I disagree with Harjas Kaur Khalsa on issue of reversion to religion under circumstances of difigurement, disease, death. (funny how they all start with d's).
I think it is a matter of perspective on life wether a human will choose religion in such circumstances. It is a choice of hope when said human, under the bad of our world, chooses religion. They seek some kind of consolance on their suffering and seek to renew their life. I admit I have never faced these bad circumstances in their horrific degrees, never personally; I have only held witness to such events. And as far as I can tell, the invalid aspires to hope of better days. Hope can come from many aspects of life such as love or religion.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-youth/15042-cutting-my-hair.html
Of all these religion has survived to this day as it the basic platform of hope for humans. It gives us purpose (morals and such), it gives us assurance that we are not futile, our sufferings are not futile. The christians have their heavens and we have our karmic cycles of life.
However, this perspective is complimented by another view, in which cause need not preced effect, or better, not every cause must be justified for its effect. In this relation, humans do not need to look for a hope, really an illusion of life. One does not need consolation from God or need to blame their present dilemnas on the past or future(future being God). At its base, praying and looking to God will not help because if it really mattered one would have been at this task before. Why this pivotal moment to seek God?
Death, the greatest of all powerful forces, will get to you regardless if you become one with God or not. And if this will happen will God really matter. Considering that you are not dead, you cannot really answer this question. Neither can I; I will not pretend. But considering that you have probably been around death a plenty as a nurse, perhaps, you know it enough to say that in death, God will come to the rescue.
So will your prayers matter on your deathbed? Will the rest of the world be saved in your death? If all those people will follow you to death, then which is more important the life or the death. Obviously it is life. So why waste life on religion, when you can use this time to make the most of that which really counts, life.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=15042
Mr. Sikh guy is right, even though as lawyer he will hardly provide immediate help, he can still help those who will be crushed under our legal systems. If death and disease is all that matters in life, then I think you might have to pessimistic a view of life.