Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Oct. 27, 2014
What’s a person to do when faced with the question of a deity’s existence? One natural reaction might be to call out, “Is anyone there? If you are, please respond!” This response seems sensible, even if you have doubts about the existence of that wise figure you’re addressing. The existence of such a being is a significant question—one worth exploring. If you believe there’s even a slim chance that this figure exists, it appears irrational not to reach out. After all, what do you have to lose?
Praying to Find Faith
The analogy here is pretty straightforward. Even if you don’t believe in a higher power, if you think there’s a chance that one exists and the inquiry about existence is crucial, then it logically follows that you might pray for help in believing. Tim Rogers, a philosophy professor at Cambridge, argues this point in his paper “Praying to Find Faith,” published in the Journal of Religious Philosophy. He asserts that praying to God for belief is akin to calling out into a darkened room. “If you consider that there is a non-negligible possibility that God exists and that His existence matters, then you should pray for guidance,” he argues.
This perspective is compelling. The question of God’s existence carries profound implications for your worldview, your lifestyle, and your thoughts on mortality. Taking a minute or two to pray before bed isn’t too burdensome. If a small action could potentially illuminate a pivotal question, why not give it a shot?
What About Garden Fairies?
You might feel pretty sure that fairies aren’t flitting about in your garden (if you do believe that, perhaps a chat with someone might help). However, you can’t be entirely sure; there is a thin possibility that your flower beds are home to tiny magical beings. It wouldn’t take much effort to holler down to the garden while preparing breakfast: “Hello, fairies! If you’re around, show yourselves!”
But if Rogers is correct, should we also shout to the fairies? Should we leave notes for imaginary aliens or even write to Santa Claus as adults? Not necessarily. The key is to weigh the importance of the question and the cost involved in seeking answers. While discovering fairies would be intriguing, it likely doesn’t have the same life-altering implications as contemplating the existence of God. Plus, calling out to fairies every morning could lead to some strange looks from neighbors or bewildered family members.
Concerns About Self-Deception
Another concern could be that regularly praying might lead you to delude yourself into thinking you’re receiving responses, even if there’s no actual divine presence. However, Rogers points out that the possibility of a false positive doesn’t mean we should avoid the inquiry altogether. In scientific practice, we conduct experiments knowing that misleading results are always a possibility. If we avoided experimentation due to fear of false outcomes, we would miss out on crucial discoveries, including life-saving medical advancements.
Rogers suggests that praying is an experiment that can yield various outcomes. “If a believer prays and receives no response, that should decrease their confidence in the existence of God. The openness of this prayer experiment is why it’s worthwhile for atheists, agnostics, and theists alike to engage in it,” he explains.
So, should you pray to a God you don’t believe in? Rogers acknowledges that this practice might not suit everyone. “You need to consider the significance of God’s existence, believe there’s a reasonable chance He exists, and be willing to engage with minimal effort. You should also be cautious about the risk of developing delusions.” Many atheists meet these criteria, making it reasonable for them to pray in hopes of overcoming their skepticism.
At the very least, you can’t dismiss the potential benefits of prayer. If you feel compelled to reflect on whether your atheism is well-founded, prayer could be a valid method for testing your beliefs.
Am I inclined to start praying? I’m not entirely sure. I fit the criteria outlined above, and the question of God’s existence is significant enough that it seems odd I haven’t given it more thought. Honestly, I find it challenging to envision praying to a deity I don’t believe in without feeling a bit ridiculous. Yet, since feeling silly isn’t a solid reason to forgo an exploration, I might just try it out.
If you’re curious about Tim Rogers’ views on why atheists should engage in prayer, consider checking out a podcast interview with him. Additionally, a fascinating “atheist prayer experiment” was conducted, where 70 atheists prayed daily for 40 days—the results are quite enlightening.
For resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent guide on pregnancy and consider exploring options for your own journey with this insemination kit. If you’re interested in couples navigating their fertility journey, this resource on intracervical insemination is quite helpful.
Summary
The question of whether to pray to a deity you don’t believe in hinges on the perceived significance of that deity’s existence. If you think there’s even a slight chance that God exists and that this question is crucial, it may be worth praying for guidance. Engaging in prayer can offer a way to explore your beliefs, and while it may feel odd, the potential insights gained could be invaluable.
Keyphrase: Should You Pray to a God You Don’t Believe In?
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination