Good people who don't pray

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   thirdmilleniumposted 10 years ago

   There are hundreds of thousands of Christians who never contemplate the existence of God, much less pray to him. They are given the worldly riches in abundance and never fall ill. They are respected by one and all, acquaintances and strangers. Why had God blessed them with all the things mentioned here? Or, are you going to argue that it is not God who bestowed them these?
   
   What about the followers of the other faiths? Aren't there vast number of decent people in this category? What about them? Aren't there lots and lots of people of other faiths blessed with all the things they desire? They never pray to God or Jesus, do they? So, who bequeathed them all the good things they possess, materially and otherwise? Will you dare say it is Satan?

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We have freedom of choice to pray or not, to be an atheist or not. With so many choices how can you even determine who the heck prays or who doesn't and who is getting anything based on their prayers? What is your real concern here?
      If you want to understand cause and effect, just do some experimenting with the power of creative thinking and the power of positive thinking. Things manifest in the world according to these and many other forces.
      Nothing comes about due to magic wands, Santa Clause, or wishful thinking.
      A combination of sheer Luck and Hard Work are the the usual benefactors.
      Right?

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         thirdmilleniumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         What you say amounts to sort of clearing my doubts. Prayer or no prayer, you will get what you want depending upon your hard work and good luck is what you say. So, why pray? I mean why pray to ask things of God?

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            Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Because it is fun to pray. Because it helps you focus on your needs. Because you hope God hears your prayers and helps you help yourself to achieve your goals. Because it gives you a sense of calmness and alleviates frustrations. Because you have been given the freedom to do so according whatever religion you have chosen, SO WHY NOT?

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               thirdmilleniumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Fun? So, your prayers do not have to be in earnest? My point is a narrow one, however. Does God listen to your prayers and grant your wishes?

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                  Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  are you attempting to show religion to be evil?

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                     thirdmilleniumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     No, not in the sense you say but religious practices and false doctrines are what I am talking about. I completely surrender myself to God but religions? I take them with a pinch of salt.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years ago

   1. Who would claim Satan bestowed good things to non-praying people?
   2. Who would claim God bestowed good things to non-praying people?
   
   Religion is not bad if that's what you are trying to say. I am for freedom of religion and not abolishment of religion. How about you, thirdm---?

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      thirdmilleniumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have learnt to tolerate organized religions only to keep my peace with gentlemen of ladies of religion. Though I completely detest most of the religious sects for their misinterpreting the Bible, I can see the large picture that includes social mores inherent in them which helps keep the society organized.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years ago

   Which trend do you prefer for the world: increasing freedom of religion or increasing intolerance of religion?

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      thirdmilleniumposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Religions that are manifestations of false doctrines is what gets my goat. Not God Himself.  Religions are to be tolerated because they keep the society law-abiding to a significant amount. God does not have a religion!

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Perhaps what you do not like is the misinterpretation of religious teachings. I believe we are coming out of a period of spiritual ignorance and heading toward a period of increasing spiritual understanding. I have a lot of hope for people and for religion in general. I think greater enlightenment is near for us all and that we can't give up on religion altogether. All religions need to understand the science behind their religion. Greater understanding will help them clear out all the dogmas and delusional thinking… say for example terrorism and extreme Islam. If they could understand that they are only GUESSING!
         I actually like your trend of thought, now. Sorry if I jumped on board a little prejudiced...

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