Praying for an Athiest

[EvianBaby]

I have thought long and hard about venturing into this topic as I usually do my best to avoid it but I would be interested to hear others thoughts on something.

If as an athiest, you (or someone close to you) became ill, how would you feel about someone religious saying they will be praying for you?

Would you take any comfort from it or would you be annoyed/offended by it and maybe even ask them not to?

Or as someone with religion, would you pray for someone even if you knew they were athiest? Would it make any difference to you?

I'd really appreciate it if answers could just be kept to personal opinions on the question and avoid any arguments over who's right and who's wrong, etc.

Thanks!

[sandyRoe]

Clearly, it's not altogether a thankless task. Though I suspect those most in need of prayer would be the last to thank anybody.

[Frank97]

It wouldn't bother me at all, as long as they don't intend doing it in my presence.

[Ankou]

if the religious person praying for me was a priest doing the last rites i might be a bit miffed.

[rowanwitch]

I agree if it makes them feel bettr.. but some constructive help might be more useful

[naomi24]

//I suspect those most in need of prayer would be the last to thank anybody.//

And who would they be Sandy?

[Ankou]

good point ^^, if the religious person praying was the surgeon operating on me i might be a littled miffed as well.

[sandyRoe]

If the cap fits, Naomi. If the cap fits...

Rowanwitch, prayer and something constructive aren't mutually exclusive. The phrase: 'Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition,' comes to mind.

[naomi24]

But Sandy, it doesn't. :o)

[EvianBaby]

Having seen such strong opinions on here in the past I'm a bit surprised to see what most of the responses are.

I get the feeling this might start going in another direction now so I'll leave you all to it. Enjoy.

[ummmm]

My Mum prays for me all the time...never rings me though!!

[Ankou]

if fits for me. i really needed to win that project and earn a nice chunky bonus.

thats what you prayed for for me wasn't it sandy? thanks again.


evian, you've gotta wait for witching hour to see the cauldron boiling proper.

[Davethedog]

I put in the same place as "pass on my best wishes" I know the prayers won't be answered but who am I to say stop?

I would see it as someone who cares, and even if I believe it is mis-guided to pray, I know its wonderful that someone cares.

[naomi24]

ummmm. x

[woofgang]

As someone who prays, I would always ask someone's permission if I didn't know their views. i also pray generically for people who are sick, distressed or unhappy but I don't specify that I am only praying for people who believe in prayer.

[humbersloop]

^^ Agree with Dave. And if people have that consideration for others, they should be thanked for it.

[vetuste_ennemi]

There's a nuance in your question isn't there, EvianBaby: "If someone religious TOLD you..."?
Well, they'd be saying that to wind me up, wouldn't they?
If, however, I HEARD that they had been praying for me I'd take that as an act of kindness and that's to be appreciated. I think some of my fellow atheists are being a little ungracious.

[rowanwitch]

Not mutually exclusive Sandyroe I know when an acquaintance of mine was ill the ladies of her church brought her a meal every day for a couple of weeks they said they were praying for her too

[Ankou]

was the food that bad ?

[lcg]

i'd tell them to bog off.....and take their sanctimonious views with them. after, i'd feel unwell AND very annoyed! i avoid anyone who is religious and even some work colleagues who start spouting about god get told to shut up. i don't ram my opinions down their throat...and i don't expect to hear about theirs either.