Why do christians pray? [Spirituality & Religion]

@SW-User [quote] At least not real ones [/quote]
The old "no true Scotsman" fallacy.

@SW-User 🤗 Thank you!

@Babylon [quote]she was equating asking from God in prayer to be the same as knowing better or requesting to "change the plan" (if I'm not mistaken) ._.[/quote]

You are mistaken. My point is that, if whatever one asks for is part of one's god's plan, one must believe it will come about reqardless of one's prayer. If, however, it is not part of the plan, the request anounts to asking the plan be changed.

@Sharon [quote]Why do christians pray?
According to the christian myth, their god has this great plan and always does what's best for us. Praying amounts to asking it to do something it hadn't thought of doing. Isn't it rather arrogant of them to presume they know better than their "almighty god"? [/quote]
[quote]The point is, christians frequently claim their god has a perfect plan for us all so asking him/her/it to change it to suit them seems to be rather arrogant [/quote]
Please re-read your words. Clearly you can retract your statements but you can't act like you didn't say this ._.

And in both cases, you assume we know what is a part of the plan which requires you to explain why and where you got this thinking from 😪
IF we knew we weren't getting something, then obviously it would mean we're requesting something we are not going to get. That still won't mean we "know better." I see where you're coming from but just make sure that in the future if you wanna talk about religions that you do it justly. I'm not a Christian and would teach against it but I don't like any misrepresentation of any group's beliefs. Even those I cannot support

@Babylon [quote]you assume we know what is a part of the plan[/quote]
Where do you get that idea from? Nothing in my OP suggests that at all.

[quote]IF we knew we weren't getting something, then obviously it would mean we're requesting something we are not going to get.[/quote]
Of course we could be asking for something we wee going to get anyway but just didn't know at the time. In such cases however, the request is superfluous as it achieves nothing.

You're criticism is aimed at a strawman.

@SW-User Thank you. It's good to find there are some Christians who can answer a question about their beliefs without resorting to abuse.

@NortiusMaximus
Grew out...you might have never become a member of the church.

@NortiusMaximus [quote]I was too, it was common in those days, but then I grew up.[/quote]
Same here. It was a legal requirement for schools to attempt to indoctrinate us here in the UK.

@faseny I know I make mistakes. I only pray that I'm strong enuff to admit them. 😄

@Carazaa why does your good god send your evil god to do his work when your good god knows already the answer. I'm starting to believe now. I'm believing you're really an atheist trolling all of us because there's no way you can keep spouting off this content and actually continue to believe it.

@cherokeepatti How is that relevant to my question?

@cherokeepatti I think you can prove a negative

@Babylon [quote]I think you can prove a negative[/quote]

How? Can you give an example? Russell's Teapot suggests it isn't possible.

Proving lightening is caused by static electricity rather than Zeus doesn't prove Zeus doesn't live, nor that He isn't responsible for some lightening bolts or even the static electricity.

@carpediem I feel it is disrespectful, but I expect it since Jesus said that in the last day mockers would increase.

@carpediem [quote]You attack the very core beliefs of a Christian [/quote]
No, I question those beliefs.

[quote]As such you're not worth my time.[/quote]
Good riddance to you then.

[quote]No use for anyone like you in this world.[/quote]
Good, I don't want to be used by hate mongers like you.

@Carazaa [quote] Jesus said that in the last day mockers would increase.[/quote]
That would explain why some christians deliberately spout complete nonsense, thereby holding themselves up to ridicule to fulfill the "prophecy".

@hippyjoe1955 typical heretic thinking, current scientific theory holds that god used the glaciers to make a martini on the seventh day when he rested and watched football.

@GerOttman OK. If you say so.

@hippyjoe1955 now you're being sensible!

@Emosaur
You have no idea where my epistemology took me. You are a child.

@Emosaur
Okay...child was a derogatory term.
Your cynicism has fermented for at least 15 years.

@froggtongue My friends? Nani? My friends don't give a shit about bible study for the most part.

@froggtongue Exactly,That's why we have the 10 commandments! And one is [b]"you shall not murder"[/b]

@Carazaa unless you do so in the name of Yahweh. In which case, as many as you can.

@AthrillatheHunt [quote]Our creator does whatever our creator wants[/quote]
So praying to it is pointless.

@kodiac It doesn't seem to occur to them that they could make things worse if they pick the wrong god. ;)

@Sharon I probably did. I pray for empowerment.

@Zonuss Stop being silly.

@Zonuss [quote]Explain to us why people see objects that move by itself or see spirits[/quote]
There are several, perfectly rational, possible explanations. Gravity; hallucination; simple optical illusion. I don't exclude to possibility of ghosts but they're not necessarily the spirits of dead people.

