Good Luck

[rexbeccarox]

I didn't say it as an insult... it was an appropriate joke for an atheist forum. If that set you off, I can only assume it's the Christian Persecution Complex™ we all know and love.

[Napoléon]

I got set off because people will say "don't say you'll pray for me" as if it's an insult to do so, but people always say things like "you're in my thoughts", which they believe is as worthless as prayer, but that's acceptable.

Your problem seems to be that you're hung up on praying actually having an affect whereas what really matters is the sentiment and meaning behind it. You're arrogant enough to think (yes, arrogant) that god is somehow going to change his plans for you, that you're somehow going to make a difference. That's why people get annoyed when you say "I'll pray for you". Saying "you're in my thoughts" doesn't have any baggage attached, it means simply what it means. You praying is just a way of making yourself feel like you're doing something when you're not.

He might save one person's home. My question to him is why he doesn't put out your mouth?

Who are you to question god?

[Tonus]

God listens to our prayers and does help people.

Then why doesn't he put out the fucking fire?

What part of "strange and mysterious" do you goddamn atheists NOT UNDERSTAND??? Besides, that fire might be god's judgment for allowing gays to live.

[The Valkyrie]

I don't really say that to people, so I don't know the answer, but I do want to say thank you for starting a new thread and not hijacking mine

Actually, I think it's okay for people to say stuff like that and I also hope you and everyone there comes out of this well. I got set off because people will say "don't say you'll pray for me" as if it's an insult to do so, but people always say things like "you're in my thoughts", which they believe is as worthless as prayer, but that's acceptable.

Well, not to diminish what's happening in California, but I'll give my own experience.

In 2009, when I was still a student, we had wildfires in Victoria (which is part of the reason I can truly empathise with what's happening). Millions prayed, and 173 people still died, and over a million acres of land were burned.

Over those nearly two weeks I honestly witnessed the very best and worst of humanity (some of the fires were set deliberately by people during the height of the nightmare), and I saw a lot of people do a lot of volunteer work. I worked part time at a hospital at the time, to get experience, and ended up doing a LOT of unpaid hours helping people - and it's part of the reason I truly dread working with burn victims.

So, yes, while the sentiment is as effective, to my mind, as prayer, people do like the fact they are being thought of, prayed over.

[Lek]

I didn't say it as an insult... it was an appropriate joke for an atheist forum. If that set you off, I can only assume it's the Christian Persecution Complex™ we all know and love.

Maybe spending so much time in this forum has led to my christian persecution complex. I guess I deserve it because I keep coming back for more. (No masochist jokes please!) It's probably my punishment for all those sins of the past.

[Ryantology]

He might save one person's home.

And now you see the fundamental divide here, the real reason none of us are swayed. It's not just about whether or not your god is real. It's about the hideously low standards we would be forced to maintain in order for that belief to function. One house. Wow. Somebody cancel the firefighting operations, Yahweh's gonna save 628 Peachtree Lane. Maybe.

[rexbeccarox]

I didn't say it as an insult... it was an appropriate joke for an atheist forum. If that set you off, I can only assume it's the Christian Persecution Complex™ we all know and love.

Maybe spending so much time in this forum has led to my christian persecution complex. I guess I deserve it because I keep coming back for more. (No masochist jokes please!) It's probably my punishment for all those sins of the past.

Seriously? I'm pretty sure that means you're persecuting yourself. Don't blame us for that.

[Lek]

Maybe spending so much time in this forum has led to my christian persecution complex. I guess I deserve it because I keep coming back for more. (No masochist jokes please!) It's probably my punishment for all those sins of the past.

Seriously? I'm pretty sure that means you're persecuting yourself. Don't blame us for that.

No. I was joking. I enjoy participating in the forum, as you can tell from my number of posts. I like a challenge. Too many people agree with me in the christian forum, so it's not as much fun.

[Minimalist]

I don't really say that to people, so I don't know the answer, but I do want to say thank you for starting a new thread and not hijacking mine

Actually, I think it's okay for people to say stuff like that and I also hope you and everyone there comes out of this well. I got set off because people will say "don't say you'll pray for me" as if it's an insult to do so, but people always say things like "you're in my thoughts", which they believe is as worthless as prayer, but that's acceptable.

---

Then why doesn't he put out the fucking fire?

He might save one person's home. My question to him is why he doesn't put out your mouth?

Because he doesn't exist, dummy.

[Mystical]

Lek, I let people pray for me if they want. I say nothing but thanks because I appreciate them extending their heart out on my behalf, even if I know already that its going to have no physical affect on reality-- I appreciate the sentiment. Why are you affronted when atheists do the same thing?