Christian Vets

[RackingHorse]

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Is anyone here that is studying to be a vet, or planning on going to vet school after their undergrad degree a Christian? I myself am a fundamental Christian and was just wondering if anyone else here was, and if this has changed their view of or interest in the veterinary profession. I am also job shadowing with a vet who is a devoted Christian and is also a Preacher. I am not trying to stir up a creation vs. evolution debate either. I am just curious to see if there are any others like me out there.

 

[twelvetigers]

Plenty, plenty, plenty of them. Probably a few less represented on SDN than are actually in vet school, percentagewise, but there are quite a few, especially in the more southern schools.

Please, please, please don't let this thread go the direction the last one went. Haha. Noooot what this forum is for.

 

[lostbunny]

Out of curiosity- how has being a Christian changed or influenced your view of becoming a vet/going to vet school? How is your Christian vet friend different from a non christian vet and how does this impact his/her work as a veterinarian if it does?

Just purely curious. 🙂

 

[RackingHorse]

Out of curiosity- how has being a Christian changed or influenced your view of becoming a vet/going to vet school? How is your Christian vet friend different from a non christian vet and how does this impact his/her work as a veterinarian if it does?

Just purely curious. 🙂

I don't think it has really influenced my view of on going to vet school. I am in undergraduate Animal Science right now, and I know the same ideas are taught there as will be in vet school. However, I know what I believe and this does not sway me. Also, the vet I am shadowing with has probably made me more determined to go to vet school because, he is very strong in his faith as I am.

 

[twelvetigers]

In addition, there is usually a Christian vet organization at schools. The one here at OKSU does trips and stuff.

 

[alliecat44]

In addition, there is usually a Christian vet organization at schools. The one here at OKSU does trips and stuff.

Yup, the national organization is the Christian Veterinary Mission Fellowship. They hold fellowship every week, do lots of trips/volunteer stuff, a chili contest, have prayer boxes in each of the labs (I really disagreed with that, but whatever, I'm a heathen). That's at K-State, anyway.

Overall I'd say that the people in that group are very close-knit and extremely active with stuff! 🙂

Not to worry--plenty of Christians in vet school!

 

[breenie]

One of the students at Mizzou mentioned an active group there, too. 🙂

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Out of curiosity- how has being a Christian changed or influenced your view of becoming a vet/going to vet school? How is your Christian vet friend different from a non christian vet and how does this impact his/her work as a veterinarian if it does?

Just purely curious. 🙂

Why would it influence being a vet or going to vet school at all? It's a personal matter.

I don't think there are any differences between a Christian or a non Christian vet in terms of how well they do their work or what type of work they do, just like how there would be no difference between , say, a Christian radiologist or a Hindu radiologist.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Overall I'd say that the people in that group are very close-knit and extremely active with stuff! 🙂

Not to worry--plenty of Christians in vet school!

Same here. People are generally pretty open about their faith, and I would guess that a huge majority of the class is religious. Never heard of anyone being uncomfortable with it, or felt any kind of tension or turf war going on.

 

[RackingHorse]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[New Foundland]

I get the sense that the veterinary profession in general is more religious than most other "hard science" fields.

I've never seen any statistics on the matter though

 

[katryn]

The Christian group at UT is pretty good too. I know there's a group of us 2014'ers that pray before every exam, that ranges from 10 to 50🙂eek🙂 people depending on the exam. ><

As far as how being a Christian has changed my journey, it really is my journey. I gave up on vet school until I realized that God called me to it, and had a purpose for me in it, and wasn't going to let me walk away from it. Now I focus on supporting my classmates, and showing clients and co-workers what it means to live out a Christian life in your everyday.

 

[bbeventer]

I interviewed at a clinic where the doctor would not hire you if you were not a Christian... I did not end up taking the job. But people of that faith are defiantly in the vet profession.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

I interviewed at a clinic where the doctor would not hire you if you were not a Christian...

Whoa, isn't that kind of illegal?

 

[lostbunny]

Why would it influence being a vet or going to vet school at all? It's a personal matter.

I don't think there are any differences between a Christian or a non Christian vet in terms of how well they do their work or what type of work they do, just like how there would be no difference between , say, a Christian radiologist or a Hindu radiologist.

