prase comments on The National Institute of Theology - Less Wrong

-2 Post author: PhilGoetz 04 October 2011 06:21PM

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Comment author: prase 04 October 2011 06:38:08PM 12 points [-]

It is already pretty clear that the answer is zero for prayer effectivity and spiritual healing. Having a government agency officialy stating that would cause no change in public opinion except slight increase in frequency of "government is suppressing religion" complaints.

Comment author: play_therapist 04 October 2011 08:11:07PM -1 points [-]

Actually, I think that depends on the person and the circumstances. I believe that most people who pray do find it comforting, it gives them hope, it is calming. If they pray with others there is a sense of community and belonging. I believe it has much in common with meditation.

I do believe that getting the government involved would violate the principal of separation of church and state.