Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Sammy Baugh Fan;350370]Hang in there man but remember the light at the end of the tunnel could be an oncoming train. lol
Sorry to throw a bummer at ya man.

Yer gonna be fine and I can't wait to hear ow God blesses you.

Hang in there Snoop!
peace[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all your help...you've really helped me keep some faith.
I do need some advice on how to let go though. I try but I don't seem to be able to let go. I'll tell myself to let go and relax and let God take over, and I feel relaxed for 5 minutes or so, then all the stress comes charging back into my mind.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Well the definitive study to date was not able to demonstrate any efficacy for focused prayer. [url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/health/31pray.html?ex=1189656000&en=2200278930e77f6c&ei=5070]Long-Awaited Medical Study Questions the Power of Prayer - New York Times[/url]

I am uncertain about the potential for prayer to work, just because their is so much about the human mind we don't understand. However, I have a tough time believing there is some God listening to each prayer and capriciously deciding which to answer. After all, if there is someone up there who allowed 6 million Jews to be killed during WW2 but can take the time to fill up someone's stove, that's someone I can't really roll with.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

My Grandaddy said once..."If God came down and explained it to you yer tiny human mind could still not understand."

In some parts that sounds right but really God is so awesome if He explained it to you, you would understand. Tough part is He does not.

When He gave us Free Will which gives us the choice to reject Him, He also gave us Faith to Trust in Him. I got no "proof" God answers prayers.

If I may add what I have ben taught about Prayer comes in Red Letters. Jesus said when praying give God His due and God, it say ask for forgivness for falling short of His Glory, He says the give thanks for our simple means and ask to be not led into sin. Then in a small part it's an "ask for me" thing. "Give us this day our daily bread".

Then He says to ask for God to have His Will, not ours. God has great plans for jsarno and it's right for jsarno to be looking to care for his family. But how much more is God looking for the best for his family? Much more I say and I believe.

I think if we think of prayer as a "Give me, look at me, help me" thing we fall short of what God wants. Prayer is a way of getting in line with God and not having God get in line with us.

If God gets in line with me were all in trouble.

Hang in there folks and keep the faith if'n ya have it so far.
~smiles!
peace

Maybe you should email Coach Gibbs. He'll tell ya to keep the Faith man!
mike

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I want to say thanks to you guys. The topic ignites much on both sides of believing on God and ya'll said yer thoughts and didn't put others down. That rare in forums.

Bravo and thanks for the respect on all sides

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Philosophically speaking, I actually don't like the idea that prayer works.

Let's say I wanted to become a professional golfer. I quit my day job, I work my tail off by practicing 8 hours a day, I eat well, I pay for lessons, I pay for the best equipment, and I even pray a little. And let's say after 5 years I finally make it on tour, and even place in the top 10 in a tournament. To think that the prayer could be responsible for my success and happiness would seriously piss me off. It was my hard work, my blood and sweat that got me there. To think God was responsible, I don't like that idea.

That's a hypothetical. But success in my current career, success in my marriage, success in having a harmonious and happy family; I'd be real pissed if that was God doing that. I made all of those things happen, along with help from my family. God gave me the free will to make choices. I chose to work hard and surround myself with good people. He deserves no credit beyond credit for giving me free will, I did the rest.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;350859]Philosophically speaking, I actually don't like the idea that prayer works.

Let's say I wanted to become a professional golfer. I quit my day job, I work my tail off by practicing 8 hours a day, I eat well, I pay for lessons, I pay for the best equipment, and I even pray a little. And let's say after 5 years I finally make it on tour, and even place in the top 10 in a tournament. To think that the prayer could be responsible for my success and happiness would seriously piss me off. It was my hard work, my blood and sweat that got me there. To think God was responsible, I don't like that idea.

That's a hypothetical. But success in my current career, success in my marriage, success in having a harmonious and happy family; I'd be real pissed if that was God doing that. [b]I made all of those things happen, along with help from my family.[/b] God gave me the free will to make choices. I chose to work hard and surround myself with good people. He deserves no credit beyond credit for giving me free will, I did the rest.[/QUOTE]

Why is it OK to thank your family for help, but not God?

