The prayer-chain stuff is different. I just cannot conceive what kind of a god or gods would affect the course of illnesses,

If you cannot conceive of it; then I will not waste your time to explain it.

I find it deeply disturbing that gullibe people are beguiled into believing such tosh and though I have no right to object when

just because you do not understand it; does not mean the people who believe it are gullible.

liabilities, loyalties etc, to each other and not to supernatural phenomena operating out of the nether regions, far distant planets or wherever else the gods are supposed to be.

Just because you do not experience supernatural phenomena does not mean that everyone else does not experience supernatural phenomena.

I have experienced lots of supernatural phenomena during my life.

Incidentally, Two Bears reminded me of a pal who was knocked out by a massive heart attack. His next awareness of consciousness was looking down on himself surrounded by nedics wh owere screaming

Your friend did not have an OBE as I did. I was simply lying there meditating when I heard a soft pop in my chest and found myself near the ceiling looking down at my own body.

It sounds as if your friend had a NDE (Near Death Experience).

ANL -2B