Prayer Archives - Page 2 of 3

Amen... and A-Woman? Congressional Prayer Causes a Stir

January 8th, 2021

The 117th Congress opened their first session with a prayer that ended with the phrase “Amen… and a-woman.” Many Christians were outraged by the modification. But what is the history behind the word "amen," exactly?

Political & Religious Controversy 56 Comments

Texas Mayor Says Only Men Can Lead Prayer at City Council Meetings

May 23rd, 2020

A Texas mayor sent shockwaves through his community when he said that he'd love more prayer before city council meetings... but only if they're led by men. And he's not backing down from that controversial statement.

Political & Religious Controversy 59 Comments

Can Prayer Cure Coronavirus? Some Governments Think So

February 25th, 2020

As the coronavirus continues to fan fears of an impending pandemic, some government officials are turning to a familiar ally for combating dangerous threats: prayer. But is that really the best way to stop the spread?

Political & Religious Controversy 51 Comments

Economists Determine Thoughts and Prayers Worth $7

September 19th, 2019

Economists can apparently put a price tag on anything. A recent study found that Christians will pay just over $7 to receive a prayer from a priest. However, atheists will actually pay money to avoid being prayer for. The survey epitomizes the debate that pops up every time disaster strikes: Are thoughts and prayers actually helpful, or just an empty gesture?

Christian 11 Comments

Presidential Candidate Takes Heat After Suggesting Prayer Could Repel Hurricane Dorian

September 6th, 2019

Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson sparked a fierce online debate earlier this week when she posted on Twitter urging her fellow Americans to pray and visualize Hurricane Dorian changing direction.

Political & Religious Controversy 116 Comments

Muslim Group Launches Campaign for Time Off Work on Friday for Prayers

July 22nd, 2019

A Muslim group is calling for time off work every Friday afternoon for Muslim workers to partake in their prayers. That may be a hard sell in the US, where employers already struggle to accommodate religious needs.

Political & Religious Controversy 40 Comments

Controversial Church Tactic Leaves Neighbors Feeling Creeped Out

March 28th, 2019

A Nashville-based church passed out cards with the names and addresses of local residents and instructed congregants to pray for, and then write a letter to, the individuals on the card. Not everyone appreciated the gesture.

Political & Religious Controversy 63 Comments

Do Prayers Belong on the Football Field?

January 9th, 2019

Praying for a last-second Hail Mary throw from the sidelines? Not so fast, says the Freedom From Religion Foundation. An Indiana high school is under scrutiny for encouraging football players to pray.

Political & Religious Controversy 64 Comments

Thousand Oaks Parent: “No More Thoughts and Prayers”

November 9th, 2018

A heartbreaking interview has gone viral featuring a mother whose son survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas, only to be gunned down in Thousand Oaks. “I don’t want prayers. I don't want thoughts. I want gun control," she said.

Political & Religious Controversy 55 Comments

Japan Developing "Mobile Mosques" For 2020 Olympic Games

August 20th, 2018

Responding to concerns about a shortage of prayer facilities for Muslims during the Olympics, Japan has created the world's first mosque on wheels. Will this technology soon spread worldwide?

Science & Technology 20 Comments

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