(December 4, 2008 at 10:45 am)Psalm 23 Wrote: Giving blood is an unselfish deed. I didn't say atheists are not good people. I was saying "if praying makes me feel good, and I believe it can bring peace to the world." then why is that such a bad thing? Why would anyone with a logical thinking brain make up such a crazy statement that "religious people are delusional?"
The problem with prayer isn't that it makes you feel good, or even necessarily that you feel it can influence the world around you. The problem is that because you feel that prayer is doing something to influence the world around you, you'll be less likely to do something else to solve the problem. You feel satisfied with your contribution and don't feel it's necessary to continue to address the problem. Out of sight, out of mind.
I think that prayer, sitting quietly with thoughts, having meditation time, whatever you want to call it, are all really good things from a personal health standpoint. I find it much easier to get through the day, deal with high-pressure situations, and stay calm if I take a couple moments at the beginning of the day for myself. I don't expect these moments for myself to have an impact beyond what's in my mind. It's not that's not valuable... it's just not the only thing I rely upon to get things done in my life.
(December 4, 2008 at 10:45 am)Psalm 23 Wrote: I think that is an extremely ignorant statement, considering the fact that Churches all over the world donate billions of dollars to "feed the hungry and homeless, give presents at christmas charites, soup kitchens on holidays for starving families" How is that delusional?
Is it not possible to feed the homeless and hungry without religion? On a more important tangent, do good works prove the merits of a philosophical stance? If this is the case, I'd say atheism has a good start for being full of merit, at least in my family.
Merrie
My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
It gives a lovely light.
Edna St. Vincent Millay, "A Few Figs from Thistles", 1920
US poet (1892 - 1950)
My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -
It gives a lovely light.
Edna St. Vincent Millay, "A Few Figs from Thistles", 1920
US poet (1892 - 1950)
