Question to atheists about some unexplained concepts

[arda101]

Hey everyone,
I am new to this form. I am an agnostic, and I was curious about something.
I have been reading a book called "God's Laboratory". This book takes place in Ecuador, and it makes it clear that Ecuador is a very Christian religious country. A large deal of the book talks about IVF technology in Ecuador, and how doctors believe God is the decider as to whether or not IVF will work for a family or not. One part of the book talks about a certain saint Ecuadorians tend to pray to when they cannot have children. Apparently, there is a place where people can go, pray to a saint. Then, many have said the next time they attempt to have a child, that it works. I know it could be a coincidence, but it works for many people. I am wondering how this could be possible, and if you think this proves Christianity is correct because the people pray to a Christian saint. 
Thanks
Arda

[Jesster]

I would first ask for a scientific study on this instead of relying on claims in a book. Confirmation bias is likely at play here. It's common for people who have had success to widely report their story. Others won't be so vocal about it when it does not work. Even if they are, it doesn't make an interesting story for people who want it to be true to relay the story of failures.

So to wrap this up, there's just not enough to go on. How could I give this any level of confidence?

[Minimalist]

The book is real enough.

http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520270831


Her doctorate is in anthropology not medicine, though.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

I'd be more convinced of the power of prayer if, after praying to a saint, the coupled conceived a child without benefit of sexual intercourse - strikes me as a tad more 'miraculous'.

Additionally, if praying at the shrine of a saint can work such medical miracles, why do people in Ecuador continue to die of cancer?

Boru

[ignoramus]

Leading the witness, your honour! Hehe

Are you sure you're not a poe?

Welcome, by the way?

PS, what does God need with IVF Technology!

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

A lot of the 'witnesses' we get round here require a fair amount of leading...

Boru

[Amarok]

Why would someone need to pray at that spot to that person if god could make people have kids?. Why not cut out all the middle parts and just pop a fetus in there?. What's with all the needless rituals ?.And yes i'm pretty sure this is a case of people reporting successes while not reporting failures .

[Godscreated]

I as a Christian would want to see stats on those who prayed and the number of successes vs failures. My statement doesn't in anyway reflect on my belief that God would give a child to just one in ten who prayed for a child. There could be many reasons why God wouldn't give the other nine a child. I guess you're wondering why I made the original statement, because we can go directly to God with all our prayers.

GC

[chimp3]

"I have been reading a book called "God's Laboratory". This book takes place in Ecuador, and it makes it clear that Ecuador is a very Christian religious country. A large deal of the book talks about IVF technology in Ecuador, and how doctors believe God is the decider as to whether or not IVF will work for a family or not. One part of the book talks about a certain saint Ecuadorians tend to pray to when they cannot have children. Apparently, there is a place where people can go, pray to a saint. Then, many have said the next time they attempt to have a child, that it works. I know it could be a coincidence, but it works for many people. I am wondering how this could be possible, and if you think this proves Christianity is correct because the people pray to a Christian saint."

That is religion in a nutshell. People saying bat shit crazy things and other people passing it along.

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

'Religion in a nutshell'? Sounds like a very appropriate receptacle.

Boru