The Scientific Study on Prayer. (Question posted at the end of argument)?

Question

A recent study on prayer was conducted. The article reporting its results can be found here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/health/31pray.html?ex=1301461200&en=4acf338be4900000&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Basically, the findings were that in two groups of people, one prayed for, the others not prayed for, there was absolutely no difference in healing after open heart surgery. However a third group was prayed for and was TOLD they were being prayed for - and they actually had a higher incidence of complications from surgery. Of course, this doesnt prove that there is no God - but it is compelling evidence that prayers do not seem to work, as there was no difference in results between the two groups that were not told they were being prayed for...

This study was commissioned by The Templeton Foundation, who's mottos is "Funding initiatives for spiritual information through science."

Many argue that science cannot prove God or His existence, but obviouslyt the Templeton Foundation beleives that science CAN prove it - but they didnt get the results they wanted...

My question is this:

IF the Templeton Foundation's Prayer study had given different results - results unequivocally showing that the power of prayer is real, would all you Christians still be saying that scientists are wrong and stupid and cant prove the existence of God???

I cant understand why you wont accept science when it proves against you, but you are happy to accept science that agrees with your beleifs....please explain.

Im also curious why Ive already received a thumbs down? Is there a grammatical issue with my posting? Or are you again demonstrating that you people cannot stand to see anything that contradicts your beliefs?? Im asking a question for crying out loud!!! Whats the problem?? Immaturity abounds in this place....

Answer 1

That makes sense to me, although I would have expected opposite results from those who were told they were being prayed for. I guess it just underlines the fact that it has no actual external effect (as I already knew).

I understand the benefit of prayer, even for atheists. And it has nothing to do with the actual outcome; it's simply a calming meditation, a means to stop worrying about something.

And I would have thought that knowing others were praying for you would have a calming effect as well. But here again, it just underscores the fact that the only benefit of prayer is calming the mind.

Answer 2

The power is not in the prayer, but in the One who is prayed to. Prayer is simply communication between a believer and God. That's all. It is not magical or mystical. We bring requests to God, it is His good pleasure to say yes, no or wait, depending on His will in this situation. Science can do nothing to prove or disprove anything in the spiritual or metaphysical realm. They can only deal with things of the physical realm.

Answer 3

this is interesting to read... but i feel i must disagree with whatever "evidence" this article presented that says prayer doesn't work. first of all, you cannot test god. it says so in the bible. so if someone tries to test god's power, for example, by doing this experiment and seeing if prayer actually works, it will not. and the bible also says that while we may not get an answer to prayer right away, or in the form we want it, we must have faith that god hears us and he will do what he thinks is best and what fits with his plan for us individually. so while this experiment seemingly proves prayer does not work and there is no god, one must consider that faith plays a huge part in prayer and prayer working in one's life, and experiments done to prove or disprove god's power don't work. i appreciated your question, though...

rosie b

also, i agree with you that some people would give you a thumbs down because they don't want to read anything tht contradicts their beliefs, but what those people dont understand is that through doubt and questions, one can strengthen their beliefs. if martin luther didnt dare and step out and doubt the way the old catholic church was running things, we'd have a meaningless religion not focused on god's saving grace.

Answer 4

Prayer only works when those praying and/or being prayed for have true belief and faith in it. If someone truly believes it won't help, it likely won't. This goes the same for many other things, such as the practice of magick and even medicine.

Answer 5

I agree, that's very interesting! It shows the power that our own minds have in healing. I totally believe that positive thinking brings about results.
But now about the prayer thing. We pray to God for healing of a loved one, God answers our prayers. The answer might not be "sure, all better" it might be "no, this is in My plan" . Our prayer are always answered, just not always in the way we want

Answer 6

I am a Christian who respects the brilliant minds of science. I read about this study and I have one thing to say:

God has answered every single prayer I have ever brought before Him. My communion with Him is sweeter when I am before Him in prayer. I believe the words of Jesus Christ, who said, ask and it shall be given to you.

He is a faithful God, and I trust Him with every aspect of my life.

Answer 7

All it proves is that prayers are not asking for something, prayers are giving thanks for what we already have.
Try studying metaphysics.

Answer 8

It doesn't matter. The faithful are immune to reason.

Answer 9

prayed for with faith or without?

Answer 10

Were any of them Mormon - if not, maybe that's why there was no difference...no Priesthood blessing used....