Atheist (and everyone). What about prayer

[Shadow Wolf]

Oh, OK. However, still totally nonsensical.

Is that something like this?

Oh please Jesus, make the cancer therapy work, for I am not sure I will spend the rest of eternity with you, vs. being fried for all eternity, because of your numerous clausus for Heaven admission.

Is that so?

Ciao

- viole

That still looks like something they use to demonstrate why atheists look down on them for such a gross misunderstanding.

 

[viole]

That still looks like something they use to demonstrate why atheists look down on them for such a gross misunderstanding.

Well, then illuminate me on the part that is wrong. I am ready to debate all of my arguments.

Otherwise, I will simply chalk that out as "You are wrong, but I don't know where".

Ciao

- viole

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

If a christian has a sick family member or friend they pray they get better.

And does that cure the illness or improve the odds?

If a christian has a family member or friend going into war they pray they make it home safe.

And does that improve the odds of them return home safely?

If a christian hears a family member or friend has been in a wreck they pray they aren't hurt bad/fully recover.

And does that improve the odds of them not being hurt or recover?

If an atheist has a sick family member or friend they....?

help in getting them the medical care and assistance required

If an atheist has a family member or friend going into war they.....?

Actually support them in whatever way they can and hope for a safe return.

If an atheist hears a family member or friend has been in a wreck they....?

Help in providing support as needed.

What do you do since you don't pray?

Hope?
Wish?
Nothing?
Anything?
.............?

Actually help in ways that have demonstrable effect.
Provide mental support when and if possible.
Hope for the best.

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

False dilemma. Why does is have to be it either/or?

Because that was how the OP presented it?

 

[TagliatelliMonster]

Most christians I know would do the same

I would hope so.

Now the question is: which of their activities will actually yield results? The helping, or the praying?

 

[blü 2]

If an atheist has a sick family member or friend they....?

Get the best medical help and provide the best comfort that they can.

If an atheist has a family member or friend going into war they.....?

Do what they can to boost everyone's morale.

If an atheist hears a family member or friend has been in a wreck they....?

Same as with 'sick' above.

What do you do since you don't pray?

Whatever you can to improve the situation and / or prepare to face the situation.


But there's probably not a lot of difference between the wishes of believers and the wishes of non-believers for a good outcome in the face of adversity.

It's just that believers have rituals invoking the aid of God ─ and as you know, those invocations work at the same rate as chance.