In October, following a deadly mass shooting, President Obama said, “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. It’s not enough."
Senator Chris Murphy, (D- Conn) tweets “Your ‘thoughts’ should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your ‘prayers’ should be for forgiveness if you do nothing – again,” The New York Daily News headline, about the mass murders in San Bernardino, declares in bold typeface, "God Isn't Fixing This." Do those who do not believe in God have a right to criticize the motives and intentions, the actions and attitudes, of those who do? Isn't it the height of hypocrisy to suggest that by praying, a believer is wasting time and resources? If atheist's think that belief in God is superstition, than what value is there in complaining that believers are wasting their time praying or asking God for help? Wouldn't that suggest atheists are doing exactly what they are criticising believers for doing, hoping for something that is never going to happen? Atheists consider themselves as pragmatic. They see no value in believing that an unseen, unprovable force is going to offer any help in dealing with everyday life. So they condemn Christians, in particular, for looking to God to offer solace, comfort and support, or to make the world a better, safer place to live. A politician, like Senator Murphy, arrogantly complains that prayer is inaction, suggesting that looking to politicians like him, to 'do something' would be more productive. Talk about being self absorbed! Let me draw a parallel: I never offer criticism on music. I know what I like, but since I cannot read music, cannot carry a tune, and cannot play any instruments, I believe it would be presumptuous of me to attack the presentation or structure of a musical rendition. What do I know about it? It's OK to say I don't like it, but it is not OK for me to suggest I know more about instrumental arrangements or the selection of musical keys, because I don't. How about language? You will never catch me going to Mexico and telling the locals they are using their own language wrong! No way Jose! What do atheists, or nonbelievers know about prayer? What do they know about God? Isn't it a bit presumptuous for them to even pretend to speak about the value or effectiveness of prayer? Sure, they can read all about religion. The precepts and the foundations of religious belief, but if a person has never come to know about God, in a very personal way, whether it is a Christian God, an Islamic God, a Hindu God, or whatever, reading about believing in something greater than yourself is a concept self-centered people just can't comprehend. In fact, it is anathema to their narcissism. |
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January 2025
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