@Abstraction [quote]Do you really want a thoughtful answer from a christian perspective [/quote]
Yes. Based on the evidince I'm aware of, praying make no sense. Additional evidence or an alternative [b]logical[/b] explanation of the evidence could prove helpful. Unfortunately, questioning christianity tends to attract childish insults and propaganda rather than reasoned debate. Members of other religions seem much more willing to discuss their beliefs in a reasonable manner.

@Sharon The Christian view is that in some sense all humans have an 'image' of God within us - flawed as it is, obviously way down the scale, but something about our consciousness and personhood reflects something in God - the essence of which is seen in who Jesus was. So prayer is viewed as a way of connecting with God, hopefully becoming a bit more like him - well, that can be hit and miss as you know ;) - and then prayer can also be cooperating with God so that rather than us simply thinking up things from our rather faulty, self-absorbed perspective - in prayer we become aligned with him. I also would say you can observe aspects of that 'image' in people who think the whole idea of God is nonsense, yet they care about justice, work towards making the world a better place, etc. (And the bible acknowledges that as well, actually.)

If I stood in your shoes, what I said here would sound like a strange rationalisation, i really get that. In my shoes, with my experiences, it makes sense.

@Abstraction [quote]The Christian view is that...[/quote]
Are you really a Christian? It's very rare that Christian admit their beliefs are just opinions, they usually state them as irrefutable proven facts.

[quote]in prayer we become aligned with him. [/quote]
OK, that's sounds reasonable from a believer's perspective. It doesn't answer the question of why Christians ask their god to change his plans though.

[quote]people who think the whole idea of God is nonsense, yet they care about justice, work towards making the world a better place, [/quote]
Those qualities are found in Atheists and members of other religions. Their is no objective reason to believe they originate from the Christian god.

[quote]If I stood in your shoes, what I said here would sound like a strange rationalisation, i really get that. In my shoes, with my experiences, it makes sense.[/quote]
I can understand how it would make sense to one who starts from the premise that their god exists. I know members of other religions who say much the same in relation to their beliefs.


It makes a pleasant change for a Christian to offer a polite, reasonable explanation of his or her beliefs, rather than insults and propaganda. Thank you.

@Sharon
Don’t project substance abuse on me you silly goose!

@SomeLikeItHot If you're not using mind altering substances, your medication isn't working. Go back to your physician or psychiatrist to review it.

@Sharon
Quit drinking vinegar.
I can smell your reek over the line!

@swirlie Prayer is worshipping,pleading,asking for things from God,thanking God. A solemn request.etc.
Meditation has many types..Vippasana (insight) meditation,Meditation on Emptiness etc.
Meditation is a set of techniques to gain focussed attention,a psychological aid (aids) that have been shown to have many Benefits.
Nothing to do with imagining oneself communicating with an imaginary being.

@Steve42 I'm not sure what you're trying to say here.

@Sharon you heard him. Don't stop moistening or Jevovah will kill you.

@Adogslife [quote]Some just do it with a quarter and a scratch ticket.[/quote]
Sometimes their prayers are answered. That proves beyond any shadow of doubt that Lady Luck lives! :)

@faseny [quote]Anything which cannot be definitively be proven remains a belief of a theory. [/quote]
Don't confuse everyday "theories with scientific theories. The latter are complete, coherent and consistent explanations of the evidence.

[quote]I have yet to meet anyone in my Branch of Christianity who is a dogmatic table thumper[/quote]
The bible thumpers would probably say you're not a true Christian. ;)

@faseny [quote]Bible thumpers have no proper understanding of the religion they claim to follow.[/quote]
They would say the same about you and other moderate Christians. The problem for any impartial third party is that there is no objective way of determining which group (if either) is correct.

[quote]either what we regard as supernatural or that there is a scientific one but we don't know enough yet to produce the formula. [/quote]
There's no real difference. The supernatural is just a term for some things we don't [b]currently[/b] have an explanation for. Therefore your second option is just a description of the first but, unlike the first, doesn't discourage or prohibit further investigation.

@Sharon
The rivers run deep with you 😂

@SomeLikeItHot Very deep and the rivers.

@billstickers
I have to act as dumb as her or she will delete my comments...a bit like an abusive spouse! 😝

@SW-User Which god though? You better get the right one but I suspect it would be whichever one you've heard most about in the environment you were bought up in.

In the situation you describe, some of us would pray to the great god Fuck. I've found He often answers my prayers as in "Oh Fuck, where did I put my keys?" Maybe you've prayed to Him too.

Oh any ole god will do I'm not picky. Thanks for the giggle.. 🙂

@Thevy29 [quote]Its good knowing some one there is listening.[/quote]
How can you know (as opposed to just believe) they're listening if they don't answer?

@Sharon If there is an all powerful entity out there and he was in charge of creation (I believe its a he, no woman could or would fuck things up so bad) Then he has a lot of stuff to do. And I wouldn't presume on our friendship.

Think of it as triage in the ER. If god doesn't answer you its because shit just got real else where.

