I have been meaning to ask this for a while. A tragedy happens and a common line of condolence is "my thoughts and prayers are with you" or something like that. I see the world pretty cut and dry, there either is a God (and prayers are effective) or there isn't a God and all we see around us are chemical reactions, thermodynamics at work, etc. When those that I know are not religious restrict their condolences to "my thoughts are with you," that doesn't make much sense to me. Again, this is where I see it in a very polarized way in that they are almost saying "my neurons are responding to those 'bad' chemical reactions and thermodynamics that took place, even though nothing in the universe matters/has purpose." Has anyone else given this any thought or am I just weird?

You’re just weird

And that took 3 whole minutes! And I agree!

Global warming

If there isnt a God, there would be nothing..........

Agreed.

Nope, I always bring this up to my wife. You thinking about something does absolutely nothing for a person. I had someone tell me yesterday that they were sending "love and light my direction". I asked him what that meant

In the end, I appreciate the sentiment and that they want me to know they care.



Sending you some light and unicorn dreams as you continue to sort this out, Joe.

I think you are WAY overthinking what other people PERSONALLY carry on their hearts and in their relation to God.

My neurons r with u 😃 in the mean time I'll say a prayer so u can figure this debacle out

I think even if people are not church going religious people that they acknowledge whatever sad or tragic event has befallen you or a loved one and their "thoughts" are that you heal, make it through the best you can, are willing to help if possible, etc. Some people are just awkward at knowing exactly what to say in those situations and when you throw in how easily offended some of society has gotten, it really makes knowing what to say or type to someone that much more difficult.


But, I totally think you can have warm, loving and supportive thoughts for someone and his/her situation and it can be helpful for those who receive such a message. Sometimes it just makes you feel better to know that people have not forgotten you or your loved one.

From a purely scientific perspective. I am praying for your megatrons. Everyone has megatrons, they are in your butt and typically only materialize once you get your ass kicked.

Its weird to me that anyone would even consider the possibility that theres no God. I guess ive just seen too much.

I've gotten to the point in my life that when I tell someone I will pray for them that I will take my hat off, hold their hand and pray right then and there for them. On here I will stop what I'm doing and immediately voice a prayer. For the Unbeliever, the Bible suggests that there is only one prayer that God will hear; the prayer of repentance and salvation.
https://www.gty.org/library/questions/QA160/does-god-answer-the-prayers-of-unbelievers

Great minds think alike!

Im all seriousness, glad I’m not the only one...

Was there not atleast one case in the bible where someone was healed because someone they knew went to Jesus on their behalf? When my Dad died a couple years ago, I could certainly feel the prayers and thoughts of my friends and church family during that time. That was the hardest 3months ive ever been through but it was made much easier by the thoughts and prayers of others. Thats just a couple of examples, I could go on and on. I pray pretty regularly that God would bless someone who is sick and unable to be at church on a particular sunday. Is it unreasonable to believe God could go by where they are and fill them with his spirit just because I asked him too. I believe my God can do anything, he can certainly let someone feel my thoughts and prayers. Thats a small thing.

Not arguing with you there!

I usually stay out of these conversations because, while what I said and Joe4majors said is just *thinking* out loud about it, I don't want to judge someone for something they feel genuinely about, especially when it involves them doing something nice for someone (prayer, being with them in a difficult time). I think there is truth to what you said.

What I was saying is more directed at the opposite of what Marksoutdoors was saying. I teach my students that if they are going to say they will pray for someone, stop and do it right then. Lay a hand on them and pray for them. Then figure out how they can help them beyond the prayer, and also KEEP praying. It seems that I hear the "thoughts and prayers" mostly from people who say it passively and as an easy response to a situation that makes them uncomfortable. *again this is a sticky subject because now I'm judging people's hearts and I don't know what people are actually doing thinking*

Yep. And you sound like an eternal pessimist

I heard one say not long ago that we will “send positive energy to you during this time.”

Well , thanks, whatever that means.

Lets chat about praying for a "hedge of protection".