2007-06-03 04:41:59 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"One of the most condescending things a theist can do to an atheist is to make a point of announcing that they'll be praying for us. Atheists don't believe in the power of prayer, but even theists can't think that prayer will be more effective for having announced. So what's the purpose? Some say that it's to express well-wishes, but people say that they'll pray for someone when the person is sick or having trouble. One way or another, the theist appears to be expressing superiority over atheists in a passive-aggressive manner. That suggests they weren't interested in serious conversation to begin with."
2007-06-03 04:44:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yeah. Christians trying to care for you and wishing good things for you, thats really awful.
So what you don't believe! I'd be really glad if a buddist came to me and said he would pray for me. Even if an atheist came to me and said: "hey, i'm goint to take 5 minutes of my time to think about stuff and you are goint to be among this stuff", i'd feel happy.
When i tell someone i'm going to pray for them (which i usually don't, i pray for people without anouncing), all i want to say is exacly that i'll pray for the person. Thats all! I'll pray for the persons well been, for his or hers spiritual and physical health and for the God in which I believe in to help that person as much as he can.
You might not believe in God, but explain to me exactly how do you find this ofensive?
(and based on some awnsers to this question you really find it offensive)
You "angry atheist people" amaze me sometimes.... I'll remember all of you in my prayers
Paz de Cristo
2007-06-03 12:03:13 · answer #2 · answered by Emiliano M. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think it's more an expression of a conviction that there is a logic and love that orders the cosmos, and they hope that whatever that logic and love might be, that it will overshadow you with kindness and generosity. But then again, some might use such a statement as an exasperated curse in the face of another person's persistent belligerance.
2007-06-03 11:50:39 · answer #3 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It shows that they think you made a wrong decision and that you don't really know what is going on. They are saying they pity you. Many of them even have been in your situation before. They could think they are looking at themselvs once. It, in their eyes, is YOU are the 5 yr. old believing in Santa, whilst THEY are the ones thinking the other is wrong.
2007-06-03 11:56:14 · answer #4 · answered by Silmiss 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it means.......they believe in God and they want to ask God to intervene on your behalf whether you believe in him or not. It simply means the person cares about you, is worried about you, wants good things for you, wants to ask God to bring good things to you, maybe not something material, but maybe good health, wisdom, peace in life, a solution to a problem. Think about the context of the comment and see if you can figure out what they think you might need from God. Mostly, be appreciative that someone wants to pray for you.
2007-06-03 11:47:31 · answer #5 · answered by Amy27 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When someone is going through some hard times the best thing we can do for them is to pray for them.
2007-06-03 11:46:17 · answer #6 · answered by jack 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But seriously, how many times do they say that, and then not follow through? I think it's all just show! They don't really get down on their knees and say " Oh please God, save poor Luci from the retched demons that possess her." LOL!
At least the 5 year old is for real!
2007-06-03 11:50:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless they are saying it to avoid conversaton about something important, or just saying it to say it...it can refferred to as that Santa thing. But, if it is genuine, then I don't think so.
2007-06-03 11:50:53 · answer #8 · answered by Harlequin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep
2007-06-03 11:47:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No........the 5 year old wanting you to believe in Santa is more understandable
2007-06-03 11:46:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