Why are people compelled to write about their religious beliefs in the specific cancer forums?

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  • laurettas
    laurettas Member Posts: 372
    #122
    PhillieG said:

    What it boils down to
    I think, is that we are trying to understand something that is WAY beyond what we can understand.

    It's like cancer in a way. No one knows why we get it or how to cure it. No one knows if there is a God or not either. I may believe there is and I may believe chemo got me through cancer so far, but I could be wrong. There is no way of telling for certain and as humans, we tend to want certainty much of the time. That is where faith comes in...

    You are definitely right there, Phil,
    God is much more than we can understand. However, I don't think that we can't know that God exists. The fact that we are here, to me, is proof of God's existence.

    I think it is still a fact of science that it takes matter and energy for anything to come into being. That to me says that there must be something or someone outside of our existence because there has to be a source for that original matter and energy. It could not make itself.

    Now the nature of that God is a little more difficult to pin down but I think we can learn a lot about that from nature if we take the time to ponder it. And if you look at man throughout history, you can see that belief in something other than us seems to be hardwired into us. The majority of cultures have beliefs in some kind of God and have for millenia.

    I believe that wide-spread atheism is a modern phenomena and probably due to the fact that we have so removed ourselves from nature in our every day lives. And look at what atheism has done. In the 20th century alone atheistic regimes have killed more than at any time in history. Stalin, Hitler, Mao Tse Tung. Hundreds of millions of people dead in one century. Some estimate each was responsible for 30-50 million deaths. I know that the common thing is to say that religions cause so many wars and deaths but if you look at the reality, many "religious" wars and deaths were actually more political than religious and the numbers are usually quite exaggerated from the truth.

    Anyhow, lots to ponder and discuss!
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #123
    PhillieG said:

    What it boils down to
    I think, is that we are trying to understand something that is WAY beyond what we can understand.

    It's like cancer in a way. No one knows why we get it or how to cure it. No one knows if there is a God or not either. I may believe there is and I may believe chemo got me through cancer so far, but I could be wrong. There is no way of telling for certain and as humans, we tend to want certainty much of the time. That is where faith comes in...

    Christ Like
    Christ Like

    To find out what Christ like is all you need to do is to read the Bible on Christ Life. His disciples were first call Christian in Antioch why because they were just like him always doing good to someone else always helping people when in need. Jesus also kept his Father commandments, they were to Love the lord with all your heart and the second was to Love all people, no matter who they are or what they believe.

    People go to Church to try to be Christian, but Church doesn’t make any one Christian. The same as going to Church will not save anyone, the only thing that will save anyone it to except Jesus as there savior and do what he say. If you LOVE Me keep my Commandments, there is nothing else to do to be Christ Like in my book but to follow in his foot steps, to me that is being Christ Like.


    Phil: I like your statement “people should be able to believe whatever they want to believe as long as they do no harm to others” I have a hard time when people try to force religion or anything else on other people. I also don’t like when religious leaders try to use fear as a way to get members into Church, You are going to HELL if you don’t come to Church. Don’t get me wrong the Bible does teach that we get strength from each other and it is good to come together to worship God, but it will not save anyone.

    I am not perfect and don’t clam to be, but I try to live as close as I can to my understanding of what being a Christian “Christ Like” is.

    Hondo
  • jln
    jln Member Posts: 7
    #124
    PhillieG said:

    Fighting Cancer Without God Would Be Terrible
    Hi 7hallbergs,
    I started this thread in response to the "Fighting Cancer Without God Would Be Terrible" post that was made by Bruins1971 (and all of his alias's/incarnations since then). It was more of a why talk plumbing in an automobile store. Yes, it's kind of related but if there is a separate automobile section, why not go there to talk about automobiles. Some people feel that everyone has the same belief system as they do. That is not true and it's rather absurd to think that.

    I've noticed how much diversity there is in religion, especially in Christianity. I feel that if everyone practiced the "Golden Rule" that the world would be a better place. It's as simple as that. One can not force their belief on another yet it's been done over and over and over again with no success. I have no idea why mankind (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) is compelled to do that.

    One topic that is too often overlooked on this forum is that there are other belief systems that have nothing to do with Christ and they are just as valid as any other. The topic comes up on occasion, it's always refreshing I find.
    ;-)

    Cancer and faith
    I recently loss my wife to lung cancer. She was devoutly religious and a very kind gentle person. I was never that religious but I did believe in the very same as she did although we both were very private about it. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, she was very positive and expressed that she was going to beat cancer. I took a leap of faith and got on the same vibe she was on. WE had numerous friends and church people praying for her and I. I did something I never did in my life by going to church before it opened up, kneeled down on the altar we were married on, and prayed for a miracle healing. I even expressed that I would do anything to bring about goodness in other people's lives or to be the one to be sickened in her place so she could continue her goodness in this world. I even got up in front of the church and asked everyone to pray for a miracle healing and that they did.

