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

Booko · #1 07-22-2007, 10:05 AM

No...I don't mean when someone patronizingly says, "I'll pray for you." That's just rude.

But I've heard atheists, agnostics and theists of some other variety express displeasure about those of another belief praying for them.

I've never got this myself, especially in the case of atheists. I mean, if you don't believe in God, prayers are a waste of the *other* person's time, but how could they affect you, so why would that be upsetting?

And why would, say, a Christian care if a Hindu prays for them?

If you found out later that someone of a different belief system had been praying for you, but didn't ask your permission first, would you be upset, and why?

If you find this sort of things upsetting, please explain why...I've never quite been able to understand it.

(Kudos and Kudzu to MidnightBlue for the thread idea.

)

Bishka · #2 07-22-2007, 10:14 AM

Not at all. In my view, the more the merrier. If they feel it will help me (and seriously help, not I wan you to be converted to my faith), then yes, I am okay with it.

Mestemia · #3 07-22-2007, 10:18 AM

This is something that I find interesting on both sides of the coin.
I have seen where Christians get all bent out of shape over non-Christians (real or imaginary) saying they will pray for them.

MidnightBlue · #4 07-22-2007, 10:18 AM

If somebody says, "I'll pray for you," I generally just say thank you.

It's only when they want to pray with me that I have a problem.

spiritually inclined · #5 07-22-2007, 10:26 AM

So long as the person is not trying to convert me to their faith, I would be glad that they are praying for me. Not that the prayer itself will necessarily benefit me, but someone cares for me.

Even if they wanted to pray with me if I were sick (or otherwise not well) that would be okay, too. Just being with someone else you know cares about you can have a positive effect on both one's emotions and physical well being.

James

ChristineES · #6 07-22-2007, 10:44 AM

I pray for nonbelievers all the time, I just don't tell them (not that it would matter since they don't believe I am praying to anyone anyway). It would not bother me if someone prayed for me. As Beckysoup61 said, the more the merrier.

Booko · #7 07-22-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristineES

I pray for nonbelievers all the time, I just don't tell them (not that it would matter since they don't believe I am praying to anyone anyway). It would not bother me if someone prayed for me. As Beckysoup61 said, the more the merrier.

Would it bother you if you knew that, say, one of our pagan friends here was praying for you?

(On another subject, you might consider me a nonbeliever as I'm not a Christian, but I do think you're praying to someone and that it's worthwhile to do so.

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MidnightBlue · #8 07-22-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

Even if they wanted to pray with me if I were sick (or otherwise not well) that would be okay, too. Just being with someone else you know cares about you can have a positive effect on both one's emotions and physical well being.

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 know people who would say they do care about me, and that's why they want me to know Jesus, but I'm not interested in affection unaccompanied by respect.

ChristineES · #9 07-22-2007, 11:06 AM