I have a great relationship with my wife because God is in focus for both of us. God helps us have a great relationship. I don't begrudge him for that. Sure I looked for a certain type of woman, and I have worked hard to have a great relationship with her, but I'll give credit to God too for helping us. It doesn't take anything away from what I did.
I'd gladly give God credit if he wanted to make me the next Tiger Woods. Ultimately, I would still have to practice and work at it, but I could see it as "we are working together".

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;350897]Why is it OK to thank your family for help, but not God?[/quote]

Because they're willing to physically care for you if you're bed ridden? What I mean is they are real and they can provide measurable physical support. You know exactly what you're going to get from them.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=saden1;350944]Because they're willing to physically care for you if you're bed ridden? What I mean is they are real and they can provide measurable physical support. You know exactly what you're going to get from them.[/QUOTE]

Uh oh...I should have never posed that question because this thread will become a religious debate.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Lets put it another way:

a) If two people are standing in front of a door you're about to go through and one of them holds the door open for you who do you thank?

b) You are ill, your church patrons get money together to help you out in your time of need, who deserves to be thanked?

All I'm saying is give credit where it's due and like I said before when bad things happen god never gets blamed, but when good things happen he gets all the credit. Sounds like double standard to me.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I won't debate religion in this thread or at this site.

The guy said he believes in God and he says he prays please don't try to put down his beliefs and prove them wrong. The guy is asking for some help and support are you helping or hurting him?

I disagree with where the above person would give credit. I personally would give credit to God and thanks those people for being God's on the ground hands and feet.

Last month at Walter Reed I was serving God through serving food to them wounded soldiers. I was blessed that God used me of all people to do some of His good works.

That's my faith and I'm sticking with it.
peace, faith and love and the greatest is LOVE
<><

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;350242]And the cynic would say...what did it accomplish?[/QUOTE]

I prayed too,did it work? I dont know,but it looks like now he might walk again,is it a miracle? we'll never no till were dead and dead men tell no tales

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=saden1;350952]
All I'm saying is give credit where it's due and like I said before when bad things happen god never gets blamed, [/quote]


I think thats the hard part about faith... our perception of bad and God's is pretty different. We fear death, so genocide, massacres, terrorists attacks, etc... are horrible things to us... but everyone dies. Those with the most faith do not blame god for anything... he didn't drop the ball.

Those who are truly faithful actually thank God, even during the hardest times. I've seen people giving praise on their on children's death beds. Thats faith. I don't know if I would have that in me, but that's when true faith is shown...

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I have had quite a few major disappointments when it comes to prayer, and here are the biggest three on my mind right now:
1- I was abused by my father from when I was 2 til when I knocked his teeth out when I was 17. He would beat on me for YEARS. I prayed and prayed that it would stop, and it never did. It was not until I got violent that it stopped, then he just took it out on my sister and mother.
2- Jan. 30th, 2004 my daughter died after birth. I knew of the complications, and I prayed for several months before this incident, and I was convinced that everything would be fine. Well, it wasn't fine, not only did I lose my daughter, I almost lost my wife and she can't have children now and will forever take medication from the complications of birth.
3- I prayed before I quit my last job that He would take care of me and help me find something. I trusted in Him. I beleived that he would help me find employment and I had faith. It's been several months now, and I felt he was showing me a path to Denver...even travelled up there, spent several hundred dollars that I didn't have, and nothing has come out of it. I just had to borrow money (cc's) to make ends meet for another month. Where is He? I gotta say, my faith in prayer is not shaken, it's just about gone. What's the point of prayer if He won't be there to help?[/QUOTE]

I feel for you bro,thats some bad stuff to have to go through,I dont know if prayer works or not bit I'm going to say a prayer for you now and hope it does,hope your life gets better

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349739]Where in the bible does it say God doesn't perform miracles like that? The bible is full of them. The feeding of the five thousand comes to mind. Also, I don't remember God ever saying He would stop performing miracles. As one who considers himself a christian, do you think Jesus was a magician?

