Editor's Blog6 mins ago
Whose Prayers Are Answered?
96 Answers
But many have prayed in vain for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. In fact, some feel that God does not really listen to prayers. Yet, the Bible calls him the “Hearer of prayer.”—Psalm 65:2.
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LazyG, my point is - one have to have belief in someone or something and ask that it / thing to answer their plea or help to answer their plea.
A person who does not believe in God or in anything cannot claim their prayers are answered or not answered because they have not asked anyone or anything for help in answering their prayers.
However, they may claim their wish has come true if their desire has so come to pass.
A person who does not believe in God or in anything cannot claim their prayers are answered or not answered because they have not asked anyone or anything for help in answering their prayers.
However, they may claim their wish has come true if their desire has so come to pass.
"Have you thoroughly investigated whether the theory of evolution has a real foundation in fact?"
Yes my friend. Unless you believe that the Devil put fossils into rock strata it isn't to difficult to explain to a person with an open mind - but you have to take some time off the door knocking round and go and look.
Yes my friend. Unless you believe that the Devil put fossils into rock strata it isn't to difficult to explain to a person with an open mind - but you have to take some time off the door knocking round and go and look.
@ Society. My point still stands though, I think. Were believers the recipients of prayer from a divine entity that listened and responded them, there would be material evidence of that effect - and there isn't, beyond anecdotal.
These studies I mention were believers earnestly praying to their god on behalf of others, who were unaware of these prayers. These were people who have a belief in someone or something. These were asking that it answer their pleas. The evidence suggests they went unheard.
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These studies I mention were believers earnestly praying to their god on behalf of others, who were unaware of these prayers. These were people who have a belief in someone or something. These were asking that it answer their pleas. The evidence suggests they went unheard.
http://
@Society, well, no, not really. Those that have faith in the power of prayer talk about it's power to materially effect the world around them, but there is no evidence at all to support that.
There is evidence that those who pray feel better in themselves, more at peace, more relaxed or what have you - but those effects can just as easily be achieved through a spell of meditation or some positive thinking exercises, it seems to me - and again, certainly that is what studies suggest.
So if a believer wishes to claim that prayer works, they should attach a substantial caveat to it rather than to blithely assert as objective fact an effect on the material world.
There is evidence that those who pray feel better in themselves, more at peace, more relaxed or what have you - but those effects can just as easily be achieved through a spell of meditation or some positive thinking exercises, it seems to me - and again, certainly that is what studies suggest.
So if a believer wishes to claim that prayer works, they should attach a substantial caveat to it rather than to blithely assert as objective fact an effect on the material world.
GL You don't know what you are talking about ! The ' Origin of Life ' has nothing to do with 'Evolution' They are two totally different subjects.
Put it another way you may never know the 'Cause' of something but you can see the 'Effects' over a period of time . That's Evolution '.
Neither theists nor atheists know what Caused the universe but we can all see the Effects and how it is still Evolving '. : Evolution
You can give the Cause any fancy name you like from God to Pink Unicorns
but you don't 'know' what it is , however an Effect can be seen and see how it Evolves. : Evolution
Put it another way you may never know the 'Cause' of something but you can see the 'Effects' over a period of time . That's Evolution '.
Neither theists nor atheists know what Caused the universe but we can all see the Effects and how it is still Evolving '. : Evolution
You can give the Cause any fancy name you like from God to Pink Unicorns
but you don't 'know' what it is , however an Effect can be seen and see how it Evolves. : Evolution
goodlife quotes Richard C. Lewontin
“That materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.” Hence, materialists embrace the only alternative they have—evolution, you poor lot.
That claim is quite backwards.
By definition the faithful are unable to contemplate any scenario that is not consistent with their doctrine. The foot of their god is jammed in the door and it is they who have no alternative.
In contrast, materialistic interpretations of the world are quite capable of contemplating the concept of a god if there was the slightest objective evidence to support the hypothesis.
But there is no evidence. Moreover there is an increasing amount of evidence that god are not involved in what happens to us.
What is clear is that the belief in gods underpins much of the trouble that goes on in the world.
“That materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.” Hence, materialists embrace the only alternative they have—evolution, you poor lot.
That claim is quite backwards.
By definition the faithful are unable to contemplate any scenario that is not consistent with their doctrine. The foot of their god is jammed in the door and it is they who have no alternative.
In contrast, materialistic interpretations of the world are quite capable of contemplating the concept of a god if there was the slightest objective evidence to support the hypothesis.
But there is no evidence. Moreover there is an increasing amount of evidence that god are not involved in what happens to us.
What is clear is that the belief in gods underpins much of the trouble that goes on in the world.
Society, If I pray every morning for the sun to rise, does the fact that the sun rises prove the existence of god? If I pray for it to not rise and it rises does that prove the non-existence of god.?
Of course there may be more people praying for the sun to rise than to not rise. So what does god do when there is a conflict of prayers? possibly what he always does..s0d all.
Of course there may be more people praying for the sun to rise than to not rise. So what does god do when there is a conflict of prayers? possibly what he always does..s0d all.