    Her situation just got worst and she passed away not wanting to leave this life. My newfound faith collapsed as I found the old passage, "asked and you shall recieve" was not true. Now I question everything about what we have been taught. I even had a prayer that I wrote in her memorial service thanking her for sharing her life with me and asked that we be reuntied in heaven forever. Now I am crushed that there may be no such thing as heaven, a place where we are reunited forever. Without proof, I simply find I can no longer rely on faith or cliques to hang on to. How are we to know and accept? I am tryly lost without my wife, whom I consider a higher Holy Spirit who came to me, graced me with her presence and became a Goddess in my life, lifing me everyday with her kindness and beauty. I never experienced that with God or Jesus. All bets that I never will. Nothing could be as pure as my lovely wife.
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #125
    jln said:

    Cancer and faith
    I recently loss my wife to lung cancer. She was devoutly religious and a very kind gentle person. I was never that religious but I did believe in the very same as she did although we both were very private about it. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, she was very positive and expressed that she was going to beat cancer. I took a leap of faith and got on the same vibe she was on. WE had numerous friends and church people praying for her and I. I did something I never did in my life by going to church before it opened up, kneeled down on the altar we were married on, and prayed for a miracle healing. I even expressed that I would do anything to bring about goodness in other people's lives or to be the one to be sickened in her place so she could continue her goodness in this world. I even got up in front of the church and asked everyone to pray for a miracle healing and that they did.

    Her situation just got worst and she passed away not wanting to leave this life. My newfound faith collapsed as I found the old passage, "asked and you shall recieve" was not true. Now I question everything about what we have been taught. I even had a prayer that I wrote in her memorial service thanking her for sharing her life with me and asked that we be reuntied in heaven forever. Now I am crushed that there may be no such thing as heaven, a place where we are reunited forever. Without proof, I simply find I can no longer rely on faith or cliques to hang on to. How are we to know and accept? I am tryly lost without my wife, whom I consider a higher Holy Spirit who came to me, graced me with her presence and became a Goddess in my life, lifing me everyday with her kindness and beauty. I never experienced that with God or Jesus. All bets that I never will. Nothing could be as pure as my lovely wife.

    jln
    I'm very sorry for the loss of your wife.
    Maybe there is some way we can be reunited with others who entered our lives that has absolutely nothing to do with religion or without the concept of God. I don't know, I haven't died so I can't say with any certainty what happens next. But I do believe that the love you have for your wife will live inside you forever...
    -phil
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691 Member
    #126
    Buckwirth said:

    Then there are those believers
    who seek vengeance, condemn the poor, throw the first stone, and seem, in general to prefer the old testament to the new.

    So I would agree, the term Christian is often misunderstood.

    As is the term 'Muslim' in


    As is the term 'Muslim' in fact for many it is synonymous with 'Terrorist'. Sadly that is what most see however this behaviour is so far from teachings of the prophet Muhammed (pbuh).
  • winter woman
    winter woman Member Posts: 14
    #127
    PhillieG said:

    Fighting Cancer Without God Would Be Terrible
    Hi 7hallbergs,
    I started this thread in response to the "Fighting Cancer Without God Would Be Terrible" post that was made by Bruins1971 (and all of his alias's/incarnations since then). It was more of a why talk plumbing in an automobile store. Yes, it's kind of related but if there is a separate automobile section, why not go there to talk about automobiles. Some people feel that everyone has the same belief system as they do. That is not true and it's rather absurd to think that.

    I've noticed how much diversity there is in religion, especially in Christianity. I feel that if everyone practiced the "Golden Rule" that the world would be a better place. It's as simple as that. One can not force their belief on another yet it's been done over and over and over again with no success. I have no idea why mankind (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) is compelled to do that.

    One topic that is too often overlooked on this forum is that there are other belief systems that have nothing to do with Christ and they are just as valid as any other. The topic comes up on occasion, it's always refreshing I find.
    ;-)

    I am new here
    Phil,I just want to say I agree with you. I have read a lot of comments here and almost decided not to stay ..however...

    Fighting Cancer without a Spiritual belief would be horrible..for ME..everyone else, will do whatever then can or believe in to fight this terrible disease.
    Note I said Spiritual,not Christian or any other Religion.

