Katrina victim prays---gets $1.6 MM

A news story just out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051006/ap_on_re_us/katrina_millionaire The story clearly suggests that this woman was down and out until she prayed for something good to happen and god responded by giving her $1.6 million. The cause and effect here is not even subtle. Are we to assume, then, that her god considers this woman to be the single most deserving person of every Katrina victim in the entire country?

I wouldn't make that assumption... and I'm Christian. The irony is that money seldom makes people happy. It may give a temporary euphoria, but that leaves as quickly as the money does. In my family a very large windfall brought out the worst greed, the meanest actions, and the most hateful expressions we had ever seen. It was no blessing that is for sure. Just perhaps the windfall isn't the "something good" that she prayed for but rather a coincidence that occurred near the time of the prayer? The "something good" prayer may have previously been answered when the family realized the value of life after losing everything in the storm? I do understand that you are pointing out that the paper is drawing the conclusion that because the woman prayed she won the money. Many people, religous or not, seek to find a cause and effect for the things that happen in life. I don't think the intent was to imply that if you pray you'll get what you want. I just wanted to give you my thoughts on the subject.

I see your point Tink but I think it's really strange that a reporter in the mainstream news would take the tone that this woman prayed and got money for it. When it comes to gambling I think the only cause and effect most people think about is luck but I'm sure some feel that "luck" means their god has chosen them to get something highly desirable that he deemed them worthy of having. I also think it doesn't serve the cause of religion for anyone to suggest that god gives away cash prizes. Those left out of the payday might feel some resentment.

I think you're assuming that the reporter is religious or is writing out of religious point of view, or is trying to "serve the cause of religion". It could be that he is simply stating what the woman said without drawing any conclusions about it. Isn't that what a reporter is supposed to do? There was no opinion or commentary in that piece to suggest that the writer personally believes in God, in prayer or that this prayer was or was not answered, or that he believes or disbelieves the conclusion the woman came to. Christians don't believe in "luck". Christians believe that everything is given by God. For example, I believe God provides for my financial needs. I believe my job was given to me by God, who gave me the skills needed to do and keep the job. The job provides a paycheck which provides for my financial needs. So, in my thinking God provided for all my financial needs and the job is the method in which He did that. Do I think I am more favored because I have a job and others don't? Not really. I don't think that one has anything to do with the other. I don't say this to say it is the right way to think. I am merely stating it is what I think. With that in mind, I hope you can at least understand (notice I didn't say agree with) where this woman is comming from when she made that conclusion.

No I'm not assuming the reporter is religious. And no I wasn't referring to the news article in citing people who credit god for getting them money. Tink, you're welcome to post anywhere you want but be aware you're on the atheist board. I'll refrain from commenting on the rest of your post. This time.

Dona, you are welcome to comment about anything I say. I don't get offended. If I did, I certainly wouldn't post on this board. You stated, "And no I wasn't referring to the news article in citing people who credit god for getting them money.". How am I supposed to know this since you didn't preface your statement? Your original statement was "Are we to assume, then, that her ... " I thought you were referring to the woman in the article. This simply implied to me you were speaking of the article. If I misread what you wrote, I apologize. I did not say anything derrogatory, inflamatory, hurtful, mean, hateful, or in any other way negative toward atheists, what atheists believe or disbelieve. I did not state or imply that you or any athiest should change beliefs. I merely stated, and I said so, what the christian point of view is so that you could see why the woman thought what she thought. When I stated what I believe, I specifically stated that I was not saying that what I believe is right. I only stated the "fact" of my belief. I never once gave any commentary. No where did I state or even imply that you or any person should believe differently than you do. Silly me thinking that knowledge gives freedom. And, no, I am NOT stating that Christian knowledge is freedom. ALL knowledge gives freedom. I personally seek to know what others believe. I don't think people with differing beliefs must be separated. I think the knowledge of each others point of view gives understanding, tolerance and acceptance. Silly me for thinking this way. I'll leave this room to only those who agree with you.

Tinker, this is the Atheist board. It's where I hope to GET AWAY from the Christian/religious point of view. You've got the whole rest of the board to talk about your religious beliefs. Yes, this IS the place for those who agree with me. IT'S THE ATHEIST BOARD.

Good luck and may you have much success in your life.

"Many people, religous or not, seek to find a cause and effect for the things that happen in life." ....and so, religion evolves. Early man had no science to explain his surroundings or why the sun rose and set. There had to be a reason right? The bible represents mans reasoning his existance and purpose. Everything that happened had no scientific resons or causes for early man. That was the best he could come up with. Did you know that the bible clearly states in several places that the earth was not round. If you went against this teaching, then you were murdered. THIS is a fact. If you ever study statistics you see that a world of randoms has infinite possiblities. Anything can happen to you at any time. It is all random. I do not understand how you make such a leap to believe God provides you your job and not believe God let that woman win the lottery. What is the difference and how in the world could you know that God chose to help you by intervening and not that poor old woman? I am sorry, it makes no sense to me and seems just preposterous. Here is the problem as I see it: It does no good to debate or defend christianity to an atheist. We will never see your point and will find flaws in ALL your defenses and reasonings. We are atheists because we choose to see ALL of the contradictions and flaws in the reasonsings of religion instead of overlook them as most believers do. Unfortunately, you will never be able to have a civil or "friendly" discussion with a die hard Atheist on the subject of christianity. That is just the way it is. We are not so sypathetic to your cause when in our own homes (such as this board). We practice tolerance in the real world as we have no choice. We keep our heads down and our mouths closed. Come to my home though and you might get an earful of things you do not like. I think reading here is one thing. Trying to get us to discuss religion in a manner that does not put us on the defense is another. Take care, Terri