Religion
Related: About this forumRichard Dawkins had a stroke–should believers pray for the famous atheist?
David Gibson | February 12, 2016
(RNS) The renowned atheist Richard Dawkins has suffered a minor stroke and canceled an overseas book tour, generating concern among his legion of fans about his welfare and the future of his redoubtable campaign against religion and faith.
But the 74-year-old Britons sudden illness also prompted a debate about whether believers should pray for the health of the trenchant nonbeliever.
For example, Huffington Post blogger Kashif N Chaudhry tweeted:
Praying for @RichardDawkins' quick recovery after having suffered a minor stroke in the UK ahead of his Aus/NZ tour.
12:11 AM - 12 Feb 2016
And others joined Chaudhry in those supplications.
http://www.religionnews.com/2016/02/12/richard-dawkins-had-a-stroke-should-believers-pray-for-the-famous-atheist/
dchill
(38,429 posts)angstlessk
(11,862 posts)were worse off than those not prayed for...go figure?
In case you wonder: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/health/31pray.html?_r=1&
rug
(82,333 posts)angstlessk
(11,862 posts)I thought not
rug
(82,333 posts)The conclusions were stunning!
Do you grasp sarcasm?
I thought not.
MisterP
(23,730 posts)Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)LeftishBrit
(41,202 posts)If people pray for others out of genuine concern for their health, I have no problem with it; it's just like sending good thoughts or vibes - not IMO likely to affect the outcome, but nice.
But they should not be smug about it.
I hope Dawkins makes a full recovery.
edhopper
(33,458 posts)it has some meaning.
As an act that will actually affect his health, it is useless.