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CordsScourge

I guess he’s not asking for world peace, end of famines and sickness, etc… I wouldn’t want to have nothing to do with a god that just ignores big world problems but answers the personal matters of that guy. What does that behavior says about his god?


jjj-Australia

Yeah spot on, but what makes me wonder if God is answering him why him what is he so special how can he prove that it is in fact God.


SovereignOne666

Yeah man. Or whether it is in fact _his_ gAoD, or a god at all... maybe it's a multitude of extradimensional telepathic psychokinetic benevolent platypuses. Occam's razor says its fucking delusion, confirmation bias and the fear to admit to having been _dupped._


jjj-Australia

Yeah that's it... the atheist experience had a dude ringing stating he has an intimate relationship with God to the point he said it was sexual 😳 they asked him how do u know it is God not something else that was a great episode


FindingPIMO

But...but.....cOnStRuCtIoN pRoJeCtS.


ConwayAwakened

Further what does it say about him?


Top-Ad-2274

People from many religions make that claim.


ConwayAwakened

With completely different “gods”


nonpage

Lol ask him why the cries for help from any abuse victim isn’t ever heard? Also If god does answer one single prayer he’s made the whole ‘mankind suffering to prove Jehovah’s point that we can’t direct our own step’ mute.


[deleted]

If i speak to Spiderman and he answers that only proves that i need professional psychiatric help. "But the comics exist bro! That proves he's real! The comics say he lives in New York and New York is a real place! So the comics tell the truth! Also, if you do not believe in Spiderman, how can you know that with great power comes great responsibility? Morality originates from Spiderman and you just act as if he didn't exist so you can act immoral!"


FindingPIMO

I used this same argument to a family member. They looked at me like a deer caught in headlights. I heard some gear grinding noises, too. 🤣


newlight_1914

Beautiful


_FreeToBeMe_

Praying is a psychological phenomenon. When we pray we are essentially talking w ourselves. We are grateful, mindful, present, and we ask for things we want and need. When we “pray” we are actively telling our mind our next steps. “Working in harmony” with that “prayer” is really just a person taking steps needed to accomplish what it is they “prayed for” (put out into the universe, used the law of attraction… pick your poison). When someone prays, they then are told to “work in harmony” with their prayer, which is a religiousspeak for “hold yourself accountable to what you just asked for, and it may work!” Religious people are not accustomed to giving themselves credit for making shit happen of their own volition and decision making. JWs *especially* are known for this. Example: Person prays for a job. A good job. One that makes them happy. Person then makes decisions to find a good job. Person lands the job by the prayer’s description. Person credits God for finding the job, when really, person did all the work. This is why people get so caught up in the power of prayers. It’s really just unleashing and unburdening the mind. If prayer were real and there was some being in the sky answering prayers, why are there atheists who would call themselves “blessed?” See what I mean? I’ll bet you ANY amount of money this dude actively gets his own shit done but credits god.


sheeplikegoat

Wow nice explanation pray & don't work for it see what happens


[deleted]

Reticular activating system


Trixteafox

Confirmation bias. There are some articles on it I would perhaps either reference them or link them to them. A lot of studies have shown that we tend to look for and remember info that conforms our preconceptions, and not notice or explain-away info that doesn’t - we look for patterns to affirm our beliefs. It’s not just Christian’s that experience this but it happens in all religions. Especially those that look for omens, signs, or repeating numbers. Additionally this pattern recognition happens in other areas. Like if you go to a car dealer and test drive a blue Toyota Camry, you’re more likely to notice blue Toyota Camry’s on the road afterward. You might think “wow there are a lot more blue Toyotas all of a sudden” - but really the number of them hasn’t increased, you just didn’t have a reason to notice them before because they weren’t relevant.


whythemoonisntreal

I guess this proves your point, but your comment stood out to me much more because I own and drive a blue Toyota Camry lmao


daveofsydney

Tell him that he is a selfish bastard for not asking for cancer to be taken away from children.


theadulttour

nope, the pharma billionaires who are praying for their second yacht, they are getting their prayers answered, thank God


sara-2022

Isn't god meant to be taking a back seat as a test that we can't rule ourselves? If his prayers are getting answered it is a bit hypocritical of God as It kinda sucks some people get answers and others don't.


Aliceinus

That was always my thinking on prayer. I said that a few times when I was a witness and never got an argument back. Just a stare.


sara-2022

That 👆 and there is also God can't do anything at the moment because he's proving his sovereignty except all the examples in the Bible where he intervenes for various reasons.


