Athiests - Question for you.?

Question

Honestly, have you ever caught yourself praying to a God that you do not believe exists. Either in time of trouble (Help God) or when something good happens (Thank God) . Or cursing a God you believe does not exist. God D*** it! or JESUS CHRIST!!!!!

Answer 1

No. But I do often use common English phrases like "God damn it" and "Christ on a pogo stick", which actually have nothing to do with religion any more. They convey a meaning that many can understand. I certainly hope no one religious would use those phrases.

Answer 2

Ever since I stopped believing in God, I have not prayed. In times of trouble, if I feel like I need help I reach out to people. Phones seems to work a lot better than prayers, which is basically like talking to yourself. I do sometimes say Jesus Christ! or God Dammit, but only as figures of speech.

Answer 3

Hmm the other day I called the jury line to see if I had to go in for jury duty.
I found my self chanting "no no no no" as the call went through and they started playing the message.
I don't think I was praying more than wishing...It worked but doesn't always.
Sometimes wishes do come true if you do the whole "Star light, star bright, I wish I may, I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight" ;)
Basically I guess I am saying is I may verbalize my wishes but I don't consider it prayer and I don't consider it to work.
I do have some opinions on positive thinking and even collective positive thinking.
And the cussing thing...yeah I do but I was raised by a truck driver so it comes with the territory.

Answer 4

I have never prayed for help even when German shells came down like rain. Some Atheists do use the expressions that you mention, but only as expressions.
When someone says you're a big lug. He's not worshipping the great god Lugh.
When the expression " by jove " is used it's in no way worshipping Jove, the common name of Jupiter.

Answer 5

I often say goodbye to people, on parting company. But that does not mean I'm wishing god to be with them. It's a term that no longer has a religious context. Same applies with your curses.

Saying that, I can't recall ever using God/Jesus in my cursing.

Answer 6

Nope. Through it all, I've never turned to god in a time of trouble. I've been in a horrible war where I was nearly killed, was in an auto accident where there was a fatality, and have had quadruple cardiac bypass surgery. From where I stand, I might as well pray to Santa Claus.

Answer 7

Nope.

What does cursing have to do with praying? Why are so many believers so willing to make the obviously false claim that using a Christian-themed curse suggests secretly believing? Wouldn't you think that if your belief system had any real basis, you wouldn't need to resort to such flimsy arguments?

Answer 8

Saying "Goddamnit!" and "Thank god!" are not prayers, they are expressions that we have been conditioned to use throughout our lives. Just like expressions such as "What the f**k?!" and "What the hell?!" They have no deeper meaning other than being expressions.

As far as praying in times of need, no I do not. I believe prayer to be ineffective and I am too old to talk to imaginery friends. If I want to improve something in my life, I will do so myself.

Answer 9

Nope. I am not an Atheist tho. I pray to the God or Goddess that embodies enlightment in that area of my life. It is comforting ritual and often opens me up to really find the answers I need. To each his or her own.

Answer 10

Praying,no.Shouting something like jesus christ when I stub my toe,yes.
It's just common phraseology in the English language.
Do you refer to the days of the week by their names because you are paying reverence to the ancient gods?