Atheists and prayer

by Narkissos 22 Replies latest jw friends

  • Narkissos
    Narkissos

    I have read some years ago that, according to the results of a survey in a Western country (I think it was Germany), the number of people who admitted praying occasionally was far superior to the number of believers in any kind of god.

    When I read ancient prayers to the gods or goddesses in a polytheistic context, I notice they are not very different, in form and in content, from the prayers to the monotheistic "God". Many of the Bible prayers (e.g. Psalms) have probably originated in a polytheistic context, even though we now read them as prayers to the one and only God. In other words, prayer is older than God, and perhaps than the gods. And the "death of God" doesn't necessarily mean the end of this particular form of expression we call prayer.

    Although I do not believe in God anymore, I still "pray" from time to time. An excess of anxiety, or joy, can lead me to "prayer", although I do not imagine anyone "listening to me". It's pretty irrational OK, but I guess prayer always is. When a consistent Calvinist prays, for instance, while believing that God has foreordained everything before the foundation of the world, he does something pretty irrational too. He may believe that God also foreordained his prayer, but this is hardly a motivation for his action.

    So my question (especially adressed to fellow unbelievers) is the following: do you still feel like praying from time to time? Do you indulge in such irrational "prayer", or repress the "urge to pray" because you deem it inconsistent with your world view? How do you rationalize this experience -- if you do?

  • Aztec
    Aztec

    Good question Narkissos! I haven't prayed once or felt the urge to since I gave up belief in God. I remember praying ferverently as a child and teen in the belief that I was being heard but haven't felt that inclination in a very long time. Perhaps I'm more of a pragmatist than I thought; wasted energy, time and all that. I usually just vent to my heathen brethren and that helps more than prayer.

    ~Aztec

  • Double Edge
    Double Edge

    I have a strong belief in God, and I do pray.

    When a consistent Calvinist prays, for instance, while believing that God has foreordained everything before the foundation of the world, he does something pretty irrational too. He may believe that God also foreordained his prayer, but this is hardly a motivation for his action.

    Now that's a religion that might make me a little crazy. (but that's me)

  • Euphemism
    Euphemism

    Interesting question, Narkissos! I have prayed a few times since I stopped believing in a personal deity. I didn't pray to God... I simply spoke a sort of invocation, not adressed to anyone in particular. It calmed me, made me feel more centered.

    Prayer, like meditation, is a way of accessing our inner strength, getting in touch with our spiritual self. I think its pragmatic value is quite separate from any underyling theological conceptions.

  • pseudoxristos
    pseudoxristos

    Narkissos,

    I prayed a few times (out of habit) after I had stopped believing. I finally realized that it was kind of stupid (to talk to myself) so I quit doing it.

    The Mormons stopped by a few times recently. After about third visit, they asked me to say a prayer. I suggested that they do it the first time, but the last time they came by it became very awkward so I had to give them one quick one. I guess they just couldn't grasp the fact that I did not believe in God, even though I had repeatedly told them so. It seemed really strange to perform their little prayer ritual, but I was tired and ready to be rid of them.

    Pseudo

    "Religion is what the common people see as true, the wise people see as false, and the rulers see as useful."
    -Roman philosopher Seneca-

  • frenchbabyface
    frenchbabyface



    I do "talk" sometime just like I was before

    (never really "prayed" for real even as a ritual in my own house like before eating or stuff like that - it looks like futility to just do it as a rule ...)

    The only difference now is that I don't know who I'm talking to ... and it doesn't really matter to me it's most for a relief !

  • Litebriterstill
    Litebriterstill

    Nark. Praying seems to be a habbit for some of us who grew up with it. I have never had any of my prayers answered. When I have desired something, I studied how to get it or accomplish it, got out my hoe and a few times gained success. I wanted to be a great JW and save many lives. I studied it, had my mate and kids hedged by it and we all prayed. I brought very few into the fold and the JW's made me and my family feel bad or guilty ALL of the time. DOOR TO DOOR NO MORE. FREE AT LAST !

  • U.2.K. Tha Greate$t
    U.2.K. Tha Greate$t

    I respect atheists alot. I say about 70% of all atheists are hypocrites. Thats why im not surprise to see this type of post. Keep it coming lol.

  • drwtsn32
    drwtsn32

    U2K, I look forward to seeing a post from you that doesn't contradict itself.

  • LittleToe
    LittleToe

    Watson:

    U2K, I look forward to seeing a post from you that doesn't contradict itself.

    I have to agree with you.
    But then again, I'd have to apply the same comment to the atheists who claim they are "tolerant", but then go ahaead and prove similarly hypocritical. I've got a burr in my ass today, about it...

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