Easy on... since the OP asked if being Christian influences any other Christians' view of the veterinary profession, I was just asking the OP if it has influenced their views at all. I agree with your statement in how it shouldn't affect how a vet does their job regardless of their beliefs or non-beliefs, so I was just interested in how being a Christian would influence the veterinary side of them, if it does. I wasn't implying anything and I didn't have a bunch of anti-christ come backs to throw once I got an answer...

I was just wondering how Christianity would play a role, if it does, in being a vet (or radiologist, mechanic, pilot, couch stuffer....). Just a simple question, to perhaps maybe a not-very-simple answer...................

 

[bbeventer]

Whoa, isn't that kind of illegal?

I do believe so, but he did not seemed concerned with such matters as he asked me other questions deemed illegal, (age, who I was living with, etc). Like I said, I ended up not taking that job.

 

[Chinola]

.

 

[CanadianHope]

This whole thread is disturbing. Sorry.

 

[lostbunny]

I don't think it has really influenced my view of on going to vet school. I am in undergraduate Animal Science right now, and I know the same ideas are taught there as will be in vet school. However, I know what I believe and this does not sway me. Also, the vet I am shadowing with has probably made me more determined to go to vet school because, he is very strong in his faith as I am.

Good that you've got a good vet to work with; and it sounds like you won't have trouble finding other Christian vets in school- all the best!

 

[alliecat44]

This whole thread is disturbing. Sorry.

As an atheist, I definitely felt uncomfortable with the whole CVMF crowd/praying/events and whatnot.

But--regardless of where you go to vet school, that presence will be there. Good to know for people seeking fellowship and those of us who are uncomfortable about it. 👍

 

[RackingHorse]

The Christian group at UT is pretty good too. I know there's a group of us 2014'ers that pray before every exam, that ranges from 10 to 50🙂eek🙂 people depending on the exam. ><

As far as how being a Christian has changed my journey, it really is my journey. I gave up on vet school until I realized that God called me to it, and had a purpose for me in it, and wasn't going to let me walk away from it. Now I focus on supporting my classmates, and showing clients and co-workers what it means to live out a Christian life in your everyday.

This is a really good reply. Christianity is my journey as well. I feel like the veterinary profession is my calling as well, like you I believe I can show my colleagues what it is to live a holy life.

Lostbunny, sorry I didn't answer you're question in earlier posts. Being a christian affects how I look on all aspects of life, and whether or not what I am doing is pleasing or not to God. Being a christian has changed my views on vet school, because I believe I can do it and still be pleasing to God. If I did not then I would not be trying to make it into vet school.🙂

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. . ."
- Colossians 3:23

 

[alliecat44]

I believe I can show my colleagues what it is to live a holy life.

What exactly does this mean? In the professional sense (inside work walls), what are you going to do differently from the colleagues who are not Christian?

 

[EllieGirl89]

What exactly does this mean? In the professional sense (inside work walls), what are you going to do differently from the colleagues who are not Christian?

I was kind of wondering the same thing. I completely respect whatever religion anybody else may choose to follow. However, there are things about me that would not adhere to a fundamental Christian's idea of a "holy life." I think it's wonderful that you're so strong in your faith and that you are so devoted to God. However, I would strongly object to being in a working environment with somebody who felt it was their duty to tell me what is wrong with the way I'm living my life and who was constantly trying to show me how to be more "holy." That is my idea of a hostile work environment.

 

[Coquette22]

Being a christian has changed my views on vet school, because I believe I can do it and still be pleasing to God. If I did not then I would not be trying to make it into vet school.🙂

Please don't take offense at this, as I'm mainly asking for my own curiousity. You say it's "changed" your view of vet school. Does this mean there was a time when you believed that being a vet would not be pleasing to God? If so, was that because you think He would have a problem with vets or some aspect of the practice, or that He had a different plan for you specifically?

(Sorry if the above is confusing. I'm having a hard time wording what I want to say.)

 

[No Imagination]

I interviewed at a clinic where the doctor would not hire you if you were not a Christian...

I do believe so, but he did not seemed concerned with such matters as he asked me other questions deemed illegal, (age, who I was living with, etc).

Sounds like a Christian… You want fundamentalism, Mississippi is for you!

 

[bbeventer]

Sounds like a Christian… You want fundamentalism, Mississippi is for you!

