Follow-up question Nº 2. What do you think about this?

Question

I recently asked as an unbeliever not to be prayed for. And the answer by most believers was "no".

Now, believers pray for us because they think that will have a result on us. No matter if this result really exists, that IS what they want to do with their prayers.

The legal systems of most countries consider INTENT. And believers' intent when they pray for us IS to change us somehow.

Wouldn't this make their prayers for me an intent to change me, in spite of the fact that I have the legal right not to be a believer?

Is prayer for an unbeliever not illegal?

For your reference, this is the question I referred above:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AkU8mmDTyA687Uy88cmwU0MgBgx.?qid=20060803123946AAZjWBG

Okay. I'll change my question from "Isn't praying for unbelievers illegal?" to "Shouldn't praying for unbelievers be illegal?"

Answer 1

that is like saying it should be illegal to believe certain things. It is just silly and ignorant to make a statement like 'I am an unbeliever' but you are so afraid of believers' prayers changing you that you want to make it illegal or freak out when they don't stop? Again - your logic is dizzying and I really think you don't know what you believe- you are so clouded by hate, bitterness and rebellion that you don't even realize that what you are saying does not make sense.

Let me put it this way. I completely disagree with witchcraft and casting spells, I know that it comes from very erronous beliefs and know that those that participate in this are wrong. I don't think it should be illegal for anyone to do this- they can believe what they want. They can also say all the chants and spells and whatnot for or against me that they want- they can even tell me they are going to do it. I know what I believe and I know why I believe it- it is not going to offend me, make me afraid they are trying to change me, make me worried that any aspect of my life is going to be affected because they are saying their worthless chants all day and all night to their hearts content.
So what I am saying is, if you TRULY did not believe in God, what on earth would it matter if every Christian on the planet got together and prayed for you- I mean come on if it was a crock _which you know it's not- it would be a waste of their time and efforts, not yours!

Answer 2

Yes, prayer for an unbeliever is not illegal. That means we can pray for whatever we want, and there's not a cop in the world that can do anything about it, not even the Taliban! Thank God the whole world isn't under Islamic law!!!!!!

Answer 3

I speak as an atheist. If you don't believe, then the prayers can have no effect on you as they are praying to a non-existent god. It's an intent, but no action, therefore not prosecutable.

Answer 4

So will you now start going after people that say "I love you" because you told them not to love you. If a homeless person asks for money not food and someone gives him food do you consider that a crime?

Intent is physical/verbal action meant to cause harm not a spiritual action. Such cases are not even deemed worthy of court time ( a voodoo case was attempted and thrown out of court)

Sir. your statement borders on the ridiculous.

Answer 5

Depends on what authority you are basing the legality/ non legality of said prayer, and your ability to prove one way or another in said authorities court that illegal action has occured.

Answer 6

My dear friend let me tell you first of all, thank you for inviting me to answer this question. You know, I would consider it an honor to go to jail for praying for you. It would be in the great tradition of our founder to have one more person locked up for our beliefs. You know John the Baptist was arrested and because he chose to tell the truth---he lost his head over the matter.

Paul and Silas were in the synagogue one day just talking and preaching about the Messiah who came and was rejected and crucified. They were beaten and at about midnight they started singing and an earthquake hit the place where they were held captive. I think the last thing that jailer had on his mind that night was an 11th hour conversion---but according to the book---it happened.

When John was sent to the Isle of Patmos for preaching he continued to write. Though it was illegal for him to do so. He received many harsh rebukes and retributions for his continuation to tell others of his beliefs.

So, PLEASE, allow me to be the first person you charge if the laws are ever changed in this country. Perhaps you could find a way to make it a STALKING offense to pray for someone. Perhaps you could get the ACLU to get involved and then the country would have to choose this day whom they will serve.

You are an inspiration. And as I told you in my previous post---I do not pray to convert you. I cannot. I will not put notches in my New Testament Bible to represent you. But I will rejoice as will thousands of angels on the day when you decide that I might just know what I am talking about in this matter.

Should you choose to respond to me please send me an email at my email addy which you have at this moment. Again, it was kind of you to let me know this question was posted. Please allow me the honor of serving you in this matter.

In His love----continually blessed by His peace and grace. Your friend----C.T.

Answer 7

I don't know that the intent is necessarily to change you, per se, but rather to change the outcome that they think you will suffer as a result of your beliefs.

Personally, I don't pray FOR anyone, including myself. My prayers are only prayers of thanks to God. Not prayers of supplication.

Answer 8

OK sorry but I pray for the world in my prayers each night and if that includes you tuff, your part of the world and I care even if you don't.

Answer 9

Dude, if you think that people are trying to change you without your permission, you are nuts!!!

You need to think about something more productive like if carrots have feelings or what is the chemical composition of a fart!

Get a life and stop being so paranoid!!!

Answer 10

"Is prayer for an unbeliever not illegal?"

No, Its still your choice.