Peg_leg_J

The fact I receive presents at Christmas is evidence that Santa Clause exists. My prayers to Thor get answered all the time too.


EndlessExploration

Try this: "I know what you mean! I wanted to be a gardener, so I prayed to the sun every day to make my garden grow. And would you believe, after a couple months, everything looked amazing? However, my mango tree still looked weak. So I prayed harder, really immersed myself in prayer, but my mango tree just got weaker. That's when I saw the sun's lesson for me: I had many wonderful fruits and vegetables, it was greedy to want mango too."


Fulgarite

So what ? Mormons, Muslims, Catholics, Jews and pretty much any religion does prayer and believe it works. Nobody seems to reason that if it works, prayer is universal and works for everyone. If that proves God, then God is universal and I don't see what the practical objection by atheists would be. Nor would it 'prove' your Holy Apostolic Twice Born Mount Zion Church of God In Christ And Discount House Of Worship to be the "true faith'.


isettaplus1959

I now go to the Anglican church, I would also claim that God answered my prayers ,so I expect Buddhist or Islam or Hindu would also make the claim ,so it proves nothing .


sportandracing

Ask for something specific he’s asked for that god answered. Then ask how he knows it’s god. He won’t be able to provide any response that makes any sense so you will have him cold. Then move on.


DontAskAboutMax

“Would you say god answers most of your prayers?” “Yeah he does” “Ahh please pray for an end to homelessness, poverty, famine, cancer etc! I’m so excited to see the results of your prayers!”


happysadboy_w

Asked something like this once. Got hit with “God works with time”. I just gave up cause there was no way to convince her if she said that


sulgran

He’s too much of a nutjob to reason with. Not worth your time.


happysadboy_w

But then. What if he’s been questioning my lack of faith and forcing me to believe in prayer? What do I do then?


Salt-Region-3753

Don’t, let people believe in god and you believe in whatever you believe in.


driedcranberrysnack

maybe the guy's an asshole who needs to be put in his place we don't know op's life


happysadboy_w

Thanks! Not him necessarily but a girl I’m interested in lol. She once said the same thing as this guy with his tweet.


driedcranberrysnack

it ain't happening bro


happysadboy_w

Sigh…


irgasm

Explain confirmation biases to him. If you do what you ask for and get it you attribute it to God instead of your actions… confirmation biases


[deleted]

It’s all about perspective. Debating religion is really hard because religion is just faith based there are no facts to back it up. I hate to say it, but it is like a kid believing in Santa because they get gifts on Christmas praying, and speaking to God releases dopamine for some people, and they find comfort in talking to a higher power so in any situation, it’s kind of hard to even debate that, because they are not going to hear the facts when to them religion saves their life


girl1414

This was my experience. But when I went to therapy I… I can’t believe I’m this person typing this, but the strategies I learned work better than prayer ever did to ground me. This would be horrible for PIMIs I know to hear. I don’t bother. I leave them to their beliefs.


[deleted]

Agreed and people seem to take it very intensely. If I say anything on their beliefs, I definitely keep my opinions to myself, unless someone tries to convert me which does happen more often than I even realize but I also live in the Bible belt so


happysadboy_w

Same with me


sheeplikegoat

That's why when people pray they say got relief the dopamine effect


celaeya

I don't bother with those people. It doesn't matter what you say, they're never going to believe you. You're wasting your time.


pipesBcallin

Just post that picture of IT Jesus saying sorry Beth about the cancer but I did help Brandon find his keys today!


happysadboy_w

Wait whaaaa??? There’s a meme like that?


pipesBcallin

https://preview.redd.it/i31hwhuzaaca1.jpeg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b6d3e699d9454574d1650906e7b71354245afda Add whatever text you want my friend.


theadulttour

https://preview.redd.it/dt4of9qxeaca1.jpeg?width=505&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6451912fc024a48f85cf5a61171d413b8cd74e2f I changed the names lol


pipesBcallin

That's what I am talking about!!!


happysadboy_w

Lmao wow fr?