Ok... to clarify how my mom knew the tank was almost empty, she took a very long wooden pole and stuck it in our underground tank. We didn't have a meter and this is how she measured how much oil she had. She had it down to a science on how long it would last. When she pulled it out there was only two inches showing at the bottom of the pole.

The Widow of Zarephath

Verse 8

[url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%20;&version=50]BibleGateway.com - Passage*Lookup: 1 Kings 17 ;[/url];[/QUOTE]

the prayers were answered ,was it God? who knows,but I dont believe the oil magicaly filled up in the tank,I would say the man who filled the tank decided just to fill it up and only charge you 50 bucks,his reasons,I dont know,maybe God used him as the answer to your prayers

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=saden1;350952]Lets put it another way:

a) If two people are standing in front of a door you're about to go through and one of them holds the door open for you who do you thank?

b) You are ill, your church patrons get money together to help you out in your time of need, who deserves to be thanked?

All I'm saying is give credit where it's due and like I said before when bad things happen god never gets blamed, but when good things happen he gets all the credit. Sounds like double standard to me.[/quote]

Yeah these are the exact philosophical questions I'm driving at.

Let's assume God exists and has the power to grant me the athletic ability to become a professional golfer. But I still did all the work over 5 years to actually get there. Does he get some credit? I guess so, he gave me the athletic ability. I deserve some credit too, because I took that ability and worked hard with it, and turned it into success in professional golf. Now let's say I come down with back problems. If God gave me a body athletic enough to play golf professionally, and I give him credit for that, doesn't he deserve some blame for giving me a body that couldn't hold up for the long haul in professional golf?

He doesn't get to have it both ways.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Schneed10;351009]Yeah these are the exact philosophical questions I'm driving at.

Let's assume God exists and has the power to grant me the athletic ability to become a professional golfer. But I still did all the work over 5 years to actually get there. Does he get some credit? I guess so, he gave me the athletic ability. I deserve some credit too, because I took that ability and worked hard with it, and turned it into success in professional golf. Now let's say I come down with back problems. If God gave me a body athletic enough to play golf professionally, and I give him credit for that, doesn't he deserve some blame for giving me a body that couldn't hold up for the long haul in professional golf?

He doesn't get to have it both ways.[/quote]

Well, who says He's trying to have it both ways? One's body breaking down or ailing has nothing to do with God's goodness or his judgement. It's simply nature taking it's course.

Bodies like everything else give way to time and wear and tear. For God to defy the natural laws that govern this side of eternity, if you will, violate the very laws that He set in motion and violate his own authority in some way. There are laws that operate in time and there are laws that operate outside of time. By time I mean, the right here and now as we all know it. And by outside of time, I'm referring to eternity. But therein lies where we agree to disagree, and this is where faith and prayer becomes and will forever remain a mystery, one has to believe in something and someone on the other side of this life. Once that notion is settled, now we're in business and the idea of prayer and faith is somewhat attainable. It really is the starting point.

Faith/Prayer is much like a coin. For it to be legitimate currency and legal tender, it has to have what we call a "head" and a "tail". Well that's how prayer works, there is a manward side; man doing his part. Flip it over and there is Godward side to it; God doing his part. For it to "spend" and be considered "legal" in our society, the coin must have two different sides or else it's considered conterfeit. And I think this is the conclusion many believers and non-believers jump to. Some say, well God should deliver me from this and that or God didn't do this or that and they conclude He doesn't exist or they doubt. And then some will say for me to get to point B in life, I must do everything and be in control of everything in order to get there. Leaving no room for God to operate or take a majority stake in their life. It takes a little of both.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=12thMan;351022]Well, who says He's trying to have it both ways? One's body breaking down or ailing has nothing to do with God's goodness or his judgement. It's simply nature taking it's course.

