My relative is currently undergoing cancer treatment, everybody in the hospital asks me to pray to God for inner strength, but i am an atheist, who should i 'pray' to?
2007-03-20 17:46:18 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you are really an atheist, than the entire concept of praying for things should be irrational and ridiculous. Praying is another way of saying "hoping" or "wishing." If you want something in life, you do everything in your power to make it happen, and you accept that you are a human being, and that some things are out of your hands to control or affect.
In this case, you can research the kind of cancer, and search out any similar cases where people recovered. You can ask experts for advice. You can, if you are so inclined, learn about the mechanisms of cancer, and work to find a cure yourself. You can be a positive influence on your relative, since it has been proven that healing is affected by a persons mental attitude.
For yourself, you can seek out support groups of people who have had relatives with cancer. You can get counseling. You can read books on the power of positive thinking and you can talk to other HUMAN BEINGS about how you are feeling.
THESE are the REAL things that will make a difference, not talking to an imaginary space fairy.
2007-03-20 17:58:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You say you are an athiest. You don't have to pray to anything/anyone. You, as an "atheist" believe in the minimal chance that there is a God or gods or the disbelief in either. You can pray to the person in need, including yourself, friends, and family considering they are in need also.
You can pray for help, strength to deal, sacrifice, anything.
But, know that life sometimes will have it's bumps, curves, and near misses in the road. And know that death will know all of our family members, close ones, and ourselves.
You should ask yourself, as an atheist, why you would need to ask who to pray to, in itself, only when you disbelieve what you think. Why do you think you need to pray at all, if you believe something, then you believe it.
Hope for inner strength, and offer to those you can, including your family in need, and especially your relative undergoing treatment. Look inwards.
2007-03-20 19:49:30 · answer #2 · answered by poo_eating_dino 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I am a Christian, so when I pray, I pray to God. Since you don't believe in God, would it really matter then if you prayed to a God you don't believe in? What could it hurt? If God isn't real, then what's the worst thing that could happen by praying? If praying gives you comfort, go ahead and do so - even if you don't believe in the God you are praying to. My sister always encourages me to rely on my own inner strength to see me through the hard times. I have had many trials and traumatic events in my life and I can say that while I DO pray to God and believe He has seen me through these events in my life, I also believe that He gave me inner strength to cope with all that has happened. Rely on your inner strength, deep breathing and perhaps even meditation. Exercise, such as walking, jogging or going to the gym work wonders for helping with stress, as exercise releases endorphins that help a person to have a more positive outlook. I'm so sorry to hear about your relative's cancer, and I sincerely hope he/she will get better soon. I know you don't believe in God, but I hope you will accept my best wishes for your relative and will not be offended if I pray for him or her.
2007-03-20 17:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
If you are an atheist i didn't think you would pray to anyone.. but dint get me wrong I'm a Christian so i most definitely believe in the power of prayer.
If your not comfy praying to GOD then you can call him what ever you want.. I called him super dude for a very long time..
or you could ask others to pray for you...
Pray to what ever/who ever gives you hope.. it's a start!
Good luck and God Bless
2007-03-20 17:56:55 · answer #4 · answered by allyn h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do you feel when you think of "good".I'm am nonreligious.I have strong spiritual beliefs but I also believe GOD is good.I believe God is to be all the goodness around all the spirits and souls who have for taken of this realm.I have had way to many "things" happen to me,for me to EVER believe else wise.As for what other religions may think and who really is right or wrong.I just know I believe in goodness and karma.I treat others as I want to be treated.When I pray I pray to God as god is my strength in the good things that happen in the people who have passed away.I have learned threw losing someone close to me and facing death myself that I now know being aware is one of the best gifts we as humans have.Open yourself up more and you will soon discover that you may be able to feel things a lot different.When something spiritual hits you it will change you forever,you will never second question it again,well for me anyways.I know God is good!! I know it sounds corny but its true.As in good meaning nature,earth,the elements,animals,humans,the things that make living existence..Good as in spiritual inner thoughts and beliefs that only really open-minded individuals can understand.Also known as the truth!! For some its just harder to take or handle.I wish the best for your relative and send good thoughts positive energy your way.Remember not all religions think as God in the same manner but we all think of God as good.
2007-03-20 18:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by sweetie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you want inner strength.... look inside.
If you just want strength, you can depend on your family, friends, anyone close to you. With your family, you can empathize and support each other because you know each other's pain so well. With friends, you'll be able to spread the burden, allow them to support you while you do what you can to support your relative. Hopefully this will make the difficult time more bearable. Best wishes to you and your family.
2007-03-20 21:18:43 · answer #6 · answered by Phil 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change your religon. have u ever tried reading the bible or giving god a chance. i guess i've never understand atheist's like u said who do u rely on for inner strength???? if u don't want to change religons then rely on family members and close friends for strength
2007-03-20 17:58:43 · answer #7 · answered by help 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheists fare no worse than relgious people in dire situations. When relgious people "turn to God" for strength, what they are really doing is relying on a construct they have created for themselves in their own minds.
A religous person gets his or her strength from themselves, plus a little help from their loved ones. Atheists get strength from the exact same places.
2007-03-20 17:52:01 · answer #8 · answered by Skippy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
pray to God if you want to, it's not like you are being monitored by the Atheist Police or something. Who cares, if it would make you feel better?
2007-03-20 18:00:31 · answer #9 · answered by ajj085 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray, I don't know. Try to deal? Life is all about beauty and sorrow, just like in nature, they go hand in hand. The rainbow and volcano are two extremes of a prefect thing (nature). Be a calm comfort to your relative, listen and be there, that is all you can do. This is their experiencing of cancer and your experience of dealing with a loved one with cancer. It will hurt, it will teach, and perhaps it is an opportunity for both of you to sit quietly with each other and just BE.
My love to you and yours.
2007-03-20 17:54:29 · answer #10 · answered by crct2004 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