Reply #5: Theists have managed to shift the burden of proof, unfortunately

[DavidDvorkin]

At least, in the general perception.

I certainly agree with you about where the burden of proof should lie. However, there have been some studies lately about which much noise was made that seemed at first glance to be reasonably carefully done and to show that prayer has a positive effect on survival. Subsequent analysis that showed the studies were flawed didn't get the same publicity -- big surprise there. So, like it or not, the widespread false perception has to be counteracted.