Honestly, I have to ask the same question. I can think of a few excuses others might use (lack of faith on their part, a desire to prove it to unbelievers, too much time and money on their hands, etc.). Personally, I think it was foolish in the first place. As it has already been said, no matter what the outcome, a study like this would have done nothing because most people already have their opinions set as to the efficacy of prayer.
"...a lot of men making a lot of bold claims in attempts to gain control over other men..." I will agree with you that there are many people out there that use religion to get power, influence, money, etc. I have seen it myself. However, there IS truth to be found; the hard part, as you have discovered, is finding it.
Well, if you're interested, I wouldn't mind talking it over with you further. I realize that you're going through a tough time, so whether now or later, it's fine. You can email my hotmail account (urubu715 ). I won't be offended if you don't either.
"...I shall not allow them to find any conclusion for my existence..." What you failed to realize here is that God has provided many ways for us to know that he exists (prayer being one of them). The problem with so many people is that they are not satisfied with God's way, they want it their way. Which, BTW, is why people resort to drugs, porn, and other fake pleasures. If they would try it God's way, they would actually find a more fulfilling happiness.
I already answered your comment about the percentages and fancy math you gave when I said that you can't measure spiritual things with physical tools. You're assuming that God can be measured statistically. He cannot. I did not say that God has such a careless attitude toward human life, I said that the study did not take into account that God cannot be controlled and studied like a lab rat. Furthermore, as I stated, prayer does not change the will of God, it only secures for us the blessings that He already has reserved for us when we ask. God is omniscient, so He knows what will happen. At the same time, He allows us to choose what we will without forcing (or 'fating') us. God cannot force us anymore than a father can force his child. But just as a father can see where his child's choices will lead, so God has a perfect knowledge of where our choices will lead. Thus, God can be omniscient and still give us the ability to choose.
The problem here is that no statistic can fully analyze the effects of prayer. The study they performed ignores too many variables to be of any credit. Furthermore, many aspects of prayer cannot be studied by using scientific methods. It would be like measuring a cloud with a measuring cup. Consider the following:
Prayer does not change the will of God, it merely secures for us things that God is already willing to do. Prayer has never come with the assurance that we will receive what we ask for. Its purpose is to bring us closer in alignment with the will of God.
This very study assumes that if we ask God, by means of a study, to show that prayer really works, He will answer the request. Thus, the study itself is actually just another petition to God. Once again, God does not give just because we ask.
Prayer CAN be studied, but only on a personal level. The only study that can be done on prayer is when you pray and ask God if he really hears and answers prayer. However, this is something that too many people are unwilling to do, even though it costs less, takes less time, and is more convicing than a scientific study. It really is because they are already decided that it doesn't work and are trying to justify their stance.
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Honestly, I have to ask the same question. I can think of a few excuses others might use (lack of faith on their part, a desire to prove it to unbelievers, too much time and money on their hands, etc.). Personally, I think it was foolish in the first place. As it has already been said, no matter what the outcome, a study like this would have done nothing because most people already have their opinions set as to the efficacy of prayer.
"...a lot of men making a lot of bold claims in attempts to gain control over other men..." I will agree with you that there are many people out there that use religion to get power, influence, money, etc. I have seen it myself. However, there IS truth to be found; the hard part, as you have discovered, is finding it.
Well, if you're interested, I wouldn't mind talking it over with you further. I realize that you're going through a tough time, so whether now or later, it's fine. You can email my hotmail account (urubu715 ). I won't be offended if you don't either.
"...I shall not allow them to find any conclusion for my existence..." What you failed to realize here is that God has provided many ways for us to know that he exists (prayer being one of them). The problem with so many people is that they are not satisfied with God's way, they want it their way. Which, BTW, is why people resort to drugs, porn, and other fake pleasures. If they would try it God's way, they would actually find a more fulfilling happiness.
I already answered your comment about the percentages and fancy math you gave when I said that you can't measure spiritual things with physical tools. You're assuming that God can be measured statistically. He cannot. I did not say that God has such a careless attitude toward human life, I said that the study did not take into account that God cannot be controlled and studied like a lab rat. Furthermore, as I stated, prayer does not change the will of God, it only secures for us the blessings that He already has reserved for us when we ask. God is omniscient, so He knows what will happen. At the same time, He allows us to choose what we will without forcing (or 'fating') us. God cannot force us anymore than a father can force his child. But just as a father can see where his child's choices will lead, so God has a perfect knowledge of where our choices will lead. Thus, God can be omniscient and still give us the ability to choose.
Out of curiosity, what are some of those questions and besides asking priests, how did you go about looking for answers?
Blind are those who can't see the proof that is already abundant.
The problem here is that no statistic can fully analyze the effects of prayer. The study they performed ignores too many variables to be of any credit. Furthermore, many aspects of prayer cannot be studied by using scientific methods. It would be like measuring a cloud with a measuring cup. Consider the following: