Struggling to deal with your cancer diagnosis? Is it causing a crisis of your faith and belief systems? You’re not alone…
The ever-present threat of cancer upturns peoples’ lives every single day. You might have received your diagnosis early on, and it’s saved your life. You might have experienced delays in diagnosis for cancer, which has exacerbated the illness, meaning the treatment and prognosis is much more aggressive. Alternatively, it might be your family member who has received the diagnosis. In that case, sending them a cancer care gift would be a kind gesture to show them your support.
Whatever the situation, a diagnosis of cancer is sure to shake your belief system. The question is, why does this happen and how can you tackle it? That’s what we hope to answer today…
Why Does Cancer Cause a Crisis of Faith for Some People?
An article in Stanford Medicine talks about the many ways in which a cancer diagnosis can change your perspective on life. This can be the case in a number of ways, including:
Confronting Our Mortality
We all know that we’re human but, much like a near-death experience, a cancer diagnosis puts us right in the firing line of our mortal lives. When we’re healthy, we don’t always have to confront the reality that, as humans, we are vulnerable to disease and death.
As a religious person, you’re then faced with the imposing question of what comes after death, and for some this can be daunting. Many religions deal with the promise of an afterlife, but the impending nature of this afterlife can lead a person to question if it’s true.
Questioning Why Me?
If you believe in a higher power, like God, you might be questioning why your God has put this challenge in front of you. Of course, obstacles are made to be tackled, but out of everyone in the world, you’re naturally going to wonder why you?
For many people faced with this challenge, it leads them to question why a loving God would inflict them with such a disease. They might question whether they’ve done something to deserve this; if they’re being punished. This can then lead a person to question their entire lifestyle and character.
Others might simply see this as God’s plan for them, which leads to its own set of questions. These might include whether God sees this as something to overcome to make you stronger. Alternatively, perhaps your God thinks you’re ready to move to the promised After Life you’ve been waiting for.
For others, however, it can make you question if there is a God at all. After all, if your God is out there, why would they betray you like this?
Facing Religious Struggle
With all these questions, it’s no wonder that half of those with cancer face a struggle with their religious beliefs. What’s also shocking is that those who experience this crisis of faith seem to have an increased risk of death. This comes as no surprise when we consider how stress and anxiety in general, rather than happiness and comfort, leads to increased mortality rates across all illness spectrums.
Dr. Stephen King, manager of the SCCA chaplaincy program, says that: That’s one area we target those who feel unloved, abandoned, punished by or angry at (the divine), or who struggle with meaning or have doubts.
King added that some patients have expressed sentiments like, I trusted God that bad things wouldn’t happen to me and bad things are certainly happening.
If you’re a believer that thinks if you only do good things, only good things will happen to you, then a cancer diagnosis will no doubt shake your faith. The question is, will you let this obstacle destroy your faith, or will you adapt your belief to come to terms with this challenge? Will you turn to your God to help you through this time?
How to Get Through This Crisis of Faith After Your Cancer Diagnosis
Considering these religious struggles many seem to face, you may need some tips to help you onto the road to believing again. After all, the studies above have shown that your belief and faith may be the deciding factor in whether you make it through or not. So, here are some tips to help…
Faith is Ever-Changing
Your perspective on life, and the experiences you’ve been through, will shape the way you live your life. The same should be said for your faith; it is an ebbing and flowing object that should adapt and grow as you do.
If you understand that faith isn’t stagnant, you can overcome these challenges to see that your faith can change as you do too. In this way, it can support you through anything.
Remember, Faith and Belief Are Different
According to Scrubbing In, faith and belief certainly go hand-in-hand, but they are not the same thing. After a cancer diagnosis or any other crisis, for that matter your belief in God will certainly be shaken. However, the faith that you have in things working out how they’re meant to be should be a steadying factor for you.
It’s Okay to Be Frightened
No doubt your cancer diagnosis will scare you, but this doesn’t make you weak. It also doesn’t mean that your God will be disappointed in you.
Ultimately, you should see this diagnosis as a challenge to your belief systems. If you can make it out of the other side of this challenge to your faith, then you’ll be able to tackle anything life throws at you.
Use Your Faith to Help You Through It
David Gira notes the importance of Psalms 84:5-6 in his blog about cancer and faith. The Psalm reads:
How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord; within their hearts are the highways of holiness! Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain.
If you can harness this, and worship your way through this life obstacle, there’s nothing you can’t do.
Experiencing a Crisis of Faith?
There’s no doubt that your cancer diagnosis will shake everything you’ve ever known. The truth is that this diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your faith, but a new beginning in the way in which you experience this faith.
Of course, we’re not experts, so speaking to the leader in your church is sure to provide a much clearer pathway to tackling this crisis. Be sure to seek the help you need from those around you.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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