Bodies like everything else give way to time and wear and tear. For God to defy the natural laws that govern this side of eternity, if you will, violate the very laws that He set in motion and violate his own authority in some way. There are laws that operate in time and there are laws that operate outside of time. By time I mean, the right here and now as we all know it. And by outside of time, I'm referring to eternity. But therein lies where we agree to disagree, and this is where faith and prayer becomes and will forever remain a mystery, one has to believe in something and someone on the other side of this life. Once that notion is settled, now we're in business and the idea of prayer and faith is somewhat attainable. It really is the starting point.

Faith/Prayer is much like a coin. For it to be legitimate currency and legal tender, it has to have what we call a "head" and a "tail". Well that's how prayer works, there is a manward side; man doing his part. Flip it over and there is Godward side to it; God doing his part. For it to "spend" and be considered "legal" in our society, the coin must have two different sides or else it's considered conterfeit. And I think this is the conclusion many believers and non-believers jump to. Some say, well God should deliver me from this and that or God didn't do this or that and they conclude He doesn't exist or they doubt. And then some will say for me to get to point B in life, I must do everything and be in control of everything in order to get there. Leaving no room for God to operate or take a majority stake in their life. It takes a little of both.[/quote]

Yeah you said it - it all starts with the assumption that there is a God in the first place. Which is all based on belief. That's what the question on prayer comes down to.

Do you believe He exists, or don't you? If you work hard to be the pro golfer, and you believe in God, and you pray to him, and you make it as a pro golfer, you're going to believe he had a hand in it.

If you don't believe in God, and you don't pray, but you work hard to be a pro golfer, and you make it as a pro golfer, you're going to believe you had everything to do with it and that God had no hand in it.

Either way, you worked hard and you made it as a pro golfer. The only role God could possibly play is to make you BELIEVE or FEEL that he had a role. But can you prove he actually had a role? No. That's at the very core of faith - you have to jump to the conclusion (aka leap of faith) that He helped you.

So at its very core, this debate over prayer comes down to one thing: do you believe in God?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[url=http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/09/kathy_griffin_is_my_new_hero.php]Pharyngula: Kathy Griffin is my new hero[/url]

Edit: wrong link

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Schneed10;351035]Yeah you said it - it all starts with the assumption that there is a God in the first place. Which is all based on belief. That's what the question on prayer comes down to.

Do you believe He exists, or don't you? If you work hard to be the pro golfer, and you believe in God, and you pray to him, and you make it as a pro golfer, you're going to believe he had a hand in it.

If you don't believe in God, and you don't pray, but you work hard to be a pro golfer, and you make it as a pro golfer, you're going to believe you had everything to do with it and that God had no hand in it.

Either way, you worked hard and you made it as a pro golfer. The only role God could possibly play is to make you BELIEVE or FEEL that he had a role. But can you prove he actually had a role? No. That's at the very core of faith - you have to jump to the conclusion (aka leap of faith) that He helped you.

So at its very core, this debate over prayer comes down to one thing: do you believe in God?[/quote]

Exactly, that's all it boils down to. And I think that's the way He intended for it to be. While prayer is practical in practice and exercise, there's really not much logical about it. And one's failure to attain the logic of praying or believing in the first place, is where faith comes in. Because you have no hard core evidence that God exists, much less that He heard you when you prayed. So the only evidence that you [I]do[/I] have is your faith; your core convictions based on what you've read, heard, and other wise personally experienced over time.

