"The best thing you can do is pray"

[marions ghost]

83. Praying is wishing

that's how I see it. Asking for help from where ever it might come. Sometimes we need help.

Yes, a lot of inexcusable twistedness comes from extreme Xtians. But the simple act of wishing, of expressions from the heart for the best possible outcome, of acknowledging our human fragility in the face of forces that overwhelm us--these acts are not "bad" in and of themselves.

Putting out thoughts of sympathy and compassion--IF SINCERE (& that's a big if with some calling themselves Christians, duh)--but if sincere, often gives people strength to cope in a situation that defies rationality. And churches who rally to help certainly can be commended--they are able to harness the synergy of a group, and that in itself is not a bad thing. If harnessed for good.

Athiests--could you spare some compassion for those who feel better when they pray and band together to comfort each other, even if you think it's only a form of self-hypnosis?