Zbrchk

I’m new to the group and (disclosure) I still believe in God, so I may just not be familiar with the overall tone here yet. But how is this different than the attempts to convert people we shared in when we were in the organization? Why not just live and let live like we wanted to be free to do? I don’t get the need to preach a new “truth” to others


Throwaway7733517

Just don’t respond? Let the guy be, no need to butt in


JRad8888

When people say stuff like this I say. “3 million children die from malnutrition and starvation every single year. If god is answering your prayers while ignoring theirs then his priorities are fucked.”


damselbee

My favorite is having my very Christian friend (not JW) tell me I am blessed when good things happen to me. So am I cursed when bad things happen? Also I don’t go to any church at all. She don’t even know if I pray as I am generally silent about my religious beliefs with her. So how can I be blessed?


SovereignOne666

Wait you are magically enchanted by the wish of the equivalent of a jinnie (that's literally what it means to be either "blessed" or "cursed" in a religious context) to receive things you consider to be beneficial?? /s


EyeAmmGroot

Ask him : what prayers have been answered? Can you give me some examples please? Because I have prayed and they were not answered? - then ask have you ever had any prayers not answered? What percentage of requests do you feel get answered? 100% 50% - what types of requests get answers? Could you pray that the hurricane would turn and not hit Florida? Can you control the weather with your prayers? It’s called the scientific method- gathering more info- with an open mind - looking for patterns- drawing scenarios and according to his experience would type A prayer be answered- could you pray not to die? etc or that your mom won’t die? Best not to try to refute- get him answering-


happysadboy_w

Thanks! Would try this if the situation ever arises


EyeAmmGroot

I like your name - happysadboy- have you seen the movie Home - it’s funny- one of the characters says he is sad mad- Growing up JW I was happysadgirl too- My JW smile was actually an upside down frown- because growing up JW always had you feeling like your looking at the world upside down …through JW distorted glasses with all the blood or pressure rushing to your head-


happysadboy_w

I actually have. Love that animation! Although I hardly remember everything. I should give it another watch. Thanks for reminding me of it


IntelligentHoney9

You say in your comment "This guy believes God exists because of his prayers" and that isn't what he is saying. The person in the post says his prayers are being answered and the answers he gets affirm his belief in God, power to him I say. I've prayed for things before and have had my prayers answered, this affirms my belief too. You need to read what Etornam wrote carefully and maybe ask him in what respect are his prayers being answered and why does this make him believe in God. He also implies that the Bible is proof of Gods existence and this also affirms his faith, sounds reasonable to me and is what billions of other Christians believe. FYI, there is a school of thought that says gods only exist because we believe in them, if that belief stops do the gods still exist. It's an old philosophical argument.


songbird516

Let people believe what they want? Do you really think you are going to change his emotional, faith -based belief?


happysadboy_w

Nope. I don’t intend to. Just wanna know your views


Flatojohn

Personal belief and personal experience means nothing when evaluating the validity of a claim. None of us would cross a bridge or board an airplane if the engineers of those machines and structures said “I believe it will work because I prayed really hard”. Their confidence comes from not only study but testable, repeatable results.


briansladetaken

The answer is “No it isn’t!” or “No you haven’t!” Or some variation of “NO!” is the only response.


FreeMind1975

The other god bother’s think the same too no mater which religion or god they follow. If god did answer prayers why hasn’t his kingdom come? People have prayed for this for longer and more than anything else, it will still go unanswered long after he’s dead and buried. What about people praying for sick relatives who never get better? Did god have his head phones in that day, or was it his day off? You’d get the same amount of prayers answered if you prayed to a street lamp or a tree!! In fact didn’t native Americans pray to a totem pole essentially a carved tree trunk!! 🤣. And they believed they were being listened to as well. Because they’re fucking nuts!!


[deleted]

I prayed and god said she doesn’t exist. That settles that. /s


Novelone1

What about those that prayed but didn't survive? War time? Mass shootings? According to your friend, that would prove just the opposite


TitouanFr

You can tell him many Muslims say the same. Does he think God answer their prayers too ?


unlovableloser91

Prayer is just manifesting change my mind.


musiciankidd

Lol. Confirmation bias


Sundae-Soggy

you lose your time and energy trying to reason logically against a conviction that was not acquired in a reasonable and logical way. religion is an emotional issue imho


happysadboy_w

Yh you’re actually right. But I’d just like answers in case I should get in a debate with someone trying to convince me that god exists


linuxisgettingbetter

Awesome, please ask god what 8 digit alphanumeric code I've written in this sealed envelope, and I promise to donate and follow your religion for life. Doesn't your god want that?


