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Can an Atheist Pray?

Erebus

Well-Known Member
Who would an atheist pray to? And how could it be "just as effective" as the prayer of someone who believes in God?

I suppose they could pray to whoever they want, archetypes can be powerful things. Remember that even without believing in a deity prayer can be used to vent stress, relax, meditate and focus. The placebo effect can be a potent tool when used properly.
 

Justin Thyme

Child of God
Who would an atheist pray to? And how could it be "just as effective" as the prayer of someone who believes in God?

Even an atheist is a child of God whom he loves as much as His believers. If an atheist cries out to God I believe he will be heard the same as me, a believer.
 

Meow Mix

Chatte Féministe
Even an atheist is a child of God whom he loves as much as His believers. If an atheist cries out to God I believe he will be heard the same as me, a believer.

That's something I believe too even as an atheist... that if there is a God that is benevolent and all that jazz, said God would understand that skeptics just require a bit more to believe some things -- it's hardly our fault for just wanting reasons to believe that are rationally justifiable.

I wouldn't reject a God if it existed (depending on its attributes) and if a God existed then it would know that.

If a child leaves a parent's house (imperfect analogy because the child knows the parent exists, but beside the actual point I'm making) and comes back sometimes even years later beaten and bruised, no parent is going to say "No, I don't know you, get out of my house." That's ridiculous, but it's what many religions say happens to skeptics.
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
I am an atheist, but I have recently had urges to pray. Can atheists pray? To know more of what I am talking about, check out my blog: Praying Atheist: Old HabitsÂ*DieÂ*Hard | Mhiggs's Blog
I haven't read the entire thread, but I have to ask:
If an "atheist" is defined as one who does not believe in Deity, to whom or what would the atheist pray???

I'd say that an atheist could meditate -- is that what you've got the urge to do?
 
you sound as if you need others' permission before you can do things you really need to do. it's your life, your choice, your freedom. no need to expect approval from other people. never fear to do what you really want to do even at the expense of your rational or logical mind. many joyful and enjoyable experiences are illogical and silly, yet it shouldn't stop us from doing what really makes us happy.
 
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