proselytize, v.,1. To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith.

And to correct a few other inaccuracies and/or distortions: "Filling up this forum with religious gobbledygook and quoting Christian scripture..." is a bit of a stretch of the truth and a gross exaggeration. In almost 300 posts, that I have made personally, it's the first time I ever quoted scripture and the intent was to give comfort to someone fearful and suffering who already acknowledges a God in their life -not to convert them or witness to them. And only in this particular string, to the best of my knowledge. Maybe Brian is aware of others and can enlighten us. I do remember several months back a guy talking about "faith healing" but that was a pretty short lived string, as this one SHOULD be.

It's all about hope and a set of tools to deal with crisis. And I never said it was the only set. I am sure that Atheists, Agnostics, Deists, Buddists, Muslims, Hebrew, New Age, Scientologists or whatever have their set of tools also.

It was never my intention to waste Brian's precious disk space on issues not directly relating to cancer support, and if I failed in that endeavor, I publicly apologize to the group. Besides, I didn't bring up the subject of God, I only responded to it. And it wasn't about religion, it was about spirituality.

I can understand and empathize with your viewpoints having been an agnostic myself for many decades.

I'll let an excerpt the American Cancer Societies new booklet finish the discussion:

Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment

This publication covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and workplace issues.

Part of the Facing Forward Series for cancer survivors, family members, and medical professionals. The series is designed to educate and empower cancer survivors as they face the challenges associated with life after cancer treatment.

To order a hard copy, call the ACS National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-ACS-2345, and ask for a copy of Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment, Publication No. 9522.00-HCP


Finding Meaning Through Faith, Religion, or Spirituality
Dealing with a serious illness can affect one's spiritual outlook, whether or not one feels connected to traditional religious beliefs. After treatment, you and your loved ones may struggle to understand why cancer has entered your lives. You may wonder why you have to endure such a trial in your life.

At the same time, many survivors have found that their faith or religion or sense of spirituality is a source of strength as they face life after cancer treatment. Many survivors say that through their faith, they have been able to find meaning in their lives and make sense of their cancer experience. Faith or religion can also be a way for survivors to connect to others in their community who may share similar experiences or outlooks or who can provide support. Many survivors have found that religious gatherings helped them meet new people and find support through a trying time. Studies have also shown that for some, religion can be an important part of both coping with and recovering from cancer. As one survivor said, "My faith in God helps me hold life together. I would feel lost, afraid, and wandering about without it. I know that I am in God's hands, and that helps me feel secure. He gives me strength."

The way cancer affects one's faith or religion is different for everyone. Some turn away from their religion because they feel it has deserted them. It is common to question one's faith after cancer. "I had to wonder why a loving God would let people suffer like this," one brain cancer survivor said. "I just felt that God had failed me." These are difficult questions, but for some, seeking answers and searching for personal meaning in spirituality helps them cope.

Here are ways you may find comfort and meaning through your faith or religion:
- Reading religious materials that are uplifting and can help you feel connected to a higher power
- Praying or meditating to help you feel less fearful or anxious
- Talking about your concerns or fears with a religious leader
- Going to religious gatherings to meet new people
- Talking to others at your place of worship who have had similar experiences
- Finding resources at a place of worship for people dealing with chronic illnesses like cancer