There was a prayer thing going on at my school recently, and a group of students guided by a teacher prayed at the school flag for the safety of the students and of the school. Though I am Atheist, I attended and prayed with the group. I do not believe in a God(s) or a super natural power. But, I still attended and gave my honest prayer for them.
I don't know why I did this, it was not to mock them, I don't think they even know I'm Atheist (I'm not outspoken about my beliefs), I just decided I would help them out.
Now on to the question to get this debate going, is this okay? Is it alright for people to freely come and go, mingling with other religions, but keeping strong to their own faith? Also, if you are a person of faith, would you feel offended if a "non believer" attended a prayer or whatever it is you do?
this is an interesting topic which alot of people should probably pay attention to, there are 2 groups of christian prayer for the day in my town, one is the BOG? its just a bible study that a teacher set up in a middle school before school. and the other is the FCLA, fellowship of christian atheletes, which is annoying because they are always asking me to come join, i think this all is illegal for it to be in schools isnt it? but people should start to be more tolerant of other belifs
A prayer does not have to be religious. Basically a prayer to any god would be two things: letting resposibility go by givin it to a - higher being, and adding strenght to yourself, because of the believe that someone else is guiding you, and doing it right. It is a form of therapy for the common man. Remenber, strong believers seem to have a kind of holy power, probably because of them being aware that there is someone guiding them through life, and any turn on the road is just as much their god's will, as their own choice. On the other hand, nonbelievers can have the same power in themselves, as long as they find a goal and works towards it any way they can without giving up for a second.
I think it was a nice thought, Venderman. Renewing hope and faith in a life full of sorrow and disaster, joy and love.
I'm a little confused as to what prayer is for an atheist. I've known prayer to be communication with someone or something who is not a human, or communicating in a way other than people normally communicate. So if you believe in no deities or anything like that, what is prayer for you? Cenere's response still assumes a god of some kind, which an atheist would disagree with.
However I agree with CommanderC, if the intent is sincere, then no problem. If you are breaking some sort of rule by doing so, that raises other questions (like taking communion in closed churches that do not want you to). But an open prayer thing like that, so long as you don't say or do something offensive, should be open to anyone.
@daswiftarrow, I don't think it's illegal for FCL to be on campus. It's illegal if the school is supporting it, I think. last I knew, religious organizations are allowed, but they have to be student run... but I don't know the laws in your area.
Generally on mingling faiths: yes, it's fine. However that's not the same as saying that the faiths all agree or are the same. But it is ridiculous to keep separating ourselves based on faith, when many times there are goals we can organize around. Again, this is not to ignore the real differences in belief and practice, and we need to be respectful by recognizing that there are differences. But at the same time, differences in themselves do not always have to mean that we cannot do things together. That sort of separation seems to just cause problems.
Actually, what I meant was, that praying is a kind of therapy. Atheists praying just stop worrying, while believers think a higher being takes care of them, and stop worrying. I am trying to be as neutral as possible, just comming with an explaination.
I'm glad I got some good feedback. And on the subject of the religion in schools, I think it's okay. As long as they are respectful to people being different, aren't rude when advertising themselves, and don't receive funding from the school board.
That would be the same thing some religions do. Atheists actually tend to not making a fuss over other people being religious, while many religious people bite the head off anyone in doubt.
I've had more Atheists pull the "I'm being religiously attacked" more than any other religion! There will always be disagreement about what is true... That's the beauty of living somewhere like America Religious freedom!
To me, mingling with another religion while remaining strong in your own really doesn't matter too much, as long as you don't take it too the extremes. We interact with people of different religions everyday, and it doesn't harm us. But if they take something too far, then that would be wrong. An example of that perhaps could be an non-christian attending church, and shooting their mouth off about their own religion, and telling people that God doesn't exist and all that. It would be totally fine for them too go, but they have to respect the other religion's rules and guidelines.
As to prayer with other religion, I don't think it matters. I agree with many people that have already posted above me, that if prayer is sincere, and if it comes straight from the heart, and not for trying to impress others, is always fine, and perhaps even good. It gives the members of both religions respect for each other, and their goal of prayer is still the same. It doesn't matter if one is an Atheist, one Muslim, and one Christian. As long as they respect each other, and pray with sincerity and meaning, then it is completely fine.
