I have a friend at work that has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, which will take his life soon.
It occurred to me, there isn't much I can say, as an atheist, to a dying Christian friend. What comfort can I offer? Is there anything I can even say? Seems like being there for him is the only thing I can do.
2007-11-19 08:01:08 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Being there for him is not just the only thing you can do, it's the best thing you can do.
Good luck
2007-11-19 08:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Then what you are doing is enough. Perhaps you can let your character shine at this point.
I, too, have a very good Christian friend at work who always asks me, of all things, for spiritual advice, answers to biblical questions, etc. Not because I am an atheist but because he trusts what I say and I am not judgemental about the choices he has made in his life. He knows I was formerly a Christian but our rapport is so well established that it continues beyond any of our fundamental differences in beliefs.
You are obviously an example to this person and more importantly a friend. Offer your help at all times and under any circumstances. It is apparent that your time with this individual will be short so make the most and best of it in every way you can - by being more of yourself until the end.
2007-11-19 08:08:32 · answer #2 · answered by fierce beard 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is a Dr. here in our town, in 98 he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he went from 160 to almost 300 lb with the tumors. He quite his practice, sold his house, moved his family into a smaller home easier to care for. At a church service he was prayed for, he was told 'God has healed you' he believed. within a week or so the weight started coming off, test showed he was cancer free. He has restarted his practice, he has built a new home, and will tell anyone anytime that God healed him, It could happen for your friend. I guess from a non believers stand point, that is a long shot. What can you say? I'll stay with you as long as you want me to. Good luck.
2007-11-19 08:15:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I am in sort of the same boat. My father is a very religious (thought not Christian) man who is terminally ill. I am agnostic. The comfort that I give him is that I agree with him that he will go to his heaven. What harm is there in telling a person what they need to hear? It is no different than telling a child there is a Santa Claus. It is something they need to believe in and it makes them feel good.
Your friend will soon be dead and will know before you if he or you was right, so why not allow him his dreams?
Who knows what sort of comfort we will need when it comes to our time?
2007-11-19 08:10:04 · answer #4 · answered by Banting B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, tough. It's great that you care and ask this question. From one Christian's perspective (mine), I dont think the religiosity comes into play too much unless you are seeking answers from him. I dont think you should interject your atheism into his world right now at all with what he's going through. I do think you can be there as a caring, supportive friend, regardless of the concern for religious differnces.
I will hold my tongue of all the doctinal speech. I just wish you blessings as you deal with this situation.
2007-11-19 08:09:57 · answer #5 · answered by Dollars and Sense 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you want to comfort him, remind him of scripture from the Bible that will help and let him know his wternal life will begin with death. You may not believe, but for his sake, it will comfort him Also, scripture to remind him that God is with him now to see him through.
Try 2 Corithians 12:8-10
8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
good luck and let him know that there are prayers being sent up for him and that he is blessed in Christ! May God bless you for being a good friend as well.
2007-11-19 08:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be there for him and be ready to listen. You might be able to learn a lot about the mind and heart of a Christian during this time. I am not saying to pry into his thoughts, but just be there to listen. When my husband's uncle passed at 48 from cancer, I learned tons just by watching him in his last months. His death greatly increased my faith!
2007-11-19 08:10:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe tell him how lucky he is to have his faith. Try telling him that as an atheist, you wish you could believe in a higher power as he does. Tell him that his beliefs have been there for him his whole life, and not to turn on them now. Even though you don't believe in God, try to remind him of all the principles of Christianity.
2007-11-19 08:06:03 · answer #8 · answered by mrr86 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being there for him IS the only thing you can do. If he knows Christ he has hope...if he doesn't, the only hope you can offer is to be there. Find a christian friend who can share the hope of the gospel with him. He needs it....So do you...wink.
2007-11-19 08:12:40 · answer #9 · answered by goinupru 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being there for him is the best thing anyone could do, atheist or otherwise. If he knows Jesus then his fate is secure but right now is the roughest part. He needs his friends.
2007-11-19 08:05:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Even though you don't believe in Christianity, you know that he does. You can use that to be a comfort to him. He shall be in God's house soon and all his pain and suffering will be over.
2007-11-19 08:05:55 · answer #11 · answered by redfeather1972 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