Thoughts on Prayer -- Philosophy and Religion

(For more on religion, here is some of the work I've done on the subject):

https://www.philosocom.com/post/how-religion-and-democracy-struggle

https://www.philosocom.com/post/thoughts-on-the-shinto-religion-and-its-philosophy

https://www.philosocom.com/post/thoughts-on-the-idea-of-salvation)

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Article Overview by Mr. O. C. Isaac

The article "Thoughts on Prayer" provides a thought-provoking exploration of prayer, religion, and individual freedom from the perspective of an agnostic atheist author. The writer presents a well-structured argument that challenges the necessity of prayer, especially within the framework of deterministic beliefs and the nature of a deity. Mr. Tomasio's self-awareness about their atheism and attempts to understand the psychological motives behind religious practices are commendable, adding depth and empathy to his critique.

Furthermore, to further criticize his own skepticism and look both ways, he included the words of another writer in favor of prayer so to reduce bias.

One of the strengths of the article is its open-minded approach. While the author clearly articulates his skepticism regarding the value of prayer, he also acknowledge the potential benefits that religious practices and beliefs offer to both individuals and society. This balanced viewpoint allows the reader to appreciate the complexity of the topic and the diverse ways in which people find meaning and purpose.

The philosopher effectively critiques the often rigid and restrictive nature of orthodox religions, using vivid analogies and comparisons to highlight the perceived authoritarian aspects of religious rituals.

The discussion on the need for pluralistic and inclusive approaches to spirituality, such as those found in Far Eastern religions, is compelling and invites the reader to consider alternative perspectives on faith and religious practice.

Overall, the article is an insightful and thought-provoking read that challenges conventional views on prayer and religion. It invites readers to reflect on their beliefs and practices while encouraging an open dialogue about the place of religion in contemporary society.

The author's balanced approach and willingness to acknowledge the positive contributions of religion, despite his personal disbelief, is a refreshing and respectful stance in such a contentious debate.

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There are those who will tell you that one of the most important things in life, if not the most important thing of all, is prayer, and that without prayer, you will not be redeemed in the afterlife, assuming, of course, there are one or more afterlives.

I myself may be an atheist, but in this article I will try not to let it bias my thinking, and as I wrote in the poem "Human in Religion," I can definitely understand the psychological motives behind seeking religion as one's supplier of answers to the questions of existence. Perhaps, if I wasn't an atheist, I would be religious too due to my need for meaning and self-actualization.

Anyways, I find it hard to understand why exactly prayer is needed if existence has been already determined from the start (Determinism), and if whatever deity one believes in is capable of hearing their thoughts.

If everything was already planned, it means that regardless of what you will do, you will get everything you were fated for, whether you'll pray or not. Perhaps praying will please your deity, or even compliment their ego, but in the end, the end result will stay the same. That is, at least, how I understand it.

On the other hand, you have all these customs and rituals and singing that are "required" by your ancestry to perform in order to please said deity/s. That is, hard to understand too. Why would a benevolent deity want to be complimented and glorified so much as if it were a North Korean dictator?

Apologies if I disturb some by this comparison, but it really feels like it -- all the praises and songs, it really feels like being a slave to an entity, even if they choose to become slave by love, or fear, or both. North Koreans, by the way, also praise their dictators as gods, hence why that state can be considered a Necrocracy, AKA, where the dead rule, but I digress.

It is reasonable to believe that someone who wishes to be free and independent will not seek out orthodox religions, because of how limiting they can be.

Orthodox religions often have strict rules and regulations that members are expected to follow. These rules can range from what to eat and drink, to how to dress, to how to behave in public. For some people, these rules can feel stifling and restrictive. They may feel like they are not free to live their own lives, but are instead being controlled by a set of rules that they did not create.

In addition, orthodox religions often have a focus on sin and guilt. Members are taught that they are inherently sinful and that they need to repent in order to be forgiven. This can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Some people may feel like they can never be good enough, no matter how hard they try.

I far prefer more pluralistic religions. Some of which can be found in the Far East. Religions such as Shintoism, which requires no specific faith, and Hinduism, which is naturally pluralistic. I assume Buddhism can also be regarded as pluralistic. The more diverse and accepting a religion is, the more it would recognize the fact that humans are very different beings, with individuality, and wants and needs of their own.

For these reasons, it is understandable why someone who wishes to be free and independent might choose not to seek out orthodox religions (AKA, Christianity, Islam, etc.). There are many other ways to find meaning and purpose in life, without having to adhere to a set of rules that one does not agree with.

I also do not deem it proper to be religious just to please others. What value is there in pretentious practice of faith? In one that isn't made wholeheartedly?

Nonetheless, honest religious faith, alongside with prayer, have contributions of their own to humanity. Both societal and individual. I'm sure we cannot disagree on that one, correct? Some people, for example, may prefer these restrictions, as they may give them a sense of order and harmony. And when it comes to sin and guilt, religious followers may feel obliged to redeem themselves and be better moral beings.

I'm not writing this article to make people renounce their faith. I don't hate religion or religious people, but I want to talk about how limiting religion can be for those who put it at a lower priority in their lives, if at all.

I understand that religion is important to many people, but I believe that it should not be forced on others. People should be free to choose whether or not they want to participate in religious activities.

