The "NEW RELIGION"...."I'll pray for you."

[dotymed]

It used to be that most people who claimed (and acted accordingly) religion, would be inconveienced to "do the right thing." If they knew of a travesty being committed against a friend or (often) an acquantance they would ACT to help. Often this meant being "inconvenieced" by travelling to an out-of-state court or just "being there" to tell the truth.
I have lately noticed that many people who claim to be very religious, are much more concerned with their well being and the perception that others have of them. Sure, They'll take a few hours a week to attend Church (their peers are there) or to help out in a soup kitchen (their peers do). When it comes to really making a difference and sacrificing their comfort zone, forget it.
If they have a friend or family member that is being accused of illegal or even immoral behavior, even if they KNOW the charges are false and/or can prove it, the thought of being seen (?) in a court of law, disagreeing with the court, is "distasteful" and possibly embarassing. So "I'l pray for you" seems to take the place of "I'll be there for you." Usually this is accompanied by many reasons that they "can't be there." Or how inconvenient it would be for them to actualy be there. They'll gladly write-up (a useless) letter attesting to your character or innocence, yet they are too self-involved to be inconvenienced.
As a person of conviction, which most truly religious people used to be, the thought of an injustice being committed against someone you can help (by simply telling the truth) was an opportunity to show "WWJD." Todays people of religion(?) will help as long as they are not inconveniced.....what a shame and IMO antithetical to the Christian teachings.

[Ecumenist]

1. I have to say you're right Dotymed. When I got DEATHLY ill a year ago and was subsequently

diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer AND abdominal GANGRENE, only ONE OF THE SO CALLED CHRISTIANS our circle stepped forward to help. It was all about "I'll pray for you" and we really needed actual help because I was unable to walk or do much of anything for myself. We were helped by people who alot but not all Christians, call heathens. ain't that something?

My aunt, who I have since found out is about as Christian only called me to ask me to do something FOR HER! She one of the fundie nuts.

[izquierdista]

2. Use your fundie to heathen dictionary

Last edited Wed Mar 28, 2012, 10:17 AM - Edit history (1)

Whenever you replace 'fart' for 'pray' in a fundie sentence, all their actions become abundantly clear

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[klook]

3. This is true of some but certainly not all.

I know several devout Christians who not only pray for friends and family, but make extraordinary sacrifices to help them in time of need.

BTW, I'm an atheist myself. But I don't think it's fair to tar all Christians with the same brush.

[dotymed]

8. When I said "many people" referring to those

who claim religion, I believe that is a definite quantifier that signifies that not all Christians were (are) being implicated. I am a Christian and I try to do the right thing. To me praying instead of acting is a poor substitute, the point of my O.P. is to point out that this seems to be an increasing, accepted practice, among many who claim to be Christians. It is perpetuated by many televangelists, politicians and religious leaders. It happens to disgust me.
It has become a staple for most "religious" republican politicians and their supporters. IMO, the South seems to be the worst for this attitude. It seems to be going nation-wide at a time when we need action on all fronts in order to overcome the glaringly increasing injustices in America.
I also believe in evolution and think that a God who would place us on earth, to endure a life of injustice and then would condemn us to an eternity of hell if we do not live by a (man-written) book, would be a very sadistic God.

[AlbertCat]

4. Pity is a poison

That's what the Mahabharata says.

Pity is a poison because it is compassion without action. One must act! Turn the pity into compassion with action.

[E_Pluribus_Unitarian]

5. I agree with Klook

It's not really necessary to broad-brush this as either-or. In my faith-tradition, works are the prayer. Nice thoughts are nice, but actions are what matters most of all.

[cbayer]

6. It's the same thing as "Sending good vibes", imo

While generally vapid and hollow, it may just be an indication that you are in someone's thoughts but they really can't (or won't) do anything for you.

It's ubiquitous, imo, and has nothing to do with whether a person is religious or not.

Sounds like you might have a personal beef here.

[Thats my opinion]

7. I invite yo to take a look at the most trobled places and situations here and in the world.

Pull out of these troubled spots all religiously motivated people, their money, their structures and their influence and what you have left compounds the tragedy. I don't know where you get your facts (opinions), but that is not how religion is functioning around the world. The long history of religion is both fraught with compassion and justice. The charge that religious people do nothing that inconveniences them is a charge emanating from a rather complete ignorance. I invite you to do a bit more research before leveling that judgement.

The sad truth of your statement is that there are millions of religious people whot are exactly as you describe them. it is a terrible truth. But there are many others.....