Which leads me to something interesting here. When I listen to people argue both sides of this subject. They both are suggesting that their side is more or just as logical as the other persons. But I've come to understand, I think, that we're really dealing with two types of "logic" here. There's textbook logic, and then there is a logic that, well, people are just as convinced about without having any evidence to back it up. Now I know by definition, the latter really isn't logic. But you've heard people talk and explain things about their faith as if God was sitting right next to them typing on that key board. When people say they know God exsists or that prayer works and how it works, as far as they're concerned their "logic" is based on a different set of realities outside of hard facts or text book logic. I'm rambling a bit now, but I think you get my point.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=12thMan;351042]Exactly, that's all it boils down to. And I think that's the way He intended for it to be. While prayer is practical in practice and exercise, there's really not much logical about it. And one's failure to attain the logic of praying or believing in the first place, is where faith comes in. Because you have no hard core evidence that God exists, much less that He heard you when you prayed. So the only evidence that you [I]do[/I] have is your faith; your core convictions based on what you've read, heard, and other wise personally experienced over time.

Which leads me to something interesting here. When I listen to people argue both sides of this subject. They both are suggesting that their side is more or just as logical as the other persons. But I've come to understand, I think, that we're really dealing with two types of "logic" here. There's textbook logic, and then there is a logic that, well, people are just as convinced about without having any evidence to back it up. Now I know by definition, the latter really isn't logic. But you've heard people talk and explain things about their faith as if God was sitting right next to them typing on that key board. When people say they know God exsists or that prayer works and how it works, as far as they're concerned their "logic" is based on a different set of realities outside of hard facts or text book logic. I'm rambling a bit now, but I think you get my point.[/quote]

Yeah that's definitely stretching the definition of "logic", so I'm glad you put it in quotes. Logic is based on premises that can be, or have been, proven.

But to people who believe in God, the premise that He exists is not at all in doubt, even though it cannot be proven. So to them, God's existence is fact.

One good thing; I suppose we'll all find out who was right about his existence on the day we die.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I was taught that history is best qualified to answer our questions in the present. I can testify that without my African ancestors who have passed on and prayed for a better future and without those prayers to God there is no way African Americans would be physically freed from bondage which is consistent with all people who have experienced tragedy and triumph.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=SUNRA;351245]I was taught that history is best qualified to answer our questions in the present. I can testify that without my African ancestors who have passed on and prayed for a better future and without those prayers to God there is no way African Americans would be physically freed from bondage which is consistent with all people who have experienced tragedy and triumph.[/quote]

I am really amazed as why any African American would choose to be a Christian in light of a) what Christianity has to say about slavery and b) the forceful conversion of salves to Christianity.

I give not once cent of credit for the abolishment of slavery to prayer or god. All credit goes to a) Abraham Lincoln for freeing the salves and paying a heavy price for it b) white abolishionists for understanding how wrong slavery was and taking action c) and African Americans both slaves and free men for their struggles to be free.

Old Testament:
[URL="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2025:44-46&version=9;"]Leviticus 25:44-46[/URL]
[URL="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2021:7-11;&version=9;"]Exodus 21:7-1[/URL]

New Testament:
[URL="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:5;&version=49;"]Ephesians 6:5[/URL]
[URL="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%206:1-4;&version=49;"]1 Timothy 6:1-4[/URL]

Give where credit is due!!!

p.s. I don't mean to make the debate about religion but I have very strong feelings about the subject of slavery as it relates to religion.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

This Thread got Totally Jacked.

peace and prayers to you all
mike
<><

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=hooskins;348768]Well said, well said.[/quote]

Even adults need imaginary friends.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

And finally the answer:
If you don't believe in God: Prayer does NOT work.
If you do believe in God: Yes, Prayer Works Great!

Have a great day folks
peace

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=BrudLee;348754]All prayers are answered. We just don't always like the answer.[/quote]
Well, then I'd like to know who got my million dollars as I did not get the million I prayed for.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=firstdown;351495]Well, then I'd like to know who got my million dollars as I did not get the million I prayed for.[/quote]

How about those six million people murdered in Nazi prison camps. Why didn't any of them pray?

