Are T & Ps the New Whipping Phrase? (1 Viewer)

[KCitons]

It's common in Christian circles to say to another Christian "I'll pray for you" or "I'll include you in my prayers." We say it all the time. Many Christians actually mean it. I wonder, though, how many actually follow up on it. I say that because I'm very guilty of saying "I'll pray for you" and then not actually praying for them. Not that we can ever know this, but I wouldn't be shocked to learn that a high percentage of people who post T&Ps on social media, never actually pray for those involved.

One of the ministers at my congregation has recently been saying over and over "Don't tell someone that you'll pray for them. Actually stop what you're doing and take the time at that moment to pray for/with them." 

What constitutes a thought or a prayer?

Just by typing out the words, it  seems as though you've accomplished the "thought" portion. Is there a specific time that has to lapse? Do you have to be in a certain building? Face to the East? 

I think every person that has ever watched the news, read an article or learned of a tragedy via social media has had thoughts for the victims. 

 

[Nugget]

I keep hoping for twinkies and percocets to show up.

 

[msommer]

bump

Odd that the wise words of MT are ignored overlooked somehow not read so often when they do not fit with the OP's political or religious assertations

 

[John Blutarsky]

Greg Laurie: Hurricanes, shootings and other tragedies require our prayers – Praying isn’t a waste of time

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/greg-laurie-hurricanes-shootings-and-other-tragedies-require-our-prayers-praying-isnt-a-waste-of-time

 

[Godsbrother]

I don't understand the logic of praying to God for help with a hurricane that He allowed to cause such destruction in the first place.  

 

[Pickle Rody]

I don't understand the logic of praying to God for help with a hurricane that He allowed to cause such destruction in the first place.  

It's more about thinking of and praying for families that have been victims of horrific gun violence I believe......could be mistaken here as apparently I'm not too bright

 

[Godsbrother]

It's more about thinking of and praying for families that have been victims of horrific gun violence I believe......could be mistaken here as apparently I'm not too bright

I was referring to the post above mine regarding the hurricane

 

[The Commish]

Admittedly I'm not the most (or least) PC person. Seeing this comment thrown around as it relates to gun control in various verbiage: "Maybe we need more T&Ps to fix the problem" or "More T&Ps are not going to do anything to fix gun violence so just stop". It seems like projection with a bias towards rhetoric to me but some seem very serious about this being a worthwhile position when advocating for deterrents to gun violence. I'd like to get a temperature on this and maybe understand the mentality behind it. If one wishes for more gun control wouldn't it make more sense to simply advocate for that without admonishing those that offer heartfelt T&Ps? Is it now rude to share T&Ps as a form of expression or towards someone you may not know who has experienced loss?

Is it the that people don't see T & Ps as helping any way so there is no validity in sharing?

Is there a political bias towards this train of thought?

Is it the "prayer" part that's the issue?

Is it because those that some who want less gun violence don't care about the the attitudes of people who choose to share their personal T&Ps towards a tragic violent gun event, the victims, and society's pain?

Does this T&P admonishment extend to cancer, homelessness, natural death, personal losses, etc. to those who take issue with T&Ps and gun violence?

I think there are several reasons it's thrown around with the sarcasm that it is.

#1.  The sources from which the statements originate have all the power to do something about the problems we are facing, yet do nothing meaningful.
#2.  The sources from which the statements originated have professed to be of a particular religious belief, yet their actions continue to say the opposite.
#3.  The sources from which the statements originated are also the sources that say "don't politicize this...it's too early to discuss the problem, lets allow the grieving process to run it's course".

There are many more of course, but this is why the sentiment is mocked...even by people of faith such as myself.  It's a once thoughtful response that's been hollowed out by intentional inaction and deflection by our politicians.  It's meaningless and only meant to cater to the parts of the voting block who support the intentional inaction and deflection.

 

[cosjobs]

What does "God Willing" mean?   Muslim guy I work with always uses that phrase.

probably makes a lot more sense as, "if God wills it."

That's what I always interpreted to mean.Probably means the same thing grammatically, but using "God willing" carries a undecided  insinuation  that doesn't sync up with the all powerful, all knowing God in our narrative

 

[identikit]

probably makes a lot more sense as, "if God wills it."

That's what I always interpreted to mean.Probably means the same thing grammatically, but using "God willing" carries a undecided  insinuation  that doesn't sync up with the all powerful, all knowing God in our narrative

It does to me.

 

[Politician Spock]

I came into this thread thinking I'd find some much needed toilet paper.... but ended up finding a lot more #### that needs cleaned up.

If you are defending the use of "thoughts and prayers" then you are already on the wrong side of the solution to every need and suffering it's thrown at. 

 

[Snorkelson]

When there’s a natural disaster and someone offers “thoughts and prayers” on their Facebook page or whatever it’s fine with me. It may be for attention more than anything but whatever. But we don’t have any control over tornados or hurricanes or earthquakes, so prayers are really all you can offer sometimes. Often times we hear “thoughts and prayers” after a shooting, and I’ll point out again that often times it’s coming from a politician who could do something about it but takes money to stop efforts to do something about it. It’s hypocritical. 

 

[msommer]

probably makes a lot more sense as, "if God wills it."

That's what I always interpreted to mean.Probably means the same thing grammatically, but using "God willing" carries a undecided  insinuation  that doesn't sync up with the all powerful, all knowing God in our narrative

Inshallah. Amirite?