Does praying and having a relationship with god. Protect you from man’s free will to harm you?
- Thread starter SNG
- Start date
As a Christian, let me say:
This is useless speculation.
What's next? How many demons does it take for Elon to destroy the country?
Actually, that last question is a pretty good one.
Just go to the word.
- Psalm 121:7, "The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life"
- Psalm 5:11-12, "Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them"
- Psalm 18:30, "He shields all who take refuge in him"
- Psalm 32:7, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance"
So you would agree that God protects you from man’s free will if you have a great relationship?
Yes.
Prayer, a practice found in virtually every culture and religion, is often believed to offer protection from harm. While the efficacy of prayer is a matter of personal belief and faith, one can construct a probabilistic argument to explore how prayer might be associated with reduced harm. This argument doesn't aim to prove the existence of divine intervention but rather examines the potential mechanisms through which prayer could influence outcomes.
Example: Suppose statistical data indicates that the probability of experiencing a significant adverse event in a year is 0.1 (or 10%) for the average person.
Calculation:
Example:
Final Answer:
A probabilistic argument suggests that prayer may reduce the likelihood of harm through psychological, behavioral, and social mechanisms. By establishing a baseline probability of harm and considering factors like stress reduction and healthier lifestyles associated with prayer, one can model a decreased probability of adverse events. However, this argument is subject to limitations and should be viewed as a complementary perspective rather than definitive proof of prayer's efficacy. Ultimately, the protective effects of prayer remain a deeply personal and faith-based belief, intertwined with individual experiences and spiritual convictions.
Prayer, a practice found in virtually every culture and religion, is often believed to offer protection from harm. While the efficacy of prayer is a matter of personal belief and faith, one can construct a probabilistic argument to explore how prayer might be associated with reduced harm. This argument doesn't aim to prove the existence of divine intervention but rather examines the potential mechanisms through which prayer could influence outcomes.
Understanding Probability in Context
Probability is a measure of the likelihood that an event will occur. It ranges from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain). In the context of prayer and protection from harm, we can consider the probability of harm occurring with and without the practice of prayer.Defining Harm and Protection
Harm can be broadly defined as physical injury, emotional distress, or any negative event affecting an individual's well-being. Protection refers to actions or practices that reduce the likelihood or severity of harm.Establishing a Baseline Probability
To assess the impact of prayer, we first need a baseline probability of harm occurring without prayer. This can be derived from statistical data on accidents, illnesses, or other adverse events in a given population.Example: Suppose statistical data indicates that the probability of experiencing a significant adverse event in a year is 0.1 (or 10%) for the average person.
Introducing Prayer as a Variable
Next, we introduce prayer as a variable that might influence the probability of harm. To do this, we need to consider possible mechanisms through which prayer could affect outcomes:- Psychological Effects: Prayer may reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better decision-making and risk avoidance.
- Behavioral Changes: Regular prayer might encourage healthier lifestyles or adherence to safety practices.
- Social Support: Prayer groups can provide emotional and practical support, reducing vulnerability to harm.
- Placebo Effect: Belief in the efficacy of prayer might lead to perceived protection, influencing one's perception of harm.
Modeling the Impact of Prayer
Let's attempt to quantify the impact of prayer on the probability of harm. Suppose studies suggest that individuals who engage in regular prayer experience a 20% reduction in the likelihood of harm due to the aforementioned mechanisms.Calculation:
- Baseline probability of harm: 0.1
- Reduction due to prayer: 20% of 0.1 = 0.02
- Adjusted probability of harm with prayer: 0.1 - 0.02 = 0.08
Considering Confounding Variables
It's essential to acknowledge that correlation does not imply causation. Other factors might influence both the likelihood of praying and the probability of harm. For instance:- Health Consciousness: Individuals who pray might also engage in healthier behaviors independently.
- Socioeconomic Status: Access to resources and safer environments could affect both prayer practices and harm rates.
Bayesian Perspective
From a Bayesian standpoint, we can update our beliefs about the efficacy of prayer based on evidence. If empirical data shows a consistent reduction in harm among those who pray, our posterior probability that prayer is effective increases.Example:
- Prior belief (before evidence): 50% chance prayer reduces harm.
- Evidence: Studies show a 20% reduction in harm among those who pray.
- Posterior belief: Updated to a higher probability, say 70%, that prayer is effective.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations
While this probabilistic argument provides a framework to consider prayer's potential protective effects, it's crucial to recognize its limitations:- Subjectivity: The impact of prayer is deeply personal and varies widely among individuals.
- Measurement Challenges: Quantifying spiritual practices and their outcomes is inherently complex.
- Ethical Implications: Reducing prayer to a probabilistic model may overlook its profound spiritual and emotional significance.
Conclusion
Constructing a probabilistic argument for prayer's protective effects involves establishing baseline probabilities, considering mechanisms through which prayer might influence outcomes, and accounting for confounding variables. While this approach offers a structured way to think about the relationship between prayer and harm reduction, it's essential to balance such analyses with an appreciation for the subjective and multifaceted nature of spiritual practices.Final Answer:
A probabilistic argument suggests that prayer may reduce the likelihood of harm through psychological, behavioral, and social mechanisms. By establishing a baseline probability of harm and considering factors like stress reduction and healthier lifestyles associated with prayer, one can model a decreased probability of adverse events. However, this argument is subject to limitations and should be viewed as a complementary perspective rather than definitive proof of prayer's efficacy. Ultimately, the protective effects of prayer remain a deeply personal and faith-based belief, intertwined with individual experiences and spiritual convictions.
The Bible says that God can protect us.
Yes - I quoted that … I quoted those verses
So what does all that mean - it means to me when you have a good relashionship with Him, you can feel safe and supported.
Life can be hard, and people can hurt each other, but having faith can help you feel strong and calm.
So, while being close to God can make you feel safe, it doesn’t mean you wont face problems.
It’s also true that martyrs exist - Christians who die for their faith - and the stories remind me that even faithful people can go through tough times.
Bottom line to me - just cause you have faith doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges, but it can still give you hope and strength when things get rough.
In the end, it’s about finding peace and meaning, even when life is hard.
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Pure Water
Veteran
Wargames
One Of The Last Real Ones To Do It
Nas said it, which is better protection God or Guns? That’s a hard one and honestly it is. I think you need to lean on God but there are times you should have a gun.
King_Kamala61
TheColi's Big Black Areolae Supremicist
Dylan Roof says Jesus and God loves whites
....they don't give a fukk about Negroes GLOBALLY or domestically.
That's a white man religion for white men
....they don't give a fukk about Negroes GLOBALLY or domestically.
That's a white man religion for white men
The times I've been in violent situations was when I wasn't praying 
The white man got the religion years after it went to Africa - please remember that …
No. 
Prayer can do that but generally prayer is about having God realign your perceptions to other possible scenarios. The bad ones are still possible. Sometimes all the outcomes point to the thing you don't want to happen. It's all about timelines and outcomes. Sometimes, Satan and other fallen angels observing you plant false timelines in your life to have you go down the wrong path, hence why you pray to the LORD for the correct ones and that you make the right choices.
Prayer can do that but generally prayer is about having God realign your perceptions to other possible scenarios. The bad ones are still possible. Sometimes all the outcomes point to the thing you don't want to happen. It's all about timelines and outcomes. Sometimes, Satan and other fallen angels observing you plant false timelines in your life to have you go down the wrong path, hence why you pray to the LORD for the correct ones and that you make the right choices.
We are never out of relationship with God, but can be out of connection. Read His Word to get to know Him. Talk and pray to experience Him.
Give yourself to Him and He will provide
Give yourself to Him and He will provide