Funny how God gets recognition for prayers apparently answered, but is never criticised for the millions of prayers that go unanswered. An anecdote for which I make no apology. Picture a woman whose first confinement almost killed her, having her second baby. After twelve worrying days of slow labour and concern over the health of both mother and child, the baby was finally born. The reaction from a God-fearing woman? ‘Now you have something to thank God for’. Work it out, Goodlife. The bible lies.
Back to prayer, “If” your prayers are to be answered, we must approach God with humility. (Ps. 138:6) We should ask Jehovah to examine us, as David did when he said: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart.
Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.” (Ps. 139:23, 24)
So not only pray but also submit to God’s examination and the counsel of his Word. Jehovah can lead you in “the way of time indefinite,” helping you to pursue a course leading to everlasting life.
From, another former atheist, also in Japan, later made these comments: ‘I had attended a university, participated in the activities of Communism, pursued pleasure, and now was a married woman. But I was surprised one day to learn from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses what the Bible says that God’s government will do for this earth and what life will really be like then.
I read some of the Watch Tower books, including one entitled “Is the Bible Really the Word of God?” From what I read I could see that these people have something, a confidence based on the objective truths of the Bible, a record free from hypocrisy, a willingness to risk their lives for what they believe.
I wanted to attend their meetings. And I began to pray, “If God does exist, please teach me.” Soon I realized that I had found what I was searching for. If even in a small way, I want to show Jehovah my appreciation for his mercy in letting me hear the “good news.
Now say, doubtless you think of yourself as an atheist, convinced that God does not exist. Or perhaps, Well,
God may exist or he may not; but since you have no way of knowing, it does not make too much difference.
Alternatively, you may be what the Encyclopædia Britannica calls a “practical atheist.” Perhaps you believe in God; but your belief makes no practical difference in your life.
Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.” (Ps. 139:23, 24)
So not only pray but also submit to God’s examination and the counsel of his Word. Jehovah can lead you in “the way of time indefinite,” helping you to pursue a course leading to everlasting life.
From, another former atheist, also in Japan, later made these comments: ‘I had attended a university, participated in the activities of Communism, pursued pleasure, and now was a married woman. But I was surprised one day to learn from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses what the Bible says that God’s government will do for this earth and what life will really be like then.
I read some of the Watch Tower books, including one entitled “Is the Bible Really the Word of God?” From what I read I could see that these people have something, a confidence based on the objective truths of the Bible, a record free from hypocrisy, a willingness to risk their lives for what they believe.
I wanted to attend their meetings. And I began to pray, “If God does exist, please teach me.” Soon I realized that I had found what I was searching for. If even in a small way, I want to show Jehovah my appreciation for his mercy in letting me hear the “good news.
Now say, doubtless you think of yourself as an atheist, convinced that God does not exist. Or perhaps, Well,
God may exist or he may not; but since you have no way of knowing, it does not make too much difference.
Alternatively, you may be what the Encyclopædia Britannica calls a “practical atheist.” Perhaps you believe in God; but your belief makes no practical difference in your life.
Naomi, I will join you on that one lol, I think however it will take more than that to silence him. Brain washing is not easy to undo. I feel sorry for him to be honest, I really hope that one day he will wake up and start living a real life. I have a good friend that is JW, she is 19 years old and just thrown out of her house for having a non JW boyfriend, it really is sickening!!
Ratter@
This is most unusual. I have never known this. Are you sure you have your facts right? JWs love their children and would not throw them out.
You heard the story from who? The person involved or hearsay? Did the person choose to leave home because she did not want to continue following Bible principles? But at the age of 19 it would not necessarily be a case of “throwing them out” she is an adult not a child.
This is most unusual. I have never known this. Are you sure you have your facts right? JWs love their children and would not throw them out.
You heard the story from who? The person involved or hearsay? Did the person choose to leave home because she did not want to continue following Bible principles? But at the age of 19 it would not necessarily be a case of “throwing them out” she is an adult not a child.
Why are millions of people studying the Bible with the Witnesses? How are these studies conducted? Are students expected to become Witnesses themselves? At the very least, you are entitled to truthful answers.
So do not listen to prejudicial hearsay, or rumor, but search for the facts. Says the Bible at Proverbs 14:15: “A simple man believes every word he hears; a clever man understands the need for proof.”
So do not listen to prejudicial hearsay, or rumor, but search for the facts. Says the Bible at Proverbs 14:15: “A simple man believes every word he hears; a clever man understands the need for proof.”
Goodlife, speaking of facts, how about you answering my question here? You’ll be the first self-proclaimed believer to do so.
http://
I’ve checked my copy of your bible, and the event is recorded there.
http://
I’ve checked my copy of your bible, and the event is recorded there.
Naomi@ Yes I have looked at it. So, you claim to have studied the Bible.
What do you think it means? Why ask me because you don’t really want to know what I think. After all I don’t put my own interpretation on it, it is what the Bible says. When you look at the Bible you have to remember that it can be both literal and symbolic.
What do you think it means? Why ask me because you don’t really want to know what I think. After all I don’t put my own interpretation on it, it is what the Bible says. When you look at the Bible you have to remember that it can be both literal and symbolic.
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