Do Atheists pray?

[TheEarl]

Do you think it is acceptable for an atheist character to be described as 'praying that something would happen'? Or should I avoid the word for fear that it be taken at its literal, communication with God, level.

The Earl

 

[impressive]

Depends on the perspective. If you're inside that character's head, then I'd avoid it. If it's another character's perspective ... use the terminology that is relevant to that character.

 

[Guest]

Do Atheists pray?

In foxholes, during earthquakes, and at 35,000 feet with all engines out.

 

[LeahLo519]

Do Atheists pray?

In foxholes, during earthquakes, and at 35,000 feet with all engines out.

Tee-hee

 

[R. Richard]

Do atheists pray?

To whom?

 

[CharleyH]

Its actually an excellent question, Earl. Pagans did in some form . To pray is to pray to a particular god, is it not? The assumption is christian, but if your god is money, or nothingness, who is to say you can't pray to it?

I think it's a figure of speech that even athiests are not immune from using, or at least from making the mistake of using.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Do you think it is acceptable for an atheist character to be described as 'praying that something would happen'? Or should I avoid the word for fear that it be taken at its literal, communication with God, level.

The Earl

Not only acceptable, it is practically mandatory. Whenever you go out of your way to point out that a particular character is an atheist, Cliché Law requires that at some point in the narrative he or she must - when in a life-threatening situation - pray to a higher power.

 

[rgraham666]

God? If you can't help me at least don't help that bear!

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Do you think it is acceptable for an atheist character to be described as 'praying that something would happen'? Or should I avoid the word for fear that it be taken at its literal, communication with God, level.

The Earl

Why not? So long as you don't toss in the "...to God" at the end. Praying is something that we tend to use out of technical context on many occasions, so unless your style on that particular work is overly "grammatical," or totally lacks any type of casual under or over tones, why can't the more "slangish" version of the word take effect?

As an atheist, it's sometimes hard to remember that the phrase "I swear to God" doesn't apply to you, especially when you hear it constantly, and we're so receptive to others habits when exposed to them long-term. I rarely mistake and say as such, but I do tend to substitute "If I believed in God, I'd swear to him..."

Q_C

p.s. If you look up "pray," in a Webster's, you'll see the second definition says nothing about God, but merely about making a request.

 

[elsol]

I think having a character be atheist and then having them pray is going to get you some of THOSE emails.

It's a clear inconsistency...

Sincerely,
ElSol

 

[Guest]

 

[Mikro]

Do you think it is acceptable for an atheist character to be described as 'praying that something would happen'? Or should I avoid the word for fear that it be taken at its literal, communication with God, level.

The Earl

Many years ago i was walking through Watford in the UK and was amazed to see an Atheist Church, i was even more amazed when about a mile down the road i passed an Agnostic's Church.

Dont know if they are still there though

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Many years ago i was walking through Watford in the UK and was amazed to see an Atheist Church, i was even more amazed when about a mile down the road i passed an Agnostic's Church.

Dont know if they are still there though

Gotta wonder why the congregations showed up for that, dontcha?

Q_C

 

[CharleyH]

I think having a character be atheist and then having them pray is going to get you some of THOSE emails.

It's a clear inconsistency...

Sincerely,
ElSol

Yet as humans, we are not beyond contradiction. Why should our characters be?

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

Do you think it is acceptable for an atheist character to be described as 'praying that something would happen'? Or should I avoid the word for fear that it be taken at its literal, communication with God, level.

The Earl

Hmm, I would do without it if you can. Use a synonym. You can have an atheist blaspheme though, since it takes a very strong-willed atheist to go "Lack of a higher power damnitt!"

But prayer is an action that an atheist (not a theist, not of a religion, no god) would not do.

An agnostic character however or a soft atheist character might pray as a form of gambit. "I know I don't believe in you whoever you might be, but if you can just help me out I'd be most grateful." Or something of the form. But still won't "pray for something to happen" as just a turn of phrase. Use just hope unless the flow would be broken if you replace praying.

Flow always trumps sense.

You might alternatively have them turn to a good-luck charm. Just because they believe in no deities doesn't mean they're not superstitious.

 

[Guest]

 

[Guest]

Many years ago i was walking through Watford in the UK and was amazed to see an Atheist Church, i was even more amazed when about a mile down the road i passed an Agnostic's Church.

Dont know if they are still there though

I frankly don't believe you about the first assertion, and doubt the second one.

 

[TxRad]

I frankly don't believe you about the first assertion, and doubt the second one.

He may have been referring to two pubs....

 

[TheEarl]

Thanks all. I've decided that my atheist can't pray. She may blaspheme (and in fact does on a regular basis), but she's a very hard-core atheist and I think the word 'pray' conflicts with that.

The Earl

 

[impressive]

I frankly don't believe you about the first assertion, and doubt the second one.

BAHAHAHAHA!

 

[TheEarl]

BAHAHAHAHA!

I can't believe I didn't get that joke until I saw Imp's cackle.

<snigger>

The Earl

 

[carsonshepherd]

God? If you can't help me at least don't help that bear!

amen, brotha!

 

[Guest]

I can't believe I didn't get that joke until I saw Imp's cackle.

<snigger>

The Earl

My humor is an acquired taste. Few have.

 

[Mikro]

I frankly don't believe you about the first assertion, and doubt the second one.

Not my problem whether you believe me or not, but what reason would i have to lie. I'm not that desperate for attention

 

[impressive]

Not my problem whether you believe me or not, but what reason would i have to lie. I'm not that desperate for attention

Um ... it was a joke, hun. A play on the words atheist and agnostic. Get it?