(May 16, 2014 at 9:27 pm)Lek Wrote: I've had a few seemingly miraculous things happen to me, but I think that the way God answers my prayers generally is to empower me or get me through a situation "well", rather than "badly". Most of what happens, such as natural disasters, is probably according to God's will, but how we come out of the situation mentally and physically makes a big difference. According to scripture we're supposed to pray according to God's will and he will supply what we need in that regard.

I've got everything I could need at this point in my life. I want for things, sure, like every human, but if I want something I invariably work towards gaining it.

Never prayed once in my life.

(May 15, 2014 at 7:30 pm)Lek Wrote: I was just in the thread in which a member lived close to where the wildfires are burning in southern California and the member stated that she would ask for prayers, but that wouldn't do any good anyway. I am concerned and I did pray for all of them down there as I believe God listens to our prayers and does help people. What I read from atheists were wishes that things would be okay, with statements like "you're in my thoughts" and "good luck" and "take care of yourself" and so on. What does "being in your thoughts" do for anybody? Since these statements are totally worthless, why don't these people just skip the wasted words and make suggestions like "get some batteries since the power could go out" or "pack up and be ready to get out" or some practical help.

Do you have a useful suggestion for those bereft of gods? Perhaps:

I will beseech my imaginary friend on your behalf.

That's got to be at least as effective as what you accomplish in prayer.

Wait, I suppose you sincerely believe your imaginary friend can help. So I guess you are holding up your conviction in your delusion for us to admire and envy? (It isn't working.)

If you actually read the thread, Lek, you will see that some of us actually offered what we could, which was practical advice won from experience in the matters.

(May 16, 2014 at 9:27 pm)Lek Wrote: Most of what happens, such as natural disasters, is probably according to God's will, but how we come out of the situation mentally and physically makes a big difference.

Just another example of shifting the responsibility from the capable to the incapable. Yeah, sometimes Dad puts out cigarettes on his four year old son's back, but how he comes out it mentally and physically makes a big difference.

(May 16, 2014 at 9:30 pm)Luckie Wrote:
Makes sense. On the other hand that means that Anything that happens is gods doing then. Unless its bad in which case its the believers fault-- or the devil attacking your faith in the good. All I have to say to that is:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=grnrx7JeDhg

Where's the good in this?

They don't call it mental gymnastics apologetics for nothing.

Quote:We do not exist to 'persecute' you.

No..... but low-hanging fruit always gets picked.

(May 18, 2014 at 4:11 pm)Rampant.A.I. Wrote:

Please everyone. I was making a joke! I was just playing along with her statement about the "christian persecution complex".

So it was the sort of masochist joke you asked not to post?

Makes sense.