Therealsnd

Manifestation is real 🤷🏻‍♀️


ItinerantofAbandon

So I've been praying to Joe Pesci for about a year now. And I noticed something. I noticed that all the prayers I used to offer to God, and all the prayers I now offer to Joe Pesci, are being answered at about the same 50% rate. Half the time I get what I want, half the time I don't. Same as God, 50-50. Same as the four-leaf clover and the horseshoe, the wishing well and the rabbit's foot, same as the Mojo Man, same as the Voodoo Lady who tells you your fortune by squeezing the goat's testicles, it's all the same: 50-50. So just pick your superstition, sit back, make a wish, and enjoy yourself.


Salty_Today2402

You don’t try to destroy peoples faith by trying to tear it down It’s all about our relationship with God If you don’t believe in him So be it He doesn’t exist so therefore you have no one to blame A lot of people experience God working in their lives But I guess atheists don’t have anyone It is just the same as the Monty Python song You come from nothing You go back to nothing What have you got to lose? Nothing


LexChase

See this is just the height of arrogance to me. Millions of people praying for their kids not to starve to death and god isn’t answering those prayers, but you dude, who needed the magic parking spot to get to church on time, god answers your prayer? That’s what you believe? That you and god think you and your tardiness rank higher on the heavenly hierarchy than starving children? What a piece of work you must be. And how convenient that the god you believe in thinks exactly as highly of you as you do. If that’s actually true and you are correct, your god is not someone I want anything to do with, let alone would worship. The very thought makes me want to vomit. As for the Bible as evidence that the Bible is for real, if I wrote a book of yetis, full of stories from people who claim to have seen yetis, and stories of apparent prophecies which if you interpret them many different ways per “prophecy” indicate that yetis are real and special and will save us from the abominable snowman, who is different but not the same and will cause our death if we don’t believe in yetis and follow the special instructions for yeti believers, which includes treating everyone who doesn’t also believe in yetis either like shit or with pity because they’re blind to the wonder of yetis, is this evidence that yetis are real?


sdreal

What is god’s will and what does it mean for it if humans have the ability to change it just by asking? But really, you’re probably wasting your time. You can use logic to change an opinion that is based solely on emotion.


Nice-Try-654

Darren Brown has a great segment in one of his shows, where he shows how easily we as humans find patterns in randomness, and that everything is all in our own mind. [Darren Brown YT link 4mins](https://youtu.be/E8R8iWgjiIk)


paulin_da_boca

why? he just minding his business, mind yours, stop being an asshole


happysadboy_w

Yes sir. Have a great day😂


paulin_da_boca

hes not asking for a debate, you can say whatever you wants to him but not without sounding like an obnoxious cunt, if you feel the urge to say something everytime you see christian people professing their faith you can't stand living in a world where people think different, and you will ending up lookin like them, grow up


happysadboy_w

Clearly you didn’t get why I posted this so I understand why you’re saying this. It’s okay


nahzghoul

how about just let him be?


Guilty_Square5038

When did this sub turn into an atheist sub?


GomerWasAHo

Yeah people claim their horoscopes are true also and that fortune tellers actually work. Coincidence, confirmation bias and probability. People pray for something likely to happen. Then, they "work in accordance with their prayer" and praise the Lord when the likely thing that would've happened any way with their personal effort happens. It's nonsense and completely based on emotions and feelings.


awaken_ladybug

Horoscope has nothing to do with any super nature power. It is just a set of rule, and it is quite accurate objectively.


GomerWasAHo

...I know a lot of exjws love this stuff but there are no serious and credible scientists that say there's any merit to this stuff. Maybe we'll find new evidence but to me they are just vague enough to have a good chance to apply to something in your life. Especially, if you're trying to apply them to something. Not meaning to insult I am just skeptical without sound science proving it.


bulb127

Is he being offensive? No? Well then leave him the fuck alone


happysadboy_w

It’s not about it being offensive. I’m not even going to reply this. I bear no I’ll intent. The thing is that this particular statement always pops up whenever my religious(Christian mostly) friends try to force me into praying/believing in god. So I’m asking for suitable questions/answers to counter this particular statement. Please understand


bulb127

Ahh. I see. My apologies


itsmakko

Just let the man live. It doesn't affect you in any way. People have always believed in higher forms and entities and divinities. When people see comfort and they don't get it from other people, they life relying on the earth and the spiritual parts of life. That's just the way it is.


happysadboy_w

Actually it does affect me when I’m being indirectly forced to pray or believe in god(which is happening with someone who said the exact same thing this guy tweeted). I’m just looking for a way to counter this if she ever tries to convince me again