    I am a Native American woman. We dont have a "religion", but a Spirituality, that we live every single day of our lives, so fighing this cancer is just normal to me, believeing that my Creator, who is kind, sympathetic and powerful, will be helping me, due to all the prayers said FOR me and BY me..my prayers are not written down..in a book or anywhere else. We are taught from childhood to give thanks for every day and for everything that happens to us, good OR bad...because its part of life..we can and do, pray everywhere..outside and inside..

    I have to say, there were many Christian folks of every denomination who worked very hard to destroy our Spirituality and convert or "save" us from our "pagan" ways. I give thanks it didnt work for a vast majority of us and that our People are coming back to our old traditions and Spritual ways.

    I wont go on anymore, because most of my beliefs are private. I saw the title of this forum and thought that Spiritual things would be accepted. I am sorry if i was wrong.

    and btw. I am stage 4 with Colon cancer.. thought gone in 2008.. popped up again in my lung and other places ...I am not afraid to die.

    so i will hold my breath and post a quote from one of our wise and strong leaders..

    Chief Seattle said... "There is no death, only a change of worlds"..that comforts me.


    and I have every intentions of making each day count. And i wish that for all of you! Toska..til later.
  • winter woman
    winter woman Member Posts: 14
    #128
    RE said:

    My thoughts on this
    I am pretty sure I know what prompted this post as I commented on it then decided to remove my comment as I felt it best.
    Here is my view for whatever it is worth, I am a person of faith and I enjoy sharing my faith with others when it is appropriate. I am a survivor of breast cancer and that message board is pretty open to religion as long as one does not go bonkers with it. We do say I'll pray for you and we ask for prayer but beyond that we mostly support each other in our battle to fight the good fight. I have on occasion quoted a scripture if I know in fact that that person is of my faith and would benefit from the scripture, usually I do this with a private message.
    There are sites that are religion based if one wishes to wear their faith on their sleeve, this is not that site and it is pretty clear when one signs up that it is not that site. I will gladly share my faith with anyone here if they ask me pointed questions but I will not overwhelm them or become angry if they do not agree with me. Other’s life and walk with God is something that cannot be forced upon anyone and if they are on the fence so to speak if I were to be aggressive, pushy, angry or intolerant it would surely turn them away from the God I would hope they would find and possibly any and all religion. Since my faith continues to be a huge part of my healing process as my faith gives me great comfort it would be very unkind and even unchristian to cause my brother to stumble. Enough said that is how I see it for what it is worth.

    RE

    what an uplifting post!
    you have such a balanced and wonderful way of speaking RE. I hope to read more posts from you. I dont know you, but to me you are a very wise woman.
  • winter woman
    winter woman Member Posts: 14
    #129
    soblest6 said:

    Impressed
    I have been a member for over a year, but I am definitely not a regular to ANY online forum, and I am sure that I have been guilty of breaking "the rules" in the past. Maybe not about a religious issue, but probably at least bad form, like completely straying from topic. (Like now, for instance.) I usually get on these forums either when I cant sleep, or when I am in "panic" mode, like right before a PET scan or a biopsy, because I think only others who have experienced it can really offer some meaningful comfort. Anyway, I have stayed up all night reading various boards and I must say, there are certainly ALOT of articulate people who post here! Whether I agree with what yall say, or disagree, I sure do admire your command of the English language, Phil and Chris, Hondo, Bluerose, and others whose names I cant remember.

    I am Christian, and I live in an area where almost everyone is conservative, Protestant Christian. I remember being at church when I was first diagnosed, and one of the well-respected ladies of the church asked me what did I think God was punishing me for. I was very taken aback! It had not even occured to me that might be being PUNISHED. I see my cancer as Gods way of saving me or someone I love from an even worse fate. Maybe if I hadnt taken chemo for breast cancer, which I am surviving, I would now have a cancer with a worse prognosis or worse survival scenario. Maybe my bout with cancer will be the factor that helps my child decide to become a doctor or scientist, and thereby save MANY people from a fate worse than cancer. Anyway, I shared this to say, it takes all sorts of people to make the world go around, and even those of my own faith, in my own CHURCH, have views that vary significantly from me. I sure dont wish eternal damnation on anyone because we disagree. My idea of being Christian is to take as many people to Heaven with me as I can, even the ones I dont really like,lol! If I "preach" to anyone, its because I love almost everyone I meet, and I want them to go to Heaven some day.