Really,truly, believing that an all powerful supernatural being that's a lot smarter than you are can be convinced by your groveling to change his mind about anything important is the height of arrogance and vanity. To even entertain the notion that he cares whether you pray to him or not is to give yourself almost equal standing with Him, He doesn't need for you to tell or ask him anything. He has already planned everything and/or knows what's going to happen and should happen until the end of time, if he exists? Do you think you know something he doesn't? Have you lost it? You have no rational reason to believe that you know anything at all.
The chances of you being right about God or the afterlife, etc. is zip, zero. Maybe not that good.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Ok Mr Horse,
Let's say I'm wrong about God.
Well, I lived a life "trying" to be better and live by a high standard and I'm just dead. Heck yer just dead too and it's all over.

If you are wrong and there is a God..you have rejected Him. I'll be in Heaven with God and you'll be in eternal Hell away from God.

What if yer wrong?

Like I said I won't debate but I will make the end results clear.
Take another look my brother.

peace and Hail Skins cus this is a Skins board
mike

Re: Does prayer work?
 

If there really is a God, would he really turn one of us away for questioning his existence? That's not a God I'd want to be with any way.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Mattyk72;351669]If there really is a God, would he really turn one of us away for questioning his existence? That's not a God I'd want to be with any way.[/quote]


I don't think God would turn his back on one who in the course of honestly seeking the truth encountered doubts. To question is to be human. In the New Testament it says "...seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you." It's really not a question of God turning away from us as much as it is us turning away from God.

For me the whole point of this life is to seek God, everything else is secondary. (Laughter is a very close second. Laughter and the Redskins)

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=70Chip;351699]I don't think God would turn his back on one who in the course of honestly seeking the truth encountered doubts. To question is to be human. In the New Testament it says "...seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you." It's really not a question of God turning away from us as much as it is us turning away from God.

For me the whole point of this life is to seek God, everything else is secondary. (Laughter is a very close second. Laughter and the Redskins)[/QUOTE]

I agree. And to answer MattyK. Yes, if you reject God He will let you go to Hell. He gave you Free Will to accept Him and His truth or turn your back and reject Him and be eternally without Him. That's Hell.

~still can't believe this thread has not imploded. Thanks to everyone and Mods for stay very civil.

peace & prayers
mike
<><

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Hmmmm, No implosion ehhh??
..................
............
Patrick Ramsey blows

NOW we'll see some action

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Hog1;351712]Hmmmm, No implosion ehhh??
..................
............
Patrick Ramsey blows

NOW we'll see some action[/QUOTE]

Spurrier was an idiot. Gibbs never gave Ramsey a chance. Peter King doesn't like us. Dan Snyder is the worst owner in the league. We'll be sub .500 this year. What did you think of my question, i was the third caller...

That should definitely do it.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Sammy Baugh Fan;351711]I agree. [B]And to answer MattyK. Yes, if you reject God He will let you go to Hell. He gave you Free Will to accept Him and His truth or turn your back and reject Him and be eternally without Him. That's Hell.[/B]

~still can't believe this thread has not imploded. Thanks to everyone and Mods for stay very civil.

peace & prayers
mike
<><[/quote]

Well, that's what the Bible says. But how do we know the Bible is right? How do we know some other religion is the correct one? Just because of a Christian belief?

What if I'm praying to the wrong God? What if the Greeks had it right, and there are multiple gods? What if the Taoists were right? What if the Buddhists are right?

If I lead a good life, as Jesus wanted me to live it, but I don't believe in God, would God still allow me to go to hell? If so, I don't see what's so great about God.

Seems to me, priority one should be how you treated your fellow man while you were on Earth, not whether you actually believed in God or not.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Is questioning his existence the same as rejecting him though??

If it is oh well, hell will probably have better parties. ;)

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Schneed10;351742]Well, that's what the Bible says. But how do we know the Bible is right? How do we know some other religion is the correct one? Just because of a Christian belief?

What if I'm praying to the wrong God? What if the Greeks had it right, and there are multiple gods? What if the Taoists were right? What if the Buddhists are right?

If I lead a good life, as Jesus wanted me to live it, but I don't believe in God, would God still allow me to go to hell? If so, I don't see what's so great about God.

