I really hate when there's a tragedy and someone on TV says "our
prayers go out to the family and friends of whoever". Indeed.
Exactly how do these precious prayers "go out"? Were they inside before, and now you've released them like doves or balloons? And exactly what is this thing you're sending "out"? Will the recipients know when it "arrives"? I mean, do you put a special wrapper and a return address on "it" when you direct it to "go out"?
If people's minds weren't befuddled by nonexistent gods, they wouldn't say meaningless things like this -- and certainly not to people who've suffered a terrible loss. Saying a prayer is as meaningful as singing "Ring Around the Rosie". Why not make a dinner for the bereaved, instead? Or send them some cash or groceries. And with these, you know, real gestures, the people would actually get something. Special bonus: they'd know when the items arrived.
Prayers are cheap and meaningless. Plus, I'll bet most of the people who say they'll pray for others don't even bother to do so. Not that it matters, of course.
Note: My draft of this post went out yesterday by accident. I never intended that to happen. If you read it, wipe the memory from your mind and read this version.
Exactly how do these precious prayers "go out"? Were they inside before, and now you've released them like doves or balloons? And exactly what is this thing you're sending "out"? Will the recipients know when it "arrives"? I mean, do you put a special wrapper and a return address on "it" when you direct it to "go out"?
If people's minds weren't befuddled by nonexistent gods, they wouldn't say meaningless things like this -- and certainly not to people who've suffered a terrible loss. Saying a prayer is as meaningful as singing "Ring Around the Rosie". Why not make a dinner for the bereaved, instead? Or send them some cash or groceries. And with these, you know, real gestures, the people would actually get something. Special bonus: they'd know when the items arrived.
Prayers are cheap and meaningless. Plus, I'll bet most of the people who say they'll pray for others don't even bother to do so. Not that it matters, of course.
Note: My draft of this post went out yesterday by accident. I never intended that to happen. If you read it, wipe the memory from your mind and read this version.
