So now offer of a prayer is equivalent to offer of a blowjob.

This shows how rational some of the Mudcat atheists are. Perhaps they had best stay on Mudcat when expressing such views. I wonder what their neighbors would say if they ventured this to them. Folkies have a reputation for, among other things, a strong allegiance to the "looney Left".   This appears to be Exhibit A--or perhaps just one in an amazingly long list.

Obviously there is no such thing as an "average atheist" or "average" anything--so it's a pointless expression.   However, I 've already told you about my wife, who calls herself an atheist, and when she was in hospital, declined to participate in a prayer, but when asked if the nurse could pray for her elsewhere, said fine. Like Kendall, she feels that "any positive energy is good".   As any rational person would.

By the way, Sin, how's it going? I call you Sin, just as you can call me Ron. I'd think your Sinister Supporter would be a bit uncomfortable. Most men would want a "Dexter Supporter" also.   But whatever floats your boat.

It's more than a bit startling--though perhaps it shouldn't be--this is Mudcat--that a full month after the decision in the nurse's favor, and a month after I suggested it was time for Mudcatters to admit that common sense had prevailed, some Mudcatters show no signs of even a glimmer of common sense.   If one can't tell the difference