[B]Seems to me, priority one should be how you treated your fellow man while you were on Earth, not whether you actually believed in God or not[/B].[/quote]

Makes perfect sense to me. Nice post.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Schneed10;351742]

Q1
Well, that's what the Bible says. But how do we know the Bible is right? How do we know some other religion is the correct one? Just because of a Christian belief?

A1
It's the chance you take. The choice is yours to make! After all, it ONLY affects you.

Q2
What if I'm praying to the wrong God? What if the Greeks had it right, and there are multiple gods? What if the Taoists were right? What if the Buddhists are right?

A2
Same as A1

Q3
If I lead a good life, as Jesus wanted me to live it, but I don't believe in God, would God still allow me to go to hell? If so, I don't see what's so great about God.

A3
That is but one of......MANY things Jesus speaks. Most importantly, the way to eternal life is through Jesus, and acceptance of him. Being a good guy will not suffice.

Q4
Seems to me, priority one should be how you treated your fellow man while you were on Earth, not whether you actually believed in God or not.

A4
Although in your mind, I have no doubt that your own opinion of the "Heavenly Hoyle" and it's attendant rules are paramount. I don't think God shares your view................because, it's His way, or the HIGHWAY TO HELL........sing it Brian!!!!

For answers to this and other life questions like it, please consult your local King James.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE]Q2
What if I'm praying to the wrong God? What if the Greeks had it right, and there are multiple gods? What if the Taoists were right? What if the Buddhists are right?

A2
It's the chance you take. The choice is yours to make! After all, it ONLY affects you.[/QUOTE]

That's pretty bad odds. You would have better chance playing Russian Roulette.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=saden1;351769]That's pretty bad odds. You would have better chance playing Russian Roulette.[/quote]

It's your choice. It ONLY affects you. If you see a plan you like better, follow it

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Hog1;351765][quote=Schneed10;351742]

Q1
Well, that's what the Bible says. But how do we know the Bible is right? How do we know some other religion is the correct one? Just because of a Christian belief?

A1
It's the chance you take. The choice is yours to make! After all, it ONLY affects you.

Q2
What if I'm praying to the wrong God? What if the Greeks had it right, and there are multiple gods? What if the Taoists were right? What if the Buddhists are right?

A2
Same as A1

Q3
If I lead a good life, as Jesus wanted me to live it, but I don't believe in God, would God still allow me to go to hell? If so, I don't see what's so great about God.

A3
That is but one of......MANY things Jesus speaks. Most importantly, the way to eternal life is through Jesus, and acceptance of him. Being a good guy will not suffice.

Q4
Seems to me, priority one should be how you treated your fellow man while you were on Earth, not whether you actually believed in God or not.

A4
Although in your mind, I have no doubt that your own opinion of the "Heavenly Hoyle" and it's attendant rules are paramount. I don't think God shares your view................because, it's His way, or the HIGHWAY TO HELL........sing it Brian!!!!

For answers to this and other life questions like it, please consult your local King James.[/quote]

First, answers to questions one and two aren't much of an answer. I'm supposed to "take a chance" on the religion that is correct, and if I'm right I go to heaven , and if I'm wrong I go to hell? Seems ridiculous.

As for answers 3 and 4, so I'm going to be rejected from Heaven if I'm a good person but don't believe in God? What about the guy who grows up in Iraq who is a good person, but is raised Muslim. He never gets exposed to God, because where he lives humans teach of Islam and Allah. He's going to go to hell? God would thereby reject any human from heaven based mainly on their geographical location. Asians and Indians tend not to believe in God, they mostly follow Buddhism and Hinduism. People in the middle east tend to be Islamic. That doesn't seem like a gracious and just God to me - in fact it sounds almost racist.

You're telling me that God would send anyone to hell who doesn't believe in him, without even considering the fact that people China and India, which comprise 40% of the Earth's population, never even have the opportunity to accept God because it's not taught in their homes?

Makes no sense to me.