Christ and money

[HerMajesty]

I ask these questions because I feel what your faiths the 3 from the middle east Jewish, Christian and Islamic are not God based at all and are oppressive. Sunil

Maybe I am old-school because under the "spiritual" heading on the old board it stated explicitly that the spirituality section was for spiritual support, and that religious debate was forbidden. That is less clear on this board but the rule makes sense to me so I have been sticking to it. I really don't think you should be putting down certain religions or calling them onto the carpet for analysis.

On the one hand I feel it is inappropriate to debate on this board, and on the other hand I would love to respond because I happen to be very good at religious debate. I would however in the process of such a debate begin to prostelytize (sp?), which is probably also not allowed.

So can we clarify the rules please? I don't think it's a big deal in this particular case Sunil because we all know you and emphathize with your situation so I don't think anyone is hurt or offended. But I have been on enough message boards to know that when there is a religion section without a "no debate" rule, the exchanges inevitably get very ugly.

[Faith]

Sunil,

I'm having some trouble following your story and really need more of your background info to understand where you are coming from better. I think I remember that you live in Austrailia, but were born in East Africa. Are you by chance of Indian descent? I love Indian culture, food, and have several Indian friends. I do hope God allows me to go there one day. Do you claim a specific religion/faith?

As for a few of your points:

1. How can a religion based hospital so money hungry?

Most hospitals were founded upon religion, but it doesn't mean that they still hold to those beliefs/values anymore, unfortunately.

2. Why as you may have read my experiences reject people if they do not pay through the nose?

I do not know how it works in Austrailia or any country other than America (or Uganda, since I used to live there), but in America there are hospitals that are for-profit and some that are not for-profit. If a hospital is not for profit they techinically can't deny a patient treatment if they can't afford it. You may have to jump through some hoops to prove you really can't afford it or they may set you up on a payment plan, but they technically will work with you. Lots of medical expenses are written off everyday due to lack of money. In Uganda or most other 3rd world countries, as you well know I am sure, the healthcare is government based and no one pays for services. Of course this also means that you might die from lack of supplies (as I saw happen in Uganda with lack of normal saline, the government didn't provide therefore the hospital was lacking). Remembering this helps me realize how truly blessed I am, despite all my pain.

3. Why have a big Cross on the hospital when you have no faith and your God is money?

Good question. I totally agree. It's wrong.

I am very sorry you have had such bad experiences with people who claim to hold to the Christian faith. But let me assure you that Chrisitanity is more than a religion. Those who are true Christians have a relationship with God through Jesus and strive to follow the Bible. Not everyone who claims Christianity is a true follower of Jesus. It is very sad that there are people going around professing the name of Jesus who do not really know Him. I believe these are mostly who you have encountered in your bad experiences. Before you write off Christianity maybe you could read the Bible a little more (if you already have) and see how Jesus wants his true followers to live.

[Emily B]

Sunil,

I have a close relative that works for a Catholic hospital and I can assure you that religously affiliated hospitals try their best to serve those who seek treatment within their walls. Running a non-profit hospital is extremely difficult. Whether a hospital is religious or not, it still needs money to keep its doors open.

I asked my relative about this issue, and he told me that non-profit, religious hospitals lose money like crazy and barely stay open. Sometimes their employees are asked to take days off without pay or flex their time so that the hospital can survive. The public has no idea how employees sacrifice in order to be able to provide services to their community.

I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience at Little Sisters of Mercy. We all know what it's like to constantly fight for quality medical help. Being in constant pain and frustration can make us see the world through angry eyes and blacken our hearts. Please don't let this happen to you and remember that there is good and bad in ALL religions and people. Please refrain from making sweeping prejudicial remarks against Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions.

Emily B.

[Emily B]

Sunil,

I know how tiring it can be to keep fighting to get good healthcare. It's the same here in the U.S. and probably everywhere. Hang in there and we're here to support you. I hope that when your PN is gone, you will still visit this forum because we all need to hear positive outcomes and need encouragement.

Emily B.

[pianogal]

Sunil,
In the Bible, Jesus said "You will know a tree by its fruit". Meaning that you can tell who truly loves God by how they love others. These people may claim to have their roots planted in God, but it is hypocrisy and sad. However, there are many true Christians. Faith's post was wise... if you take a little time to read the Bible you will see what Jesus was like. He cared so much for us, that He gave his very own life for us, suffering a tremendously painful death so that we could have an eternity of pain free bliss in heaven with Him one day. He sacrificed for us, and He said that we should "love our neighbor as ourself." Anyone who truly knows Jesus will act like Jesus, and anyone who doesn't will not show that same level of love, but will act selfishly and worldly most all the time. I pray that beyond suffering in this life, you find God's salvation from suffering in the next life, because that is a FREE gift from Him, and all you have to do is ask to receive it, and it is yours.

With love, and empathy for all you've been through!

[Karyn]

I have contributed in my way in the various discussions and helped by providing information on treatments and in the Australia forums, how to access health care free or at reduced costs. BUT I never get any support when I have an issue. I think once I am ok I will just leave, I have given as much as I can and I feel drained emotionally and money wise.

Sunil,
I'm sorry you don't feel supported. That's got to feel horrible and lonely. I'm hoping your above statement doesn't include members of our community, as I know many, myself included, have gone out of their way to try to support and encourage you. Even with feeling drained, ourselves. We still manage to find that little bit to give to someone else.
I hope your treatements with Dr. D have resumed and you are once again seeing improvements.
Warm regards,
Karyn

[pianogal]

Dear Sunil,
My heart is with you in your pain. I am sorry you've had to endure so much injustice. My heart aches with you tonight. We ache WITH you. People you've never seen ache with you and for you... and are praying for you.
With love, please know this...

[A's Mommy]

Sunil

I am always praying for you.

Please know that.

A's Mommy

[pianogal]

Sunil,
I am happy to reach your heart in any small way. Praying for you tonight. It is so hard to endure PNE alone but at least through the forums we are not alone... we know there are others enduring what we endure... and working together and praying together we are stronger than we are alone. Thank you for all your contributions here and may God lead you to freedom.

[A's Mommy]

Sunil,

You are so welcome. It is my pleasure and desire to pray for all of us that are suffering in so much agony. I feel like if that's the only thing I can do right now, well, then it's the best thing I could do.

You are always in my thoughts.

A's Mommy