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 give tours of the Chuch building during Greek Fest every year. Imagine my surprised when I was admonished by a fellow Christian that what gave us Greeks the right to change scriptures from the original English into Greek!??
I was stunned. :)
I dont even bother. I see no reason to argue about whether my Jesus is better than someone elses Jesus. I think questioning is a part of life and of learning and "doubting" Thomas was not caste out.
I give tours of the Chuch building during Greek Fest every year. Imagine my surprised when I was admonished by a fellow Christian that what gave us Greeks the right to change scriptures from the original English into Greek!??
I was stunned. :)
I dont even bother. I see no reason to argue about whether my Jesus is better than someone elses Jesus. I think questioning is a part of life and of learning and "doubting" Thomas was not caste out.
That's hilarious, Kyriaka. It peeves me a bit when Christians don't know their church history. 'Course, it peeves me more then they let dogma get in the way of kindness and love. As for that quote from jemommy:
He is sooo Precious. He's my Savior. I love Him wholeheartedly and someone has to stand up to these NONBELIEVERS.
Well, largely because Christ told his disciples to knock the dust of their sandals if people weren't going to listen to them, and to turn the other cheek when they're abused. Following any faith is going to be hard, and arguing for what you're convinced is right is pointless if you're not listening as much as you're talking.
As for passionate Christian believers wanting to "correct ignorance", etc., maybe I can help some understand the reason. There are some admonitions in the Bible (I'm too lazy to look them up now, but I might share the references later), that if you warn someone, and they don't take heed, they will die in their sin, but it's not your fault because you warned them. If you don't warn them that they're heading for trouble, they will die in their sin, but it's also your fault, and God will hold you responsible as well.
(I'm paraphrasing, of course.)
People who feel this responsibility generally aren't trying to be mean. They feel a responsibility to share the Christian gospel message to try to spare people from eternal punishment. That message includes: all people have sinned and need God's forgiveness.
I don't believe this article about Billy Graham is pertinent to nursing at all. I think it's inappropriate for this forum. Your religious views have no place here.
I respect your right to practice your religion, but this is a forum about nursing, not your favorite bible stories.
Sure. My thread is (or was...ugh) about Religion and Nursing. I wondered if perhaps your religious beliefs brought you to nursing or if maybe your religious beliefs help you cope with death and disease on a daily basis. I don't much care about what your religion is, who preaches to you, and who is wrong or right. :)
Shel
For me, yes. I would say my beliefs had an influence on my interest in nursing. I go through times of questioning, but my faith and prayer have been a way of coping with life in general.
As for passionate Christian believers wanting to "correct ignorance", etc., maybe I can help some understand the reason. There are some admonitions in the Bible (I'm too lazy to look them up now, but I might share the references later), that if you warn someone, and they don't take heed, they will die in their sin, but it's not your fault because you warned them. If you don't warn them that they're heading for trouble, they will die in their sin, but it's also your fault, and God will hold you responsible as well.
(I'm paraphrasing, of course.)
People who feel this responsibility generally aren't trying to be mean. They feel a responsibility to share the Christian gospel message to try to spare people from eternal punishment. That message includes: all people have sinned and need God's forgiveness.
Well, then they need to learn to back off when we tell them, we've already heard, we don't believe the way that they do.
Which is quite honestly what many of us stated politely at the beginning of this discourse after the Billy Graham post.
But the politeness wears thin, when people JUST DON'T GET IT, and act like it is a personal affront to their Christ when we chose to believe otherwise and then launch into diatribes about how people need to speak up a defend their sweet Jesus. Not believing should not be considered a personal affront.
Some of us don't believe in Jesus. And if you have lived in the USA for any length of time, it is virtually impossible not to "know" about your Christ. But when we tell you that we are not interested, could you please accept us as we are. Trust me, if we are interested we will ask.
Well, then they need to learn to back off when we tell them, we've already heard, we don't believe the way that they do.
Which is quite honestly what many of us stated politely at the beginning of this discourse after the Billy Graham post.
But the politeness wears thin, when people JUST DON'T GET IT, and act like it is a personal affront to their Christ when we chose to believe otherwise and then launch into diatribes about how people need to speak up a defend their sweet Jesus. Not believing should not be considered a personal affront.
Some of us don't believe in Jesus. And if you have lived in the USA for any length of time, it is virtually impossible not to "know" about your Christ. But when we tell you that we are not interested, could you please accept us as we are. Trust me, if we are interested we will ask.
And so help me, if someone starts into the "But he is your Christ, too...he died for your sins, etc" (without realizing that my religion does not require anyone to die for anyone's sins, G-d does not accept or require such a sacrifice and that the idea that G-d killing his children will repulse us more from your religion), I will know that they just don't get it.
Kyriaka
329 Posts
Tala,
I give tours of the Chuch building during Greek Fest every year. Imagine my surprised when I was admonished by a fellow Christian that what gave us Greeks the right to change scriptures from the original English into Greek!??
I was stunned. :)
I dont even bother. I see no reason to argue about whether my Jesus is better than someone elses Jesus. I think questioning is a part of life and of learning and "doubting" Thomas was not caste out.