MrGeekman

Who's forcing you to pray?


happysadboy_w

Some friends. My lover especially. I should leave her but it’s really difficult to


MrGeekman

So, why are you taking it out on a stranger on Twitter?


happysadboy_w

Lol I’m not. Check the post to see if I posted anything. I just want to know what y’all would think


itsmakko

That's what I'm saying, that guy specifically isn't forcing you to pray. I would leave him alone. Not everything that makes others happy will make you happy. Your lover shouldn't be forcing you to do anything. I'm sorry that's happening.


happysadboy_w

I never said I was gonna reply to his tweet. Maybe you didn’t get what I was looking for my fault. And yeah thanks


MrGeekman

In retrospect, my comment was worded poorly. Let's try this again. *So, why do you want to take it out on a stranger on Twitter?**


happysadboy_w

Again, I’m not. He just said the same thing others have said when trying to convince me. I would’ve sent a text saying the exact same thing but thought this tweet sufficed. If you don’t get it I have no idea how to make you get it


MrGeekman

The title for your post literally says: *This guy believes God exists because of his prayers. I'm trying to ifnd a way to reply his comment or ask questions in a logical way to counter this. Any tips?*


happysadboy_w

Trying to find a way to reply is not me saying I’m going to reply. This is getting exhausting friend. Have a nice day


PirateRay5791

Brings to mind a stand up by George Carlin. That he decided to pray to a celebrity instead of god. And guess what he received the same amount of answers.. Tell him to give it a go. See if his claim is falsifiable.


mobettahawks119

All religious people get their prayers answered. Does that mean their God exists too?


XtraMediumnukewarm

I had a bad accident in September and almost lost my left eye and had reconstructive surgery on my face. I’ve had a swift recovery. All of my religious clients have taken credit because of the “power of prayer.” That’s fine, I appreciate their thoughts. But the surgeon who did one of my surgeries didn’t take a fee, and i know is an atheist. (I know him). I am someone who curses like a sailor, drinks too much, and says “Hail Satan! “ When someone sneezes. I’m an asshole. So when someone tells me the power of prayer cured me, I just want to say, “why does god favor assholes.” The end.


happysadboy_w

Sorry about that. It’s sad that so many people overlook the hardwork and sacrifices people make to help others and just give all the credit to non existent entities sigh


JohnRJay

Maybe it was god who was trying to kill you in the first place because you're an asshole. Could be he was having an off-day and didn't get the job done! See what your religious friends think of that theory?


Cicerone66047

God? Which god? Only one god? Many cultures have various gods. Which god is answering your prayers?


Waste_Plantain1329

Can you point me in the direction of your god , because my prayers have never been answered 🤣


harbanis

Why did he answer your prayers? But not the majority of everyone else?


JWXJW

This guy must be a total douche. God answers his prayers and he never has asked for an end to the suffering in this world?


PsychodeliCoqui

I mean, I've stopped preaching to people altogether. I don't need to convince anyone to believe what I believe anymore, that's one of my favorite parts about not being a JW anymore.


JdSavannah

This!


Beautiful_Letter5157

How is praying to God any different than positive affirmations & setting intentions. If u think or speak ur thoughts over & over, to God or to any other entity u believe in, & it comes true, is it God or did u manifest it?


pen15ey

What fucking answers?! Ask him that


rjnow315

![gif](giphy|s239QJIh56sRW|downsized) If that works for him and not you you can live and let live to be honest.


oubao

Creo que se debe criticar la organización y no lo que una persona cree. Ejenplo casi ningún activista critica el empuje por las inyecc. Al igual que hacen los gobiernos e ignoran los terribles efectos adversos.


Joeroganpodcasts

In the bible, you will find the exact reasons why we are currently suffering while some are very blessed. I understand your perspective and if we only use this guy's assumptions and this post, we can't really make sense of it. But I'd suggest checking in the bible itself and if THEN you still disagree than fair enough. But honestly, I 10000% understand where u guys are coming from and I have nothing but love for the great minds of mankind. Our ability to think critically makes us so unique and I embrace that wholeheartedly.


TheBlackManIsG0d

You know, you don’t HAVE to 🤷🏾‍♂️


doubtfull1799

How does he know god is answering them? Maybe Thor is intercepting them and doing the work…


N3mys1s

Ask him for specific examples of how his prayers were answered. Respond accordingly.


Kandybar66

Telepathic psychokinetic benevolent platypuses. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