Non believers

Ina

Ina

Well-known Member
Location
Harris County, NE of Houston, Tx.
Why do so many people who say they don't believe in any religion pray when thing go wrong? I'm a non believer, but when my son's were dying I too found myself praying.:dunno:
 

I was raised Catholic, and although I don't go to church and am not involved with any organized religions, I think that there may be some kind of supreme being when I look at the beauty of nature, etc. I know personally, I've been conditioned to pray in times of trouble, and will mentally think some thoughts that are not able to be defined as actual "prayer" by most people. I think we all may look to a higher power in times of distress, even if we're not "religious" in description.
 

I was raised catholic too, haven't "practiced" in many years, but I believe in sending out positive thoughts which I feel have "prayerful" aspects. Has become kind of a private meditative ritual at the end of the day.
 
When my father died suddenly I was an atheist and just 25 years old. I could not/would not pray even though I was in so much pain. After the funeral I planted a tree in my backyard in his memory and from that tree's growth I drew comfort and some pleasure but I remained in pain for years.

Then my sister's first baby was stillborn. I had two healthy children and all I could do was stand mutely by her bed. I had nothing to offer. Again I was in pain and no use to anyone. I was empty. I could not pray. I could find no words of consolation.

She fell pregnant again and this time her baby was born at just 28 weeks, but alive. As I watched her breathing in her humicrib I was terribly afraid for her life but I could not pray. I crossed all the fingers of both hands and through gritted teeth I muttered "Hang in there, kid". That was the best I could do. Also at this time I learned that students from the local catholic girls' school were praying for her, and while I thought this was basically nonsensical, I was pleased to hear it. I felt calmer.

My niece lived although she stopped breathing three times. Paradoxically I later came to teach at that same catholic school, still a vociferous atheist. I should never have got the job, but I did. Eighteen months later I was no longer an atheist and I opened up to a whole new dimension of being.

I still think prayer is rather absurd for all sorts of reasons but I know that it helps. That's good enough for me.
 
Geezerette, sending out positive thoughts is a good way of putting it. Warri, I'm very sorry to hear about your father and your sister's baby, my sincere condolences. :rose: Thanks for sharing your story.
 
Thanks Seabreeze but it was a long time ago. We are healed by now, although my sister still carries a scar in her heart for her first baby. There was not even a funeral service. He was cremated at the hospital. He died at 30 weeks of gestation and according to the law, was never alive. He had no name but my sister has never forgotten him.
 
My heart goes out to your sister Warrigal, I can't even begin to imagine the feelings of loss that she has endured. :(
 
Just because someone doesn't believe in or adhere to a specific religion doesn't mean they don't believe in a higher power or pray.

I pray sometimes. It can't hurt.
 
When my wife took ill, I prayed and prayed for her not to die, but she died anyway in the 7th day of her malady.

I haven't prayed to anybody or anything since. Sure didn't work for me. I don't believe in ANY god now.
 
Actually, when you pray for someone or something then you are obliged to be part of the answer. Prayer requires action and commitment on the part of the prayer.

For example if you pray for the poor children overseas, you can't then just sit back and leave it all to God and others. You have to join the team.
 
I like your use of the word 'gods' Rkunsaw; it seems to make religion more democratic.
However; thinking about it; there is always a 'top god' in any religion I can think of; Greek, Roman, Norse....so maybe not....
Sorry, I am wandering again..
 
Yes there are and many, many gods that people have worshiped over the years. Most people today only believe in one of them. They are non believers when it comes to the rest. I think the one they believe in is just as ridiculous as they think the others are.
 
I'm PROUD to say that both of us (wife/I) are Christians/Believers and do pray. Does praying help? Well, for some folks, when they are involved in a "life or death" situation, they pray and the person dies anyway, they can lose all Faith in God and ask "WHY?" loudly and boldly. This can be totally understandable, but that person MUST understand that the death was meant to be and that person is in a MUCH BETTER place now. That "much better place" can be in Heaven or wherever.

Years ago, when I done some traveling thru several States (two different Spring/Summer's), each morning, before I left the motel, I'd say a prayer asking for "safe travel" and nothing happened to me. "He" kept me safe and I know, without a doubt, that "He" was with me the entire trip! To many things have ALMOST happened to me in my life for me not to believe "He" is not watching over me or hearing my prayers!
 
Surely praying just when things go wrong is not right; surely you should also give thanks when things go right....otherwise it could be seen as wingeing...
 
“When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens, "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, There's just something about you that pisses me off.”

Stephen King, Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay


Sometime even the gods are angry and prayers do not get answered.
 
Who says you only pray when things go wrong ? Prayer is a lot more than mere spiritual whining.

Prayer comes in many guises - meditation is an obvious form of prayer and so is reflection on the important issues of life through poetry, music and literature. It is an awareness of the beauty around you. It is gratitude for the gift of life and it is offering up yourself to an authentic life.

Sometimes it feels like no-one is listening and occasionally there is a surprising response.
 
Ina said:
Why do so many people who say they don't believe in any religion pray when thing go wrong? I'm a non believer, but when my son's were dying I too found myself praying.:dunno:
Click to expand...

you just made a last ditch attempt to save your sons life that all that was,its what Moms do.
 
Thank you for all of your responses. When I said I was a non believer I meant I didn't believe in any one religion. I think of myself as an agnostic. When my son's were dying, (they were only 27 and 45), I was praying that my sons' had grown enough inside to be able to move on in peace.
 

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