christians would you be willing to see an openly atheist doctor or psychologist?

Answer 1

What? Just because someone finds it difficult to believe in something there is no proof of? If you needed to see a doctor, do you honestly think you'd go Eww no, they're Atheist I don't like them..

I'm Atheist, and my best friend of many years is Christian. At first it was a little weird, yes...But you know what? WE SAW THROUGH THAT...A religion or belief is nothing more than a religion or a belief...Not going to an Atheist doctor is like a white person not going to a black doctor..

I'm going to give you a scenario..You have two choices..
The Christian Doctor, who people have complained about, who has nearly lost his practise twice, and kinda looks dingy, or an atheist doctor, who has no complaints from anyone, Very clean shaven and never even once come close to losing his job...hmm...
But you know...he atheist, so eww i wouldn't want to see the GOOD one..I'll go to the bad one who will probably tell me that the cut on my knee is the beginning of non hodgkins lymphona!

If you were going to pass up a doctor just because they're Atheist....You should be very, VERY Ashamed of yourself.

Answer 2

Yeah, why not, it is always good to hear different opinions and why people think the way they do. So what if I disagree with an Atheist? If everybody believed and thought the same way the world would be a boring place. On top of that you should not judge someone on their beliefs. If they are a good doctor or psychologist then you should go to them. As a Christian, I would rather see a good Atheist doctor or psychologist than a bad Christian one.

Answer 3

I'd have no problem seeing a christian doctor, depending on what you mean by "openly". If the guy yelled at me for being a sinner if I asked for an AIDS test, that might be a little off-putting. If he prescribed prayer, no go. If he ever said "it's in Gods hands now", I'd fire his a**. But if his practice of medicine is separated from his religion, sure. A psychologist is a little tougher. The same applies; I would if his practice was separate from his (or her) religion. But I think that would be much less common in a psychologist than in a physician. The first time they said the word "God" while I was paying them $100/hr, I'd set sail on my own ark.

Answer 4

I don't see why it would make a difference if he were my medical doctor.

I don't know exactly what you mean by an "openly atheist" psychologist. Any mental health care professional will tell you, that they don't talk about themselves or their personal views about religion. It's all about the patient and what's going on in their life.

Some people feel more comfortable with a psychologist of the same gender, some with an older or younger therapist. I think it's about feeling comfortable and trusting this person who you can talk to objectively.

There are many therapists/psychologist who happen to be clergy (whether they are priests, nuns, rabbis, etc.) who are out there to help people who prefer spiritually based therapy.

Answer 5

Personally, as a Christian myself, i would definitely find it difficult to see an openly atheist doctor or psychologist. Especially in these professions, the relationship should be kept professional, therefore, I see no reason why the patient or client would have to know the religious affiliation of the person treating him/her. I think, especially in the terms of a psychologist, I would find it hard to discuss the religious aspects of my life with him/her because it is a huge part of my life, but something that he/she does not even feel open to. I guess the best way to explain it because if i were discussing something about my faith and the psychologist wouldn't understand, or would perhaps simply dismiss the idea i was discussing. Overall, people in these professions needn't divulge this information to a client, its not professional.

Answer 6

How does one find an openly atheist doctor? Do they have a directory, or post signs in their offices? Just wondering ...

At any rate, I would see a medical doctor of any faith or no faith. Psychologists aren't MDs (that would be a psychiatrist) and since they are in the business of counseling, I'd prefer a counselor who either shares my beliefs or is respectful of them.

Answer 7

I would perhaps a doctor but possibly not a psychologist as he would not be able to understand our spiritual thoughts. Even if a doctor is atheist, it doesn't mean that he doesn't respect the difference between life and death or health, etc so I would have no problem there. That's my own opinion though.

Answer 8

Yes - because one is practising medicine, not religion, and the other is practising psychology, and again, not religion.

..but seeing a psychologist is very expensive, so one might choose to try a priest or a nun first, except if the problem is really bad eg for mild depression, try the priest first, for severe schizophrenia - go to the psychologist at once!

Answer 9

A Christian should be willing to see anyone on any level. It not very Christly to shun individuals. A person of God would hope that some of conviction of Christ would pour over onto those without. Lead by example. This doesn't mean go around preaching on others'. Set an example making it obvious what can be having Christ in your life.

Answer 10

Yes, I believe that a doctor can be just a doctor despite their religion. Why does it always have to be about religion anyway.
As far as treatment goes, depending on the treatment, religion shouldn't play a part in giving someone health advice or prescribing medicine.
On the other hand, if we are talking about women's issues, that may be different.