@SuperMouse I think that was my point. Prayer can make people feel better in situations they otherwise feel helpless to control. To me, it is rather like giving someone a sugar pill and telling them it will cure cancer. In fact, cancer does sometimes go into remission, and giving a placebo to a cancer patient or organizing a prayer circle both engage the placebo effect—where those who think something has been done to make them recover fully engage their own bodily immune system and do sometimes recover.
Here’s a slide show of Bostonians and others around the country actually doing things that will in some way help those hurt, the families of those who lost loved ones, or the community in general heal. I agree with @LuckyGuy that real action is more meaningful.
Here’s the text of an email that Boston Atheists just sent. I like its call for real action that will offer real help, not just a sugar pill, comforting though that may be.
“Zachary Bos via meetup.com”
“8:48 PM (16 hours ago)
“to bostonatheists.
We know that we’re not alone among atheists and other secular people
in wanting to show sympathy and support in response to today’s
tragedy. Although prayer isn’t for us an option, we are ready to help
by working with the Red Cross and other emergency and community
organizations in any way possible.
“Leaders of local secular organizations like the Boston Atheists and
the Secular Coalition for Massachusetts have been diligently
monitoring communications for any opportunity to respond
constructively to the tragic events of the day. We may have a
different religious perspective, but on days like today, those
differences pale in comparison to what brings us all together as
members of the community.
“Our thanks go to the first responders and other support staff have
came to the aid of the victims in Copley Square today, and who have
been working since then to protect our safety. Above all, our thoughts
and compassion are with the victims and their families.
”[cosigned]
“Zachary Bos, Co-chair, Secular Coalition for Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Director, American Atheists
Immediate Past President, Boston Atheists
Email: zbos@atheists.org;
“Ellery Schempp, Co-chair, Secular Coalition for Massachusetts
Email: massachusetts@secular.org;
“Mr. Josiah Van Vliet, President, Boston Atheists
Email: president@bostonatheists.org;
“DISTRIBUTE WIDELY – How to help:
1. Offer to babysit for friends or neighbors who because of today’s
events would be helped by such support
2. Sign up for aid appeals from the Red Cross at
https://www.redcross.org/accounthelp/createAccount.jsp
3. The Boston Police Department asks anyone with information about
today’s events to call 1–800-494-TIPS
4. To access a public spreadsheet of people who were in Boston for the
Marathon and now need a place to stay: http://bit.ly/Boston-housing .”