Why we think rituals can influence results

[downbeatplumb]

I have learned today that theists may suffer from apophenia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia

anyhoo a good article about superstition from the bbc

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14917871

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I have learned today that theists may suffer from apophenia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia

anyhoo a good article about superstition from the bbc

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14917871

Big word for "magical thinking". Most human beings do it at some stage.Very common with gamblers, professional athletes and other neanderthals who believe in 'luck'.

[FutureAndAHope]

Hey,

rituals just actions, or beliefs that are devoid of real proof are sensless I agree. However my experience with God, is not based upon either empty ritual, nor is it deviod of proof.

As an example the following is a true story from my life. It tells of how God spoke just one word to me, "Deputy", which when I typed "God's Deputy" into a search box, it uncovered a very amazing scientific study that was done on prisioners showing the Christian God does indeed reform lives. Which lead me to find other studies, that showed the same thing. These studies were found to help counter a court case aimed at removing funding from Christian Chaplins in Australian Schools. As an example one study showed a 16% to 42.2% difference in re offence rates between those who took part in bible training to those who did not. My record of this event is at http://www.energiseus.com.au/index.php/bible-and-prayer and has the studies available for viewing. Being Christian in nature it discusses spiritual issues that may be way over the head of some of you.

[Darwinian]

Even Jesus is Speechless

[Justtristo]

I have learned today that theists may suffer from apophenia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia

anyhoo a good article about superstition from the bbc

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14917871

Interesting article, I have bookmarked it.

[downbeatplumb]

Hey,

rituals just actions, or beliefs that are devoid of real proof are sensless I agree. However my experience with God, is not based upon either empty ritual, nor is it deviod of proof.

As an example the following is a true story from my life. It tells of how God spoke just one word to me, "Deputy", which when I typed "God's Deputy" into a search box, it uncovered a very amazing scientific study that was done on prisioners showing the Christian God does indeed reform lives. Which lead me to find other studies, that showed the same thing. These studies were found to help counter a court case aimed at removing funding from Christian Chaplins in Australian Schools. As an example one study showed a 16% to 42.2% difference in re offence rates between those who took part in bible training to those who did not. My record of this event is at http://www.energiseus.com.au/index.php/bible-and-prayer and has the studies available for viewing. Being Christian in nature it discusses spiritual issues that may be way over the head of some of you.

Heres another word for you.

lame.

Google that.

[DeistPaladin]

Hey,

rituals just actions, or beliefs that are devoid of real proof are sensless I agree. However my experience with God, is not based upon either empty ritual, nor is it deviod of proof.

As an example the following is a true story from my life. It tells of how God spoke just one word to me, "Deputy", which when I typed "God's Deputy" into a search box, it uncovered a very amazing scientific study that was done on prisioners showing the Christian God does indeed reform lives. Which lead me to find other studies, that showed the same thing. These studies were found to help counter a court case aimed at removing funding from Christian Chaplins in Australian Schools. As an example one study showed a 16% to 42.2% difference in re offence rates between those who took part in bible training to those who did not. My record of this event is at http://www.energiseus.com.au/index.php/bible-and-prayer and has the studies available for viewing. Being Christian in nature it discusses spiritual issues that may be way over the head of some of you.

This video discusses the manipulation of statistics by Australian lobbyists seeking more funding for the Chaplaincy program.

[downbeatplumb]

He could also do with looking at the religious make up of prison populations.

In 1997, the Federal Bureau of Prisons released the professed religious adherence rate of those in the U.S. Federal Prison system.
Christians make up about 80% of the American population AND prison population.
However, Atheists make up about 8% of the American population but only 0.2% of the prison population.

[IATIA]

Positive thinking can produce positive results. So, can prayer work? In a word, Yes. This does not make god real nor does it imply that god is answering any prayers.

The god thing is only a crutch used in lieu of personal responsibility and action which proves nothing except that we can make our lives better and once theists understand this concept, we can finally rid ourselves of the crutch.

Accept the power you have over your own life or become a slave to delusions. Your choice.