If religious communities can self-regulate their own traditions and restrictions, then I don't see why the rest of the population deserves to be restricted in accordance, as well. It is not like a central authority needs to regulate, in said communities, what is already regulated by themselves. Other than some people's thirst for political power, expanding this regulation seem redundant.

I don't believe that people should be forced to comply with an ideology or religion they don't believe in. The identity of a state is often different from the identity of its population, which is why many societies are heterogeneous rather than homogeneous.

And still, if there is one true deity who has infinite grace and love for all of existence, why would one need to fear it? And why would it be determined enough to cause misery across the land for not praying to his name, and reciting his teachings enough? I don't want to be an oppressed minion; I want to be the master of my own life, and decide where it will be going. The fact I can't control everything, does not cancel my right to choose. Within religion, and outside of it. That includes whether to pray at all.

What kind of life do I and many others want? A life where each person can decide their own fate, their own activities, and their own relationships. A life that is democratic not only in the occasional election, but in every aspect of society. A life where there is no need to be pitied or beg for forgiveness; where we are not threatened with eternal damnation or promised uncertain salvation; where women are not seen as inferior to men, and where neither men nor women have to be married to live a happy, productive life.

I am not afraid to voice my thoughts in a world that is largely democratic, and I do not think it is a sin to think differently. Murder and other vile acts are crimes, but why is it so bad to be a philosopher or thinker? After all, they are simply people who are open to different ideas.

That didn't stop people from hating Solomon Maimon, a Jewish philosopher from a few centuries ago, from being hated by his religious community, and be refused becoming a Christian. From what I managed to gather, he was even stoned during his funeral. Disrespected for doing his job.

Because of these reasons, even if I were not an atheist, I would probably not pray. I do not see the need to be subordinate to a diety's mercy. And I don't see a need to communicate with one, either. Therefore, prayer can be seen as representing someone's submission to concepts which some may deem as too unjust.

I dreamt once of Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom. It was the only time in my life I felt true love. I think... it is more than sufficent.

I cannot relate to the religious way of thinking and way of life. You may call me a monk for living in solitude and not really speaking most of my days, but at least I have the freedom of choice, which exists less in a more ritual-oriented lifestyle. For the freedom of the philosopher comes from being second to no master, even if they're religious. For the philosopher is second to no one, merely in thought alone.

The choice to follow any religion is yours, as well as agree and disagree with my articles. I'm not here to convert anyone. And the choice to include me in your prayers is yours alone. Present or future. It should be obvious, that I refuse to be seen as a divine figure, and desire no worship.

Extra: Life can indeed be moral and meaningful without religious faith, even if it gives these traits to those of many. This article explains this arguement further.

Article Feedback by M. Svartgold

Prayer, for me, is a way to seek comfort and meaning. It's a yearning for a sense of purpose, especially in the face of mortality. Death is inevitable, and prayer is also there for the subject of reincarnation, AKA the afterlife. This is why I pray daily, almost constantly.

Many work tirelessly yet receives little in return. They would regardless of their multiple shifts, live in dilapidated old houses, with their rent being excessively high. Geopolitical happenings can easily worsen situations, and I see many suffering. Despite my prayers, I haven't seen any improvement.

Kind words are rare, but Mr. Tomasio's appreciation, who said I am important to him, feels like an acknowledgment from a man with Godly traits.

King David's hardships resonate with me, mirroring the relentless financial struggles I face. Tuna and bread are staples in my diet as a poor man, as I pray for a better life.

Some houses, 100-year-old, today need constant repairs, and leaving isn't an option due to the high cost. I write to you, as a man who hoped in the past that God would intervene and bring me salvation from this distress "corner people" may experience regularly.

People who try hard are supposed to be helped, yet that hasn't been the case for me. Perhaps being a minority without much support from family, has sealed my fate. I believe, essentially, that I am destined for disaster after disaster.

So, of course I would pray myself. Despite the religious divide worldwide, I love people of different religions. It's really the people I care about, rather their faith, when it comes to religion. 

Being biracial myself, I've experienced prejudice. Interfaith marriage, additionally, can bring immense hardship. Constant societal persecution and being ostracized as a "type 0" human significantly impacts people's lives for the worse.

People's lack of proper homes and the constant tears I hear at night are heartbreaking. They aren't necessarily sleeping enough and well at night. It would make sense that I would also pray for their wellbeing. 

For Mr. Tomasio's work, I pray for his success and prosperity, especially during times of political instability worldwide. Religion's influence is most evident in times of conflict. A small act of kindness, even a smile, can bring solace.

As someone who feels the presence of souls (or their energy vibrations), I find atheism difficult to accept, as atheism ignores the concept of souls. It seems to negate the existence of something I am empathic enough to feel naturally, as I also see auras. Prayer is also for our wellbeing, thus for the soul.

Religion, in my experience, is often used for personal gain rather than true faith, hence why there are manipulations in religious settings. Religious restrictions isolate us from greater freedom as well as understanding the more-positive aspects of the religious world.

Regarding the word "Amen," something must be seen and believed from the source of faith. I observed that even when I felt abandoned by God. People's relentless determination to endure gives me all the more reason to pray for this world's prosperity, peace and stability.