    I have never been offended by anything religious I have read on this or any other site, but I guess, since I am in the "majority," that just makes sense. I love reading about other religions and was glad to see this forum, and I am very impressed. Since I had chemo and lost every shred of hormones, I lost about 15 IQ points, so I am a little jealous. I sure enjoy reading the posts here. Yall are gonna have to do a whole lot worse than insult my religion every so often to get rid of me.

    Soblest6
    well said!!
  • winter woman
    winter woman Member Posts: 14
    #130
    Hondo said:

    Hi Soblest
    It is sad to say that some people believe that wend someone gets sick it is God who is doing it. That mythology or theology goes all the back to the dark ages, we see it also in the insurance companies calling an act of nature an act of God. I can never figure out why people blame God for everything. My cancer was to be my cancer good or bad it was to be part of my life and I use it to help others who are going through cancer. Maybe in heaven someday I will know the real reason for me having cancer, but for now I can accept doing what I can to help others as my challenge in this life. And should I die and there is no life after this one, then I have lived a very good life here and I am none the worse for it.

    Wishing you well
    Hondo

    Soblest and Hondo
    your posts were both well said and uplifting..thank you!
  • qi
    qi Member Posts: 2
    #131
    I agree

    It's not that I find the religious  issues offensive, it's that I don't find them helpful. Any sort of platitude or repetition of "sayings" cannot give me the information I seek. I'm very new to this site but on another site where I have posted infrequently in the past few months, I read the dialogue and become frustrated. And I need no more stress in my life, just like the others here. I, too, wish that there could be a division of religion and science. The little greetings or endings to a conversation are alright with me, too. It's all the other stuff that doesn't seem appropriate on a site sponsored by an organization such as this. But, I also realize.....freedom of speech applies.

     

    Thank you for expressing your thoughts in this forum. I read your post at just the right ime.

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #132
    qi said:

    I agree

    It's not that I find the religious  issues offensive, it's that I don't find them helpful. Any sort of platitude or repetition of "sayings" cannot give me the information I seek. I'm very new to this site but on another site where I have posted infrequently in the past few months, I read the dialogue and become frustrated. And I need no more stress in my life, just like the others here. I, too, wish that there could be a division of religion and science. The little greetings or endings to a conversation are alright with me, too. It's all the other stuff that doesn't seem appropriate on a site sponsored by an organization such as this. But, I also realize.....freedom of speech applies.

     

    Thank you for expressing your thoughts in this forum. I read your post at just the right ime.

    Hi qi

     

    Welcome to CSN and thanks for posting, I hope you will stick around and join in on the many different threads.

     

    Wishing you a great New Year

    Hondo

  • dvr99174
    dvr99174 Member Posts: 19
    #133
    PhillieG said:

    Thanks BlueRose and Joe
    Hi BlueRose,
    You said "When religion and politics are the basis for the posts that's different because this isn't a site for those issues alone but when people throw in their religious experience I think it is healing to them and maybe others who read it too.". I agree with you, there are times when religion fits in with the posts. I realize that it's a big part of many people's lives and that it also helps many people cope with what they have to cope with. It's the beginning part that you mention that is when (I believe) it becomes an issue.

    I can understand if someone is new to the site that they probably didn't read the T&C (who really reads the fine print anyway?) so I can see how they might make certain posts at first. There have been times though when posts like "Prayers for the Week of XX-XX" have been made that do not seem appropriate on a public forum about cancer. The same goes for quotes of Bible verses. Like my example of posting Koran quotes, I don't imagine that people would welcome that with open arms. I do not set the rules for the site. If the site said people can post whatever they want then it's a different story.

    People often mistake this discussion as a censorship or freedom of speech issue. It's really not. It's about following the guidelines set forth by the ACS. There is also a common misconception that America was founded on Christian beliefs. Most of the Founding Fathers were deists - they believed in God but rejected as superstitious mythology crucial Christian dogmas such as the Incarnation.

    Any yes Joe, I left out Agnostics which I consider myself to be too. I do not know the answer. There certainly are many people who have religions that feel they DO know the answer which makes ME question things more. Everyone can't be right (or could they?)

    It's a gray area at times. A person's faith can play an important part in healing yet it has become (at times) Bible Study. I appreciate the site a lot and it's helped me and I know I've helped others over the years. But if it were to become the Christian Cancer Site it would become very exclusive and that's not a good thing.

    I think we agree more than we disagree BlueRose, thanks for your comments.
    Joe, thanks for your input and musical reference too.
    -phil

    Beliefs

    Phill, 

    i recently (2 months ago) had surgery for cancer. Just like Bluerose said my beliefs kept me going through the hard times. Users here should not post bible verses just to do it but, for many of us without God I would not know what to do. Please, show some compassion and tolerance for those of us who believe  

    For everyones information i was an atheist for most of my life. 

