(November 8, 2017 at 9:22 am)Wololo Wrote:(November 8, 2017 at 8:29 am)Catholic_Lady Wrote: Well, since apparently it needs to be said for the 3rd time:
Praying and doing nothing else when there are things you can do isn't enough. Prayer should always be accompanied by taking action when possible. That's why we have the Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. Prayer is meant to be a supplement to whatever action is possible, not a substitute for it.
So, unless someone is only praying and not helping when they have the opportunity to, I don't see why anyone would take issue with it. Especially when it brings a sense of comfort and peace to people who, oh, I don't know, just lost their daughter to a violent attack? Maybe we shouldn't use this as an opportunity to criticise prayer just for the heck of it when there are people out there who lost the ones they love most and feel comforted by prayers.
Ok I'll put in simple terms for the hard of thinking, prayer is all too often used in substitution for doing something constructive. When somebody in public says "my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of X" you know they haven't a single fuck to give to the victims and will not lift a finger to help them.
To be fair to CL, not everyone has deep pockets nor can spend time advocating. My objection is to the logic of ALL theism, not just her.
If all someone has to offer is kind words, sometimes that is really all they have to offer. But, on a national political level, for those who DO have the money and means, there is no excuse. That cliche is far to political, and used by opportunists to keep power. But when she offers her condolences I believe she means it. I simply don't agree with the logic that prayer works. I am talking about the power level, and those in power who offer it up, to keep support. Action is more at the top, in those who have the power. Everyday laypeople cant do what the rich do to solve these problems. They cant do what politicians do at the same level. I do think grass roots helps, pushing at the bottom sure. But I am not going to say that everyone can end up being a Martin Luther King Jr, or a Malala or JFK.
I am tired of "thoughts an prayers" as well. It is hollow and meaningless. All the world's religions pray for their respective heros and holy leaders to protect them. And it still remains the ride ends, even for their leaders, even for the rich. Actions do matter, but to me, the responsibility starts at the top.
