Atheists & Agnostics

Evoman

(8,040 posts)

18. I think it's just a way of expressing sympathy, which can be difficult at times.

Thu Aug 15, 2013, 02:02 AM

Aug 2013

Since I've been hit with this cancer crap, I've heard it a lot. Even from people I don't know (like family members church friends). Yeah, I prefer concrete help (anybody who brings me food, helps with dishes, or helps take the pressure off me by donating money since I'm too sick to work is a saint to me). But if people want to pray, send vibes, our do a healing dance (its happened), I take it with Good graces because they mean well. Though, honestly, the people who have helped me the most with my day to day challenges are mostly atheists (I'm a science guy so I have a lot of atheist friends).....funny that, huh?

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I'm praying for....! [View all] Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 OP

Matthew 6:5-6 trotsky Aug 2013 #1

Nah, I disagree. malthaussen Aug 2013 #2

I don't disagree with you Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #6

I'd tentaively guess it has to do with who's doing the praying... malthaussen Aug 2013 #13

It's the oldest form of slacktivism Warpy Aug 2013 #3

True, but... Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #7

They think it is reassuring to the recipient. AtheistCrusader Aug 2013 #10

So the act of praying doesn't exist without public disclosure Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #12

Right. And if the prayee didn't say anything, the recipient would never know. AtheistCrusader Aug 2013 #15

The person doing it is approval-seeking Warpy Aug 2013 #11

Yes, that's my thought Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #14

It's just one of many ways to express sympathy. JoeyT Aug 2013 #4

That is a good point Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #8

Thanks to Twitter, this is what I think of now when I see things like that Rob H. Aug 2013 #5

Oh, I love that and am stealing it for my own. malthaussen Aug 2013 #9

I have encountered it as a shame mechanism too Lordquinton Aug 2013 #16

God is in a quandary. You can help Him make up His mind! dimbear Aug 2013 #17

I think it's just a way of expressing sympathy, which can be difficult at times. Evoman Aug 2013 #18

I don't get why people feel the need to pray to an asshole deity who would cause/allow such tragedy. Arugula Latte Aug 2013 #19