Evening CoSo!
Today was rough. César was badgered all day by hospital staff, as we waited for a key transfer to come through so his son could get critical surgical follow-up aid.
But! He's receiving those treatments now, & I've posted a piece for #OnlySky that reflects on a huge challenge for many secular folks: How to be present with integrity with folks in need who find their greatest comfort in faith. We share so much as humans that always matters more. ⬇️
#Humanism
https://onlysky.media/mclark/when-an-atheist-sits-with-spiritual-people-in-need/
@MLClark reminds me of a book I read in undergrad in my medical anthropology class called The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. The medical community could benefit from yearly anthropology courses
@Susandoyle Oh, what a terrific idea for intersectional studies and ongoing education!
I've heard of that book, and seen excerpts cited. Will take note of it for a fuller look down the line - thanks for the rec!
@MLClark the book is well done coming from an anthropology view. Agreed on intersectional studies and ongoing education for professionals that deal with multiple cultures. At least add a dimension of cultural awreness
@MLClark Being kind goes a long way. Someone being a decent human being to them is a comfort.
@poemblaze Heartbreaking how rare that decency is sometimes, no? I don't doubt that you also do what you can, where you can - so thank you for your presence and your decency, too.
@MLClark I just meant that is the approach I would take if I were you. I am a person of faith, but as long as someone is just there with me when I'm having a difficult time it means a lot. They don't need to share my exact beliefs.
@poemblaze Ah, so you didn't read the article. No worries. Long story short: We're in agreement there!
The piece talks about the ethics of specific asks that people of faith sometimes have in times of need, which can go against the conscience of atheists - but the conclusions are the same.
@MLClark Sorry, I must have missed that there's an article to read.
In the original post, but no need to read it - it simply helps to know the context in which any given conversation is taking place. (Otherwise, people are talking right past each other, and that's where bad-faith argument can also creep in.)
We agree that presence is what matters most - that's the key takeaway here. Cheers.
@MLClark is there a donation link? Sorry must’ve missed it.
So relieved treatments are going well.
@Astro_yyz Hi Katrina! 🤗 Through my ko-fi is what I'm doing. There are often regional issues with fundraisers (i.e. starting one from Colombia can be a red flag).
ko-fi.com/mlclarkwriter
As of today, when I *knew* we were going to get hit by recovery fees following post-op stem cell treatment (oxygen, medical supplements), the total medical debt is $19,000.000COP ($5,400CAD / $4,035USD) and the total donations pot is $14,900.000COP ($4,240CAD / $3,165USD). Every dollar donated is a HUGE help.
@MLClark That is a thoughtful, interesting essay. I'm with you to a point. I have had similar requests to pray for someone. I am not religious. But, I "pray." Not to god. I believe all the energy in the universe is part of us. I tap into it.
@lindag1966 Oh, that's a great intermediary position! Thank you for bringing it up.
Plenty who identify as nonreligious maintain beliefs in cosmic energies, forces, conscious- and collective wills that shape our reality. A stark binary between "atheism" and "religion" serves no one well, when trying to understand fellow human beings.
I'm so glad you have a workaround that both affirms your truth and allows you to be present with others in theirs. Thanks for reading, and sharing these thoughts!
Treatments are going very well this morning, & the dad is the happiest I've seen him in a long while.
🫂💛 Thank you to everyone who's donated. I think I can send individual replies via ko-fi and I'll be doing that today. With the last two days / emergency surgery, the cost skyrocketed to 17,000.000COP, but everyone's help has now almost matched it (14,900.000COP). When we sit down to budget at month's end, what an amazing gift of freedom this will be for a family that's gone through so much. ❤️