Hmmmmmmmmm, is it time to pray for Oprah's salvation ? ? ?

I wasn't aware that mods were supposed to be held to some ideal higher standard in what they post. I haven't noticed that trend in the mods in general.

I sort of had the idea that R&S served as a forum for exchanging ideas & learning. I expect that the moderators are interested in that process as well.

I can't of think anyone who is immune to having their buttons pushed on some topic. It's particularly understandable among members of any minority who have had the repeated experience of being disrespected & at times discriminated against for their deviation from the "norm."

This has been a civil & enlightening discussion. I think all the participants have gotten something of value from it.

The point about "arrogance" has been pretty thoroughly covered. I think some non-Christians have a clearer understanding of the sincere Christian's motivation to pray for them. And some Christians have a clearer understanding of why others might find that offensive, & exactly what about it is the source of that objection.

Wow--some mutual understanding. I'd say that's a pretty respectable result of this thread.

 

Yes he is.

Couple of things Sly; you really don't know me well enough to know what my knowledge base is regarding religion and spirituality matters. Secondly, I don't believe mine was a `knee jerk' reaction. I stand by my initial observations. If you'd like to take it further with Larry, then you are welcome to do so.

 

Know you personally? No, you would be correct on that.

But you do have a body of posts that serves as evidence. I too stand by my initial observation.

 

Okay.

I think we're going to have to `agree to disagree' on the issue.

 

Since this whole thread has focused on the issue of praying for someone of another religious belief, I decided add these thoughts here rather than start a whole new thread about it.

We've talked a lot about trying to understand the fact that Christians believe it's their responsibility to pray for others in this way. Another consideration, though, is that just because many of us here--even if not Christian ourselves--have been exposed to some degree to Christian culture & belief; it does not necessarily follow that those of other religions have been exposed enough to Christian thought to know that. Even further, hearing of it doesn't mean they understand the concept. It's difficult to comprehend if you're not pretty indoctrinated in it. (Again I acknowledge that some other religions also actively try to recruit converts. I just know far less about those.)

I just think it makes sense both in terms of spirit & of treating each other with mutual respect to focus such prayers on having God reveal himself to that person, have the truth revealed, that they be blessed with the presence of God in their lives . . . something along those lines. (And this would apply to any person of any religion who wants to pray for someone's conversion). To the Christian, that still means "finding Jesus." To the other person, it is simply an offer of prayer, which is usually accepted without offense. God himself certainly knows what the truth is & would hear that prayer & know the sincerity of it.

Why is it necessary to announce to people that you will pray for them anyway? If they ask you to do so, saying that you will offers them reassurance they might need & appreciate. But unsolicited prayers? Why not just do it & keep it to yourself? You're doing what you believe God wants you to do & totally avoiding the possibility of giving offense.