  • mechellelong123
    mechellelong123 Member Posts: 5
    #134
    faith helps heal

    the average religious person relies on thei faith in their healing journe. They cannot seperate it even if others don’t like it. Did you ever think that lack of faith or lack of belief may offend others also. We should all be tolerant of others. I hope everyone journey to good health is realized! Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.— Romans 12:12

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,482 Member
    #135


    People share to give hope, peace, comfort, and support, and to let others know there are other options out there besides nothingness and despair in life and death. That there is hope and joy in the here and now and in eternity. And since eternity is forever, that's a big deal.

    What is the very first thing people think of when they hear the doctor say:

    "I am sorry but the tests confirm you are positive for Cancer!"

    I feel confident to say they think immediately of dying and death and get a sinking internal feeling as they process what they just heard. Because let's face it, even though there have been great advances in treatment and success in treating cancer it still has that certain death stigma attached to it.

    And it brings into many minds on these forums am I going to live or am I going to die? Will I make it or will I be another statistic?

    Is there a God or is there nothing like the Evolutionists claim?

    Everybody has heard of heaven and hell and a major illness like cancer suddenly confronts them with the question are they real entities. And if they are I surely don't want to go to hell, I must find out, I must be sure.

    So you see my friend I believe that is why you see so many offering Bible Verses and prayers.

    They know Bible verses speak comfort whether you are a Bible Believer or not.

    That is Why you see so many now sharing God's word of comfort.

    That is Why people are hungry for God's word especially when facing a major illness because suddenly they are face to face with eternal reality?

    That is Why you see many now wondering and open to finding the answer to the question Is there a God?

    That is Why people in this or any other health situation that calls the very survival of their life into question wondering if there is a God, is there eternal life, or nothing after death?

    That is Why you see others offering knowledge of the God of saving grace and the promise of eternal life through his son Jesus Christ. Because they want others to have the hope and joy of the promise whether they live or die this time.

    Because Cancer my friend puts you on the doorstep of death and eternity and you don't know if this is, in fact, the time you will enter herein or have your cancer sent into remission and have another chance, more time, and be able to leave that doorstep and walk away.

    You see my friend Heaven or Hell, Eternal Life or Eternal Damnation or nothing at all are all things that go through the minds, especially of those struck by major illnesses and that is why it is talked about on this forum and many others.

    Wishing You the Best

    Take Care, God Bless-Russ

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,482 Member
    #136

    I also understand your concerns and appreciate you sharing your perspective. I also remember the day not too long ago that the mere mention of an entity or phrase or concept didn’t send people into a tizzy to the point of demanding that whatever was necessary to keep such a thing away from them should be done lest they surely would have the most dire mental breakdown and that someone will be held accountable as in some places of society today.

    They want protected.

    And they want protected from what?

    And are Afraid of what?

    A word mentioned.

    A concept mentioned.

    A possible conveyance of knowledge relating to a spiritual existence after death that will entail consequences good or bad.

    There are a number of folks on here that want to help others, in fact, I would say all, in fact That's why we are here to join in with them and do not mind a spiritual strengthening and confidence.

    Nay should these folks be put asunder and relegated to the fringe of forums and society, some people think so.

    It seems that once this one leg of the support system is knocked out it is incomplete.

    Surely recovery is physical, mental, and spiritual.

    Your creator gave you a spiritual area in your mind and heart and till you fill it you will never be satisfied.

    People have tried since the beginning of time to ignore this spiritual space and not have God and fill their spiritual void with things and other realities.

    It seems they are always filling in and substituting and true happiness eludes and always will.

    So should we ignore death and the eternal connection?

    Everybody has one.

    It seems generic phrases asserting possible religious references are acceptable to you but the actual mention of said deity or possible reference that would assert such a thing is beyond acceptable to you.

    There have always been people of diverse backgrounds here and elsewhere in society and we diverse folks are not upset if someone dares mention their God and how they trust in that entity no matter which one it is, in fact, we find comfort with and for that person that they have found a true faith and everlasting trust in a God that has been with them and gotten them through the worst of times.

    We know they are talking about it because they are sharing it with everyone to let them know not just despair but instead great hope.

    Their beliefs are respected and they are welcome here as anywhere else.

    This is all part and parcel of the cancer experience and life.

    I must say I have to commend you for probably the most condescending posting I have ever read.

    I am sincerely praying for you.

    Wishing You The Best

    Take Care, God Bless

    Russ

    NEGU (Never Ever Give Up)

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