A question for atheists

[holyorders]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

 

[jayem]

I would not ask for it, but if someone wanted to pray for me or a loved one, I would appreciate it as an expression of their concern. Some years back, when I changed employment, an Indian friend of mine gave me a small carving of Ganesha, the elephant-headed boy god. He's the one who supposedly provides good fortune when you undertake a new venture. Now I don't believe that's true anymore than I believe the moon is made of cheese, but I was touched by the gesture. I may not share a person's faith, but I can certainly respect it--and I would be pleased that someone was thinking of me.

 

[Matt Never Existed]

I'm not an athiest, but I'll apply the question to myself and myown beliefs.

If my life partner was in a coma and someone said they were praying to their god(s)/goddess(es) for his recovery (or that they were wishing for his recovery), I would be greatly moved by that, and very thankful.

I believe that prayer (in general, to whatever gods you believe in) is a powerful, wonderful thing, and anything you bring before them shows that you care that much about whatever it is.

-Matt Never Existed

 

[David Gould]

It probably would not worry me at all. I am guessing it would depend on my state of mind at the time, though - who knows, I might start arguing with them about free will ...

 

[charmtrap]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

Sure, I wouldn't go trolling for prayers, but if someone cared enough to pray, it can't hurt.

 

[HRE]

It's a gesture of concern. Why should I turn it away?

 

[sunswept]

I would more than welcome their expressions of kindness and sympathy. =] It couldn't do any harm, and it might make them feel better too.

 

[Hydra009]

Is the loved one religious? If so, go for it. If the loved one was also an atheist and expressed revulsion the thought of prayer, then no.

 

[Lithium Hobo]

Pfft, like I could stop them. Sure, it couldn't hurt. I promised my mother that if she was in that state that I would swallow my pride and pray for her.

 

[James T]

If someone wanted to pray for their own reasons that would be fine. But I would not welcome it. If they were praying because eventually I'd come to realise it was for the best ... I'd aggressively reject them, the more condescending the response the more likely I'd be to strike out violently.

 

[jayem]

Prayer really just helps the person who's praying. I know there is data showing that praying can evoke the relaxation response, lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress level. Forms of meditation do the same thing. It makes the prayor feel better. Some very controversial studies had suggested that intercessory prayer might be beneficial for others. But there are serious methodologic problems with these (such as the inability to have a valid control group.) It's probably not something that can be studied scientifically.

 

[meebs]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

If they wanted to do that, fine. No need to ask me (no really, my mum prays for us all any way whether we like it or not, which i can respect. At least that is showing that she cares!).

 

[ebonicsonly]

I read that question wrong. I would more then welcome a Christians prayers. If that helps them have a blast.

 

[Ledifni]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

I picked "no" because it wouldn't be my right to welcome them. If the person in the coma made his/her wishes known, then I would stick by those. If not, people can pray all they like as long as they aren't getting in the way, I don't care.

Now, if it were me in the coma I would have already made sure that my loved ones are aware that I'd rather not be subjected to the humiliation of having a bunch of strangers mumbling at their imaginary friend over my drooling, incontinent body.

 

[The Seeker]

Like others have said I'd welcome their concern and kind thoughts (which is why they are praying, after all).

 

[vajradhara]

Namaste all,


i voted "yes".

sure.. i'll take prayers to any particular deity or none whatsoever. if a loved one were in a coma and someone wanted to actually help, however, i would ask for no prayers.. though... if you would be willing... would you pray in the manner that my religion required if you thought it could help someone in a coma recover?

 

[Jetgirl]

I have the same opinion as others have stated: I would not ask for prayers, but would appreciate them as an expression of the consideration of others.

As long as the people praying were respectful of the patient and of the wishes of their family I would have no problem with it.

If they were not respectful, or were condecending toward family members I could not stop them from praying, I am not the thought police, but I make it clear that no further contact with them is desired in any way.

 

[Jetgirl]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

That's a really interesting sculpture in your sig BTW, what's it called?

 

[holyorders]

That's a really interesting sculpture in your sig BTW, what's it called?

I forgot what it is called. But it is a sculpture of St. Cecilia- one of the first martyrs of the Church. If you look at her neck you can see a representation of what happened to her- they (Romans) tried to cut her head off but it had no effect, she died a few days later... converting people the whole time.

 

[Eudaimonist]

If you had a loved one in a coma would you welcome Christians to pray for that loved one?

I would permit it. If it comforts the Christians to pray, then I would let them pray simply out of compassion for them.