@Elevatorpitches Yeah, nah.
1. Why does anyone do anything? Mostly because they want to, because it contributes to a set of broader goals. If people do something just because they are supposed to, I think they clearly lack reflection in their life and might be living a particularly dreary existence.

2. There are all kinds of religious people who have done things because they think they're supposed to, this is true. But I don't understand Christianity like that, it's not how I operate and neither does it reflect most of the Christians I know.

3. Why do I do the things I do? Because it aligns with what really matters; because I want to make a meaningful contribution and make a difference; because people matter and have an inherent dignity, especially the most vulnerable and even the most despicable. I don't do it from obligation. I do it because it matters.

@Abstraction congrats

@SW-User Care to elaborate? As it stands, your claim is meaningless.

@Tres13 🤨

@caesar7 That appears to mean you're just blindly following orders.

@Sharon No..I am a spiritualist but my catholic upbringing told us when Jesus spoke on the hill, he wanted us to learn and say the Lord's Prayer...then more came along....just saying....

@caesar7 As I recall, the [i]Pater noster[/i] is basically asking their god to do what it intends (or wants) to do. That seems nonsensical too.

@Emosaur It says no such thing - and he clearly demonstrated that to you. Again and again you spin on your own assumptions, that have no basis or logical reasoning that follows even the point you were trying to make. I mean - you're intellectually hindered (we noticed), but still...

To take your own SW profile - you're in serious need of listening to a reality check.

@SW-User How do you intend to explain yourself to Odin when you meet Him at the Doors to Valhalla? That meeting won't end well for you.

You cannot bend the spoon. That is impossible. Only realize that there is no spoon. And then you'll see that it is your mind that bends.

@froggtongue From The Matrix?
There's a Buddhist teaching that says the mind and what it sees (experiences) are not separate. We suffer the illusion of duality (me and everything else)..We label things as separate Can you separate your awareness of a cup from the cup itself?

@Entwistle Sober up and reread this question.

@hippyjoe1955 You must have very low standards if you consider Ecclesiastes good poetry. Now that really is hilarious! 🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣

@Sharon It has wisdom that you can't grasp. It is great poetry even when translated from its original Hebrew. Sadly for silly people like you it is completely lost. Kind of like a quadratic equation is lost on a monkey you too are lost when facing the depth of understanding Ecclesiastes provides. The joke is on you but you aren't bright enough to catch it which makes it even funnier. You remind me of a cat chasing a laser pointer. Never catching it but never giving up. Great fun for the person waving the light watching the silly animal think it is going to catch it this time for sure.

@hippyjoe1955 I see you've had to resort to childish insults as usual. You're so predictable.

@Sharon Exactly but objects like God created by humans can have immense power over real people whether those real people believe in them or not. Take Britannia for example. Uncle Sam for another.

@Sharon Hell is on Earth. There's got to be somewhere better than this...😅

@caesar7 [quote]There's got to be somewhere better than this.[/quote]
You can hope but that doesn't make it true.

@Carazaa No, you've simply attributed events to your god. You could just as easily and with equal validity have attributed them to any other god or mythical being. If I misplace something and say "Oh Fuck, where is it?", when I subsequently find it does that prove the Lord Fuck lives?

@Emosaur [quote]1. Personal testimony isn't evidence.[/quote]
It can be but, in court, it's tested by cross examination. As you allude to, I could say I have seen The Flying Spaghetti Monster do miracles for me and I know it is true! My claim would be no less valid.

@rob19 No... actually... we point out how stupid and ignorant of the issue nonbelievers are. The initial post here is case in point.

@SW-User Care to explain your objections or are childish insults the limit of your debating skills?

@Sharon Judging from his other relies on this site, it appears childish insults are his limit.

@Harriet03 In my experience, 🤞is more effective.

@Sharon not unless you close your eyes really tightly and think really hard.

@froggtongueand tap your toes together and whisper "No place like home, no place..."

@Sharon Some of the christians here are total scum.

@Emosaur Why are the majority of your quotes scriptures from the Old Testament?

@Karmalives 🤗God gives me joy and so much without me doing anything very often, like he opens doors and often without me even asking for anything. I am just so thankful and I am amazed how good he is. I love Jesus so much!💖

@Carazaa Well if it works dont fix it 😉

@Karmalives I find prayers to the Great God Fuck very effective. As in, "Oh Fuck, where did I leave my keys?" He answers my prayers by making them miraculously appear. That proves Fuck is real, He is so amazing.

@hippyjoe1955 Take care with using hallucinogens, they can cause irreversible damage.

@hippyjoe1955 Abuse deleted.

@Sharon [quote]If your god has a perfect plan but hasn't given you whatever it is you're praying for, don't you think there's a reason for it?[/quote]

Well you see, that's one thing that even Christians themselves don't always understand, including myself. Basically, it's either in God's plan and He doesn't want you to have it at the moment, or it's not in His plan at all.