----- Original Message ----- From: "Erik Reuter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2002 3:15 PM Subject: Re: Praying for the Poor RE: Christian insanity.
> Baloney. There is no way prayer can directly help anyone. Citing cases > where something IN ADDITION to prayer makes a difference does not prove > that prayer had a direct effect. If wishing could make it so, the world > would be an amazing place. In reality, it is action, effort, and work > that accomplishes thing, not wishing or praying. So, human attitudes have no affect at all? We never ever communicate our true attitude towards other people nonverbally? The difficulty with a beggar is that what seems like direct helpful actions usually isn't. John had pointed out that he also gives to charities that help people in need, so he is not just faking a wish to help. He could express it verbally, but that would tend to invite an discussion of why he isn't giving the requested donation, which would have a high probability of ending in an argument. But, besides giving the money, he prays for that person at the moment, he is doing something to focus his attitude towards that person as someone who is also a child of God, and as someone who has needs to be met...even though the request for monetary assistance is being denied. Good wishes, by themselves, are hypocritical and therefore less than useless, as James has pointed out. But, praying for someone, while doing what you can in a non-obvious manner, has the potential for doing more than just doing things without praying. Imagine if everyone who encountered beggars did this, and contrast it with everyone pretending they were not there or showing hostility. You actually think the attitude difference means nothing. Now, given your pattern of trying to foster hostility here, maybe you do. I'd be curious to see the answer. Dan M. P.S., my argument isn't meant to counter Julia's earlier point; I tend to agree with it. It is meant to be in addition to that point. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
