Prayer and faith come in handy when you have nowhere else or no one else to turn to. At worst, if those who don't believe are right, is that your prayer merely brought you momentary spiritual comfort...like a placebo...but will have no effect on either your current physical reality nor your eternal one and, when you die, you'll just cease to exist (like those who don't believe). At best, your prayer (through faith) will earn you an eternity of joyous wonder. Now, I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but, I'd rather believe and find out I was wrong (oops, mea culpa...don't I feel foolish!) as opposed to NOT believing and finding out I was wrong (oh, S&#T...what else is there to say?). Call me a sissy, but I'm not taking any chances!!!
83 percent says god answers prayers
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I'm not saying it's for your direct benefit necessarily but obviously it's something that you want and desire since you are the one making the request of your god. I think in general if a person really cares about somebody else, there's a huge amount of self interest involved. I think that's only proper. It goes without saying.
P.S. Thanks for praying for me. I've been wanting to get in a little extra sinning. Cool!
So, when someone prays for the people of Haiti, and they live here, do they have a self interest? When people ask me to pray for someone who I never met, do I have a self interest. It's not like someone gets karma stars above their heads as proof positive of the results of their prayers.
But you are taking chances, you're assuming you have chosen the correct form of "god" to believe in. Remember most of the world does not share your belief whatever form it may be. Many believers are going to be in for a big surprise if there really is a day of reckoning but it doesn't really matter, if your faith brings you comfort carry on and good luck.
I find it interesting that the Atheist posts so much with regard to religion or religious beliefs and traditions.
Why shouldn't we? Most of us were religious at one time so we have a unique understanding of both sides.
P.S. Thanks for praying for me. I've been wanting to get in a little extra sinning. Cool!
No worries. Glad to see you are concerned about sinning. ;-)
My approach to prayer is not to pray for things or an action. My prayers are for understanding, kindness, and generosity from within myself. I pray for others in time of suffering, loss, and confusion that they may find comfort and peace in times when it's possibly hard to find. Prayer is a deep and mysterious thing, best not criticized and questioned. No one knows most of the answers to life's BIG questions, but prayer can reconcile that and offer possibilities and hope. As Reverend Cooper says at the end of his services "Life is short and there is much to do, so go forth and do good and live a life of light and service to your fellow man." Peace be with you.
I hear you on that one. I have lived both lives as well and being a believer is the only thing that has ever made sense to me. Fortunately, I have been blessed with countless miracles that have helped confirm my doubts. I also understand not everyone will like my beliefs or understand my beliefs.
I'd be willing to bet the words "Oh my God" have crossed the lips of many people faced with uncertainty, disaster, heartbreak or violence whether they're believers or not. ;-)
I find it interesting that the Atheist posts so much with regard to religion or religious beliefs and traditions.
Yes, that classic questioner's question:
To believe or not to believe?
I choose to believe God's Love encompasses all choices; and doesn't demand that you have to give your Love in order to receive God's in return. 'Cuz IMHB God's Love is not akin to some immature romance based on "I'll like you IF you like me first"