Religion Q~

[The Sweetness]

First off, I do not by any means intend to offend insult or piss off anyone. I am simply ignorant about religion as i was raised without any at all (other than that God doesnt exist). I have recently began to question if I really believe that and there are a few things that I dont understand. Heres whats bothering me ATM~

In an online game, one of the players who was leaving asked us to pray for his dead friend. What has me stumped is why, if friend is already dead would they pray? What good would this do? (If it was a sick friend I would understand, even if I am not convinced that it would help)

***please dont flame me if I was terribly rude

 

[Michelle]

I don't know, Sweetness. I do believe in God but I can't understand praying for the dead either; perhaps it is specific to a particular religion? I do pray for the living, though.

 

[WillyJ]

I don't think your question is rude at all . .


First of all, when you say "God" and "religion" you have to understand that people's ideas and beliefs about what both those mean are extremely wide ranging and diverse, even within the same general categories of beliefs like Christianity, Judaism, Hindu, etc.. . .


So, without knowing what faith your friend is, it's hard to say exactly why he would ask that. . .


I can tell you this: I was raised a Catholic (still am technically, but I have some personal issues with the church and have had long before the recent problems) and there is a belief that some people go to a place called "purgatory" after they die. . . the theory is that they weren't bad enough to go to Hell, but not good enough to go to Heaven, so they go to this kind of in-between place; and prayers from the living are what eventually gets them into Heaven.

I'm not an expert on world religions, but I know there are other faiths that believe there is some sort of journey between dying and reaching the place of eternal afterlife- that's why the Egyptians stocked the pyramids with food and other necessities with the dead, and of course prayers for the person on the journey were thought to help ensure sucess. . .

And there are some religions and even different branches within the same religion that believe that any judgment is instantaneous, or even preordained. . .


Personally, I pray mainly for those left behind because I believe that they are the ones who need the comfort and spiritual strength, and that the person who has died is where they're going already. . but I also feel a prayer for the person who has passed on is a show of respect and certainly couldn't do any harm. . . . . and I respect and have no problem with any differing beliefs. .

Hope this helps you. . and much luck with your quest; learning about religion is fascinating, but I think you will find that faith in things that aren't necessarily explainable is a very important part of any belief system, and that's one of those things you just have to kind of want and allow to happen. . .

 

[sha_lyn]

some religions (LDS for example) believe that acts here on earth effect those souls in heaven. I believe one of their practicies is to perform weddings for those who never married in life.

 

[EltonJohn]

Sweetness,

If you're serious about questioning your religious upbringing then I strongly suggest that you read "Suprised By Joy" CS Lewis's autobiography. He was a strong athiest before converting to Christianity, so you might be interested in reading it.

"What has me stumped is why, if friend is already dead would they pray? What good would this do?"

In Roman Catholic theology there is a state called Purgatory. When a person dies they can end up in Purgatory. All souls in Purgatory will eventually wind up in Heaven, but those still living can pray for the souls in Purgatory. (I guess prayers shorten the stay for souls in Purgatory.) I am not a Catholic and cannot fully explain this doctrine, but I think you get the idea.

Other religions may have states similar to Purgatory.

On a similar note, in one of Puff Daddy's songs he sings that he prays for a friend already in heaven. Why? I do not know.

diane

 

[The Sweetness]

I really appreciate your explanations. They certainly make sense

 

[WillyJ]

Glad they helped!!

 

[Buckalew]

And don't worry about asking questions (respectfully) around here. I have asked the same exact question because my belief doesn't practice this. My Catholic friends and clients do, though, and I wondered about it. I have asked A LOT of religious questions here and I believe that if you do so respectfully, people here are glad to answer. I find it all very interesting.