There seem to be many positive effects of prayer, for example. Studies show that patients who pray heal faster and prayer tends to lower stress levels.
Can an atheist reap the benefits with the knowledge that it is a placebo effect?
2007-08-31 08:37:36 · 24 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm an atheist. Read the whole question.
2007-08-31 08:44:09 · update #1
From the studies I've seen, prayer works when the patient is praying. Praying does not work in double-blind studies. But this is far from my question.
2007-08-31 08:45:13 · update #2
Prayer can induce a meditative state. Studies have shown that praying actually does better than a placebo, but about the same as someone who meditates, so it is not the prayer that does anything, but the state of relaxation and calmness.
So, know that your fate is in your hands, and you need to give your body the best chance it has. Eat right, meditate to achieve a calm state, try and remain calm throughout the day.
Give praise to Osiris/Zeus/Odin/the FSM/your favorite fantasy sky pixie when you get better. - a sense of humor is great.
2007-08-31 08:58:28 · answer #1 · answered by Simon T 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Meditation and positive affirmations which I think are what prayer is anyway. I think these techniques can help affect things you have the power to change anyway and give you a psychological lift. The only scientific study I am aware of on the effectiveness of prayer for others recovering from illness however has shown it to be ineffective.
There is a great book on the positive side effects of religion and how atheists can derive them without the supernatural beliefs. Its called "Secular Wholeness" and is available on Amazon.
2007-08-31 15:44:53 · answer #2 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the part that "heals" or "lower's" stress when we pray is the true 100% belief that the problem is in God's hands...
If an atheist tried that, They wouldn't be 100%, because well you know, they don't believe they are giving the problem away to anyone.
2007-08-31 15:46:38 · answer #3 · answered by chersa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its directly related to believing that prayer works. So I don't really think it would work for an atheist. Meditation, focus, that sort of thing, maybe. Not prayer, though.
2007-08-31 15:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by Linz ♥ VT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The knowledge of the placebo effect might hinder reaping its benefits.
2007-08-31 15:45:46 · answer #5 · answered by Christy ☪☮e✡is✝ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've practiced Buddhist and Hindu meditation techniques, whilst retaining my atheist cherry.
The real purpose of "Yoga" is to still the body, then the mind. This eventually leads to what you have to call "mystic" "trances" (because there are really no better terms); but there are also plenty of reasons why it's handy in practical life.
2007-08-31 15:42:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
What a lot of crap!
Studies have shown that prayer has NO EFFECT, as if a study really needed to be done..
People who make up their own ficticious study results are no more than liars and frauds.
2007-08-31 15:44:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
That's weird because i read an entire book that says scientific studies have proved that in double blind experiments, prayer made no difference for the person that was sick...
2007-08-31 15:42:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
positive thinking
you know I believe in God , but I also know how prayer works and I am all for it
and knowing how it works , doesnt make it work any less
you are amazing , your body is amazing and knowing how amazing it is can heal you from many things
ha bet you didnt expect this one
nana nana na na
2007-08-31 15:44:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Positive attitudes reap positive results.
2007-08-31 15:43:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