Thanks for the warning.

 

[RackingHorse]

Living a holy life has nothing to do with nagging people about the way that they live. I never say anything to anyone about the way that they live. They always say something to me first.🙂

 

[alliecat44]

Living a holy life has nothing to do with nagging people about the way that they live. I never say anything to anyone about the way that they live. They always say something to me first.🙂

I still don't understand what you mean by "showing" other colleagues how to live a holy life.

 

[bbeventer]

I still don't understand what you mean by "showing" other colleagues how to live a holy life.

👍

 

[Bill59]

Whoa, isn't that kind of illegal?

If they have 15 or more employees. The civil rights act does not apply to employers with less than 15 workers, although some states have additional laws that may apply.

 

[RackingHorse]

I still don't understand what you mean by "showing" other colleagues how to live a holy life.

By showing I mean using how I live as an example in front of them.

 

[bbeventer]

By showing I mean using how I live as an example in front of them.

No offence, but isn't that rather conceited? You believe that just being a christian makes you a better person and have a better lifestyle? Not trying to start anything but it sounds like you have a small definition of people not of your belief.

 

[RackingHorse]

I in myself am no better than anyone else.

 

[alliecat44]

By showing I mean using how I live as an example in front of them.

I find this VERY offensive and extremely egotistical. So, everything positive that someone notices about you/your behavior is due to your faith? And every negative is because of original sin/the devil/etc?

How about positive attributes in others who are not of the same faith? How do you explain those qualities if they are not as "holy" as you are (because they happen to be Jewish/Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist/atheist/agnostic)?

Man oh man...this is dangerous territory.

Very sanctimonious of you, to be sure.

 

[RackingHorse]

I find this VERY offensive and extremely egotistical. So, everything positive that someone notices about you/your behavior is due to your faith? And every negative is because of original sin/the devil/etc?

How about positive attributes in others who are not of the same faith? How do you explain those qualities if they are not as "holy" as you are (because they happen to be Jewish/Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist/atheist/agnostic)?

Man oh man...this is dangerous territory.

Very sanctimonious of you, to be sure.

There are positive attributes in people of all faiths, and types. But only Jesus Christ can completely deliver someone from all of their sins.
I John 1:7

 

[alliecat44]

There are positive attributes in people of all faiths, and types. But only Jesus Christ can completely deliver someone from all of their sins.
I John 1:7

So how do you behave in a work environment that makes it clear you are completely delivered from all your sins? Thus indicating you indeed holier than the non-Christians you work with?

 

[RackingHorse]

Well, I don't listen or respond to dirty jokes, say words that I shouldn't, I dress the way a Christian man should dress, and live as clean as I can to be a witness to people who need God. I can not name off all of the do's and dont's.

 

[alliecat44]

Well, I don't listen or respond to dirty jokes, say words that I shouldn't, I dress the way a Christian man should dress, and live as clean as I can to be a witness to people who need God. I can not name off all of the do's and dont's.

None of those behaviors are proprietary Christian behaviors. In other words, plenty of people who are NOT Christian exhibit those behaviors.

Except for the witnessing part.

So, you do witness to your co-workers?

 

[RackingHorse]

None of those behaviors are proprietary Christian behaviors. In other words, plenty of people who are NOT Christian exhibit those behaviors.

Except for the witnessing part.

So, you do witness to your co-workers?

Certainly, if they ask me why I live the way I do then I tell them why. And witnessing is not always verbal, my life is a witness.

 

[alliecat44]

And witnessing is not always verbal, my life is a witness.

But--how is this true when the behaviors you describe are not solely practiced by Christians? How can people make the connection between your behavior-----Christianity if you do not tell them?

 

[RackingHorse]

But--how is this true when the behaviors you describe are not solely practiced by Christians? How can people make the connection between your behavior-----Christianity if you do not tell them?

I have the Holy Ghost. Buddhists, muslims, and hindhus do not.

 

[vetme]

alliecat44, you seem really defensive even though you have not been attacked in any way.......the topic is not "an athiest questions a christians lifestyle"....just sayin

 

[PetPony]

I still don't understand how people can make the connection between your behavior and Christianity. They can't actually see the Holy Ghost...

