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I ran across this article on CNN.com about hospice chaplaincy. Being a hospice chaplain myself, I have had some of the same experiences as the lady who wrote the article. I would say we differ on some aspects of how we approach our job, but overall I thought her articulation of what we experience was well done. It is so hard to explain the experiences I get to be a part of when you can't really understand unless you have experienced it yourself.

I found that the comments by people regarding the article were much more entertaining and enlightening than the article itself. Comments ranging from critiquing her use of grammar to evangelicals bashing her for not "saving" her patients to atheists questioning why anyone would let her in the room in the first place. Perhaps anyone who reads those comments might gain a little more perspective of what it is like as a chaplain trying to come alongside those who are dying and their families. Keep in mind however, that hospice is only one context of chaplaincy. Our agency serves people in the hospital, the cancer center, the jail, the juvenile justice system, and emergency services in addition to hospice. All in the name of trying to care for people who are hurting. All with the possibility of facing comments like those posted in the comments section of the article. It's never the same day twice!

Read the article here.

Here is just a sample of some of the comments - some I find funny, some make me shake my head in disbelief, and some I just don't know what to think. Remember, it is just a sample of the comments - others were very nice and thoughtful. Read them for yourself at the bottom of the article. There is something like 35 pages of them.

Brent Slensker

Religion befuddles EVERYTHING! And as EVERYONE knows....It should NOT rear its head Online

caw

I'm still waiting for the single verifiable and recorded miracle to occur (and not just a statistical anomaly). Come on God, split that Red sea again and the whole world will be converted. If you're real, then why did you give us brains that question and then fail to answer the questions?

Drew

People like you really have to get your head out of the bible; spirituality is about your own PERSONAL relationship with god, not the dogma in some stupid old book

George

I find it odd that no one is mentioning the elephant in the room. This article was written by a woman. Women should not be chaplins or pastors. Only liberal churches do that.

Luke Emery

So basically we have religious people coming in homes of people who are dying to exploit them for their sort of pseudo-pity, self-righteous gain.

Maybe we should also have a "Reason Police" that walks into peoples homes and say "Hey guys, your god is fake!" as they are dying.

howash!

Divinity studies is like going to study at Harward to become a "sanitation engineer". Ridiculous!

howash!

I think no one needs a religious buffoon around at this private time of their death!

Chris

So, you do not talk to them about God, or try to pray with them....so what good was your divinity studies; oh you learned about love. I would ask for my tuition back. A 3yr old knows more about love and dependance, and that is how God wants us to come to Him...as little children.