sophie

Mageth : For a few class of mental problems, some console themselves with prayer in the hope the problems will disappear.

From what I have heard, it works for some but not on all. They are both supposed to mask the real problem.

Mageth

For a few class of mental problems, some console themselves with prayer in the hope the problems will disappear.

A lot of people pray for solutions to a lot more than "a few class of mental problems."

From what I have heard, it works for some but not on all. They are both supposed to mask the real problem.

Sure, prayer may have some effect at consoling some people's mental state, or even as a placebo cure for other problems.

Ibuprofen, which I mentioned jokingly and just as an example, may at times have some placebo effect, but also has real physiological effects, such as reducing swelling and fever, which may do more than just "mask" a real problem; it may actually help in healing the real problem. And other medications and medical/psychiatric treatments may indeed do more than mask the real problem.

Aravnah Ornan

The last church that I attended taught that prayer is for our benefit, not G-d's, since it reinforces in the believer's mind the belief that G-d is in charge.

CaptainOfOuterSpace

So essentially this church taught that prayer is nothing more than repeating to oneself, "G-d exists! :banghead: G-d exists! :banghead: G-d exists :banghead: ... G-d exists! :banghead:." Well golly, enough of that will take one's mind off anything!

Doctor X

People wished they had control over things they cannot control.

--J.D.

triplew00t

Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day; give him a religion, and he'll starve to death while praying for a fish. ~Author Unknown

My personal favorite:

Pray, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy.
~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, 1911

Nero

Barcode

It really irritates me when someone says " I will pray for you " since it tends to be more about *them* and *their* response to the situation than genuine concern for me.

It seems to have the benefit of convincing the believer they are *doing* something useful (assuming talking to the extra voice in your imagination is useful) and providing a psychological comfort when situations seem beyond their control.

I'll take reality over praying to something that doesn't exist, and even if he does exist he can't intervene since we're supposed to have free will according to Christians ...

So what could possibly be the point of prayer other than for it to be used as an emotional crutch?

The Other Michael

You could always ask them to give you money instead - I have the impression that there is even a bibilical admonition that they should do that if asked.

cheers,
Michael

sophie

Doctor X : Perhaps for some of the cases. yeh.