Praying for an Athiest

[EvianBaby]

I have thought long and hard about venturing into this topic as I usually do my best to avoid it but I would be interested to hear others thoughts on something.

If as an athiest, you (or someone close to you) became ill, how would you feel about someone religious saying they will be praying for you?

Would you take any comfort from it or would you be annoyed/offended by it and maybe even ask them not to?

Or as someone with religion, would you pray for someone even if you knew they were athiest? Would it make any difference to you?

I'd really appreciate it if answers could just be kept to personal opinions on the question and avoid any arguments over who's right and who's wrong, etc.

Thanks!

[Toby570]

I would be indifferent towards anyone praying for me. How they want to waste their spare time is entirely up to them.

[boxtops]

My view would be that I wouldn't mind at all - and I know that people of different religions have prayed for me at times in my life. It's the fact that people are supportive and thinking enough about me in my time of trouble to want to try to help which matters to me - the way they go about it isn't important. I would pray for someone of a different religion, or no religion at all, if I thought it would help.

[Ankou]

"If as an athiest, you (or someone close to you) became ill, how would you feel about someone religious saying they will be praying for you?"

it wouldn't phase me if thats what they wanted to do. i'd presume they were doing it to make themselves feel better for doing it as i believe prayer would have no no bearing on the outcome.

"Would you take any comfort from it or would you be annoyed/offended by it and maybe even ask them not to?"

nope. if it made them happy its fine by me.

"Or as someone with religion, would you pray for someone even if you knew they were athiest? Would it make any difference to you?"

n/a

[douglas9401]

I'd say that the prayer would take comfort in trying to help through their faith and it would be churlish to complain. Unless of course the aetheist feared a miracle cure turning their own belief system upside down. :)

I have it on good authority that my mother in law prays for me regularly, I in turn wish she could make a decent cup of coffee.

[ludwig]

// If as an athiest, you (or someone close to you) became ill, how would you feel about someone religious saying they will be praying for you? //

It wouldn't bother me. I'd just think it's nice that they care.

// Would you take any comfort from it or would you be annoyed/offended by it and maybe even ask them not to? //

I wouldn't be annoyed or offended, but I wouldn't take any comfort from it either.

[sandyRoe]

You might take some comfort from the thought that someone held you in such high esteem and was worried about you.

[jason.p]

I certainly wouldn't be offended. I might even take comfort that someone felt they were giving love and comfort in the best way they can.

[Ankou]

a get well soon card would do.

[flip_flop]

Pretty much exactly what Ludwig has said.

I would think they were kind for caring, but as there is no god and therefore the power prayer is worthless, I wouldn't take comfort from it.

[flip_flop]

Should read power of prayer

[RATTER15]

No strong feelings about it but I would rather they didn't waste their time really.

A few time theists have said they will pray for me, I usually just smile at them, they get the message :)

[China Doll]

My mum prays for me all the time. She's very religious and this is part of her way of showing she cares. It doesn't bother me at all although not really comforting in any way.

[RATTER15]

However, If a vicar or priest arrived at me death bed!!!! I would soon be out my death bed with my hands around his throat!!

[naomi24]

If it made them feel better, they could do as they pleased as long as they didn't do it around me. I wouldn't take any comfort in it.

[sandyRoe]

Even though I know it's a thankless task I still mention ABers, and especially AB atheists, in my morning and evening prayers.

[andy-hughes]

I think it's nice if people wish to make that effort - but indifference is my instant reaction.

[Ankou]

china doll, i bet you would raise an eyebrow if she phoed you one day and said 'i've stopped praying for you'!

sandy, thank you.

[humbersloop]

Thank you Sandy.

[China Doll]

I'd be quite pleased Ankou, she's a little more involved in her religion and church than I think is entirely healthy ;0)

[Ankou]

lol ! aren't they all ?