Why is someone praying for someone else offensive

[Rival]

Ive had too .many threats and been physically a d mentally hurt by Christians to take it any other way

I think though, with respect, you need to put those behind you and understand that most modern Christians are not like that. I go to both Catholic and Anglican churches and have not come across this attitude. I don't know what kind of Christians you were with but they are not representative.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Ive had too .many threats and been physically a d mentally hurt by Christians to take it any other way

I'm sorry that this happened to you, but is it fair to judge an entire group of people based on the actions of a select few?

I'm confident that there are well-intending Christians out there who genuinely want what's best for others.

 

[ChristineM]

I think though, with respect, you need to put those behind you and understand that most modern Christians are not like that. I go to both Catholic and Anglican churches and have not come across this attitude. I don't know what kind of Christians you were with but they are not representative.

Most are not like that but some are and i am not taking another chance.

First time it was the vicar and congregation of the church i attended. Pretty typical Anglican christians i think.

 

[Mock Turtle]

They believe it works. Why else would they bother?

Perhaps makes them feel better?

 

[ChristineM]

I'm confident that there are well-intending Christians out there who genuinely want what's best for others.

I know there are, my best friend is christian, even had her own church at one time.

However, until they can prove themselves to me i will not take the chance again.

 

[mangalavara]

Aren't they all just hoping the best for you?

This is why I am never offended whenever somebody says that they will pray for me. I don’t mind what religion they adhere to or what deity or divinity they pray to either. On the other hand, I can feel a little uncomfortable when a Christian asks me to pray for them because I don’t expect a Christian to have a pluralistic or perennialist view of religion.

I know that sometimes individuals might pray for my conversion to their religions and denominations, but I don’t mind. This is because I want them to remain true to what they believe in and to keep the worldview that is best for them.

 

[Rival]

Most are not like that but some are and i am not taking another chance.

First time it was the vicar and congregation of the church i attended. Pretty typical Anglican christians i think.

Not really. You don't seem to have been to an Anglican church in a long time.

Perhaps makes them feel better?

For goodness sake, how hard is this.

Theists who pray believe prayer works. We believe God hears us and acts.

It's not about feeling better for having done something in that sense, although yes it feels good to do good and God can help with feels. It's about asking a higher power to help.

 

[Mock Turtle]

For goodness sake, how hard is this.

Theists who pray believe prayer works. We believe God hears us and acts.

It's not about feeling better for having done something in that sense, although yes it feels good to do good and God can help with feels. It's about asking a higher power to help.

Well, some practical help might be more appreciated in many cases, so prayer might just be seen as an easy way to do something - even if prayer doesn't tend to have any supporting evidence as to its effectiveness, apart perhaps as to those who do the praying.

 

[Rival]

Well, some practical help might be more appreciated in many cases, so prayer might just be seen as an easy way to do something - even if prayer doesn't tend to have any supporting evidence as to its effectiveness, apart perhaps as to those who do the praying.

There are many cases where practical help may not be in one's hands, or prayer is offered alongside practical help. Disasters happening in foreign countries are beyond the resources of most people, so prayer is seen as a way to ask someone who does have the power to help.

 

[VoidCat]

Um...most folk such as myself when they pray if possible they also do things towards what they praying about. Like if a friend is sick I may do a prayer and healing spell but i also if possible might make them soup, and do what I can to support them while they sick.

 

[ChristineM]

You don't seem to have been to an Anglican church in a long time.

I've been to a few weddings, baptisms and funerals

Generally i don't go in to any church accept at take a look at the art and architecture.

 

[Brickjectivity]

If someone prays for you and if it offends you, Why?
It doesn't cost you anything
It doesn't take away your time
It doesn't require your effort
It doesn't take away your birthday

So....
Bob says I will pray for you
Bill says good luck
Sally says I wish you the best
Betty says may fate be on your side
Steve says hope everything works out

Aren't they all just hoping the best for you?

Its an assertive statement expressing who they are, and so it is a little different from good luck. In some places where there is a lot of pressure to convert or blue laws it can also seem like a probe. I don't think its offensive. I think its more than a statement as it tries to get a religious response. I think its a bit like saying "How are you?" as a greeting. Its assertive and open

 

[Revoltingest]

Anyone who wants to pray for me (either
imprecatory or otherwise) is welcome to
do so. Just keep the volume down.
I'm listening to...

 

[mangalavara]

I would never feel offended

That’s because you’re on the right!

 

[SalixIncendium]

That’s because you’re on the right!

Creedance Clearwater Revival says there's a bathroom there, too.

 

[ChristineM]

So how about if someone says they will pray for me so i won't go to hell i reply, I'll ask my friend who is a Satanist to.pray for you so you won't go to heaven... Is that fair?

 

[mangalavara]

Creedance Clearwater Revival says there's a bathroom there, too.

No, I said that @Twilight Hue is on the rise.

 

[Revoltingest]

So how about if someone says they will pray for me so i won't go to hell i reply, I'll ask my friend who is a Satanist to.pray for you so you won't go to heaven... Is that fair?

Here's a controversy that I remember.
It functions much like prayer for non-believers.
Mormons baptizing dead Jews.
It has no effect. What's the harm, eh.
But oh, can people take offense at mere rituals.

Can I Get on the Mormon “Do Not Baptize” List?

Mormon Church leaders apologized Tuesday after the parents of the late Jewish rights advocate and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal were baptized by proxy...

slate.com

 

[SalixIncendium]

So how about if someone says they will pray for me so i won't go to hell i reply, I'll ask my friend who is a Satanist to.pray for you so you won't go to heaven... Is that fair?

I don't think so. They are actually praying to save you from a life of torment for your own benefit, and you just being malicious and suggesting you'll ruin what they perceive to be a perfect eternity.

 

[ChristineM]

I don't think so. They are actually praying to save you from a life of torment for your own benefit, and you just being malicious and suggesting you'll ruin what they perceive to be a perfect eternity.

Their beliefs are not my beliefs so no need to pray for me then. If they understood that then no problem.