Why would it bother you if someone prayed for you? (mission, atheist)

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Originally Posted by Booko

Ah, but it goes back to things like some Jews being upset that LDS is doing proxy baptisms for Holocaust victims. It's not like LDS is out there publicizing they're doing so, or like a descendant of a victim is going to get a notice in the mail notifying them. But people do get upset anyway.

I think that's different. As an analogy, imagine your uncle, a life-long rabid Mets fan(or Manchester City supporter, for those who aren't familiar with baseball), was being proclaimed as a Yankee (or Man U) fan. It's not what he would have wanted and it disrespects his memory.

Originally Posted by Booko

And I've met a few people here and there that would be upset to even think that somewhere someone is praying for them without their approval.

I don't get offended by prayer for me generally (though people don't do it that often... at least not with my knowledge). To an atheist, though, I think intercessionary prayer like this can be seen as a kind of statement: "I care, but not enough to actually do anything about the situation that will have any real effect." Also, in some situations, the underlying message may be, "I'll use your misfortune as an excuse to show off my religion and how devout I am."... that I take offense to.

[spiritually inclined]

I tend to think that somebody who really cares about you will respect your lack of interest in their religion even when you're sick or vulnerable.

I certainly would not want them to pray that I convert to the faith. But if they wish to pray for me without in any way expecting me to conform to their beliefs, it would not bother me. I would prefer, however, that the person ask my permission first just to know that they are not trying to impose anything on me.

James

[BruceDLimber]

B>Why would it bother you if someone prayed for you?

It wouldn't.

I--for one--need all the help I can get!

Bruce