubes.
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That is exactly why there is such a huge difference between Religion and Christianity.

I totally agree with that, there is a big difference between the two!

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
That is exactly why there is such a huge difference between Religion and Christianity. Ummm,:uhoh21: hope I didn't open up a can of worms.

You are right about that. But, in defense of those hippocritical christians, I can see where they struggle. I don't like the dogma and ridgidity of organized religions and I think that is where people get all twisted up in it, as they are trying so hard to folow what they are told, but being human, cannot. Another reason I don't follow any particular religion is that each is convinced that theirs is the way. That of course can't be. I understand some people find solice or strength in their chosen faith, but I can't subscribe to one in particular myself.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
You are right about that. But, in defense of those hippocritical christians, I can see where they struggle. I don't like the dogma and ridgidity of organized religions and I think that is where people get all twisted up in it, as they are trying so hard to folow what they are told, but being human, cannot. Another reason I don't follow any particular religion is that each is convinced that theirs is the way. That of course can't be. I understand some people find solice or strength in their chosen faith, but I can't subscribe to one in particular myself.
Sbic,

I used to be a member of organized religion. During the 25 years I struggled to follow all the rules, and failing miserably, plus being one of the outcasts by the cliques because I was a single mom by then, feeling guilty all the time, wanting to do more pleasant things instead of enduring the Sabbath until it ended, and being betrayed, and judged by the ahem "lofties," I was one of the first members of our newly reformed non-denominational church. Sadly, my twin sister still believes the old way, and my niece who lives with her is one very unhappy girl. I feel sooo bad for her.

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Specializes in Obstetrics, M/S, Psych.
Sbic,

I used to be a member of organized religion. During the 25 years I struggled to follow all the rules, and failing miserably, plus being one of the outcasts by the cliques because I was a single mom by then, feeling guilty all the time, wanting to do more pleasant things instead of enduring the Sabbath until it ended, and being betrayed, and judged by the ahem "lofties," I was one of the first members of our newly reformed non-denominational church. Sadly, my twin sister still believes the old way, and my niece who lives with her is one very unhappy girl. I feel sooo bad for her.

It sounds like you have made sense of it all. Actually, the fact that you are at peace with yourself shows in your posts. The basic tenents of religions are great; it is what man does to them that pisses me off. I have a great friend who spent some time studying to be a priest, but he never finished. He is gay and that probably had some bearing on his decision, not sure. Mostly he was bothered by the way the church changed. He is very much a follower of Jesus. He never holds any judgment toward anyone. I have the ultimate repsect for him as he is genuine. The difference between him and some other christians I have met (my brother included) is that I can feel safe around him without feeling like he looks down on me because I believe differently than he does. I suspect you are much like him in that way.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
It sounds like you have made sense of it all. Actually, the fact that you are at peace with yourself shows in your posts. The basic tenents of religions are great; it is what man does to them that pisses me off. I have a great friend who spent some time studying to be a priest, but he never finished. He is gay and that probably had some bearing on his decision, not sure. Mostly he was bothered by the way the church changed. He is very much a follower of Jesus. He never holds any judgment toward anyone. I have the ultimate repsect for him as he is genuine. The difference between him and some other christians I have met (my brother included) is that I can feel safe around him without feeling like he looks down on me because I believe differently than he does. I suspect you are much like him in that way.

You are absolutely correct, my friend.

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I can answer that question, but I will refrain. I don't want to stir up any controversy.
I'll be controversial. I'm definitely one of the "foolish" believers.

The Bible says, 'Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you, and lo I (Jesus) am with you always, even till the end of the world.

God commands (it's not the Great Suggestion - it's the Great Commission) that we preach the Gospel and then it is up to the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of men. I pray that he speaks to all that read this post.

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It does matter who is right or wrong. The Bible says, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth, and the life, NO MAN comes to the Father but BY ME. That means sinners or saints, good or bad, and there will be a judgement where the Book of Life will be opened and whoevers name isn't in it will be cast into the Lake of Fire. No excuses will be taken then, then it will be too late.

I wouldn't want to take a chance of not believing in Jesus, and finding out I was wrong for all eternity, how about you????? God says in the Bible, "I have put eternity into the minds of men." That is the hope that Christians have, to spend eternity loving, adoring, and worshipping God.

But utimately it is your choice, I pray you make the right one.

A great movie about this very thing to watch is "The Bema", it talks about the judgment seat of Christ - "The Bema" seat.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
.consider this.. believe or not which one is worse to be incorrect at? If you believe in life after death and it aint true then you are just a fool in this life. But what if the opposite were true? What if you (like most of the posters here) don't believe..and er eh..are wrong? Better to be a fool for a few decades then a fool for eternity. I offer all of you to simply contemplate it. If I am right you are all in big trouble...

So you are a devote believing Christian because fear of eternity...so that is the basis of your Faith.

My faith is just that. I do not have Faith because I "fear" something...I have Faith in G-d because I believe in him with all my heart and soul.

Not because of some trivial chosing between the lesser of two possible punishments. That would be rather poor reason to espouse a Faith.

I could not ever espouse Faith in Christianity because of such a trivial reason. Faith is Faith. You cannot believe in something merely because it is the better bet. And you cannot force someone to believe in what they do not, because of some ambiguous fear of retribution.

And the G-d I believe knows the difference.

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Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..
I'll be controversial. I'm definitely one of the "foolish" believers.

The Bible says, 'Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you, and lo I (Jesus) am with you always, even till the end of the world.

God commands (it's not the Great Suggestion - it's the Great Commission) that we preach the Gospel and then it is up to the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of men. I pray that he speaks to all that read this post.

I do agree with your post, but it also so says to let your light so shine as a beacon. How can we do that if we don't walk the talk. I believe we are better gospel spreaders by setting the example Jesus taught rather than just talking about. I know Him very well; trust me. He has been my friend, my soulmate, my everything for 38 years, and I love Him more each and every day. That is why I work as spreading His love, His sense of humor, His mercy and compassion, His humility, and His generosity.
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