 

[vetme]

I still don't understand how people can make the connection between your behavior and Christianity. They can't actually see the Holy Ghost...

Well it is difficult for even the people that study the Holy Trinity all the time to explain. Faith is a big part of christianity....

 

[Bisbee]

For all of you fellow non-believers on the forum: It is always frustrating trying to have a rational back and forth on the topic of religion with very religious people. I totally agree with everything alliekat, bbeventer, coquette and others have been saying, but I've tried many times over to have calm talks using reason, and it just never, ever works because christians always go back to their "faith", which is believing things that others have passed down with no proof. My advice is to just leave them to their own devices and politely walk away. They will see by how you are living YOUR life that being a good person doesn't have to include believing in things we have no proof of. Otherwise, if you continue to try to argue with them they will see you as defensive and evil. Just know that there are many reasonable people out here who totally agree and let the fanatics go on the way they are...you'll never change them.

 

[alliecat44]

Not defensive at all, vetme, just trying to understand the same thing that PetPony is trying to understand:

I still don't understand how people can make the connection between your behavior and Christianity. They can't actually see the Holy Ghost...

Believe me, I'm very secure in my non-faith. 😉

 

[alliecat44]

For all of you fellow non-believers on the forum: It is always frustrating trying to have a rational back and forth on the topic of religion with very religious people. I totally agree with everything alliekat, bbeventer, coquette and others have been saying, but I've tried many times over to have calm talks using reason, and it just never, ever works because christians always go back to their "faith", which is believing things that others have passed down with no proof. My advice is to just leave them to their own devices and politely walk away. They will see by how you are living YOUR life that being a good person doesn't have to include believing in things we have no proof of. Otherwise, if you continue to try to argue with them they will see you as defensive and evil. Just know that there are many reasonable people out here who totally agree and let the fanatics go on the way they are...you'll never change them.

And I totally agree, Bisbee--this thread is explicitly about bringing faith into your professional life, which is what I'm trying to discuss. Not "is there or isn't there a God?" but how exactly being a Christian is in any way actually relevant to the daily practice of veterinary medicine.

 

[breenie]

Guys, I think RackingHorse is being pretty reasonable and inoffensive.

Maybe I've spent time with the more infuriating breeds of the highly religious, but I don't think "trying to be a good person in front of my co-workers" is really that objectionable, especially if they are not trying to proselytize. RackingHorse sounds pretty strong in their faith, and not too interested in pushing it onto others (my main objection with the intensely religious).

*shrug*

 

[Coquette22]

Maybe I've spent time with the more infuriating breeds of the highly religious, but I don't think "trying to be a good person in front of my co-workers" is really that objectionable, especially if they are not trying to proselytize. RackingHorse sounds pretty strong in their faith, and not too interested in pushing it onto others (my main objection with the intensely religious).

I don't think anyone has said that "being a good person in front of co-workers" is bad, just that they don't see the inherent connection to Christianity. RackingHorse said he uses his behaviour as a way of witnessing to others. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the point of witnessing to draw others to Jesus Christ? If so, just being a good person won't do that. There has to be some way for people to think, "Hey, he's being a good person because he's a Christian; maybe I should follow the teachings of Christ as well" versus "He's just a nice guy".

RackingHorse mentioned he has the Holy Ghost, while other religions don't, but that's not something tangible. Again, how does the non-believing co-worker know to link Christianity and RackingHorse's behaviour? No one's saying it's offensive, just that we don't understand.

 

[awaring1]

I really don't see the point to this thread other than to stir up ****. Your religion should have no impact on your ability to perform in the profession. If it does impact your actions, it will be in a highly personal nature and I don't see the need to throw it all over a pre-vet board. This is primed to turn into an "atheist vs. religion" debate.

Being a Hindu doesn't make you more able to place a catheter.
Being a Muslim doesn't make you unable to detect a heart murmur.
Being Jewish doesn't make you less effective in lancing abscesses.
Being a Wiccan doesn't make your cancer treatment plans better.
Being Catholic doesn't mean you can't castrate cattle.

Although people may enter the field for a wide variety of personal reasons, we all must admit that this is a completely scientific field. You know the best part of science? It doesn't discriminate.

And to the OP: about 30 seconds on Google would show you that there is a very large Christian community in vet schools. Almost all schools have some sort of religious club.