Religion

rug

(82,333 posts) Fri Feb 12, 2016, 11:58 PM Feb 2016

Richard 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 Briton’s 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:

Kashif N Chaudhry @KashifMD

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/

9 replies

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Highlight:

Richard Dawkins had a stroke–should believers pray for the famous atheist? (Original Post) rug Feb 2016 OP

What could it hurt? dchill Feb 2016 #1

Well studies have shown those who were prayed for angstlessk Feb 2016 #2

Wow. The studies must show the prayers caused that outcome. rug Feb 2016 #3

Did you read the link? angstlessk Feb 2016 #4

Why, yes I did! rug Feb 2016 #5

he'd get wind of the prayers and then have a second stroke? MisterP Feb 2016 #9

Pat Robertson will take credit for it in 3...2...1. Fuddnik Feb 2016 #6

Up to them LeftishBrit Feb 2016 #7

As a gesture of concern edhopper Feb 2016 #8

dchill

(38,502 posts)

1. What could it hurt?

Reply to rug (Original post)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 12:08 AM

Feb 2016

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)

2. Well studies have shown those who were prayed for

Reply to dchill (Reply #1)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 12:15 AM

Feb 2016

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)

3. Wow. The studies must show the prayers caused that outcome.

Reply to angstlessk (Reply #2)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 12:39 AM

Feb 2016

angstlessk

(11,862 posts)

4. Did you read the link?

Reply to rug (Reply #3)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 12:41 AM

Feb 2016

I thought not

rug

(82,333 posts)

5. Why, yes I did!

Reply to angstlessk (Reply #4)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 12:49 AM

Feb 2016

The conclusions were stunning!

perhaps because of the expectations the prayers created, the researchers suggested.

Do you grasp sarcasm?

I thought not.

MisterP

(23,730 posts)

9. he'd get wind of the prayers and then have a second stroke?

Reply to dchill (Reply #1)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 03:47 PM

Feb 2016

Fuddnik

(8,846 posts)

6. Pat Robertson will take credit for it in 3...2...1.

Reply to rug (Original post)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 02:22 AM

Feb 2016

LeftishBrit

(41,208 posts)

7. Up to them

Reply to rug (Original post)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 06:13 AM

Feb 2016

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

(33,584 posts)

8. As a gesture of concern

Reply to rug (Original post)

Sat Feb 13, 2016, 10:40 AM

Feb 2016

it has some meaning.
As an act that will actually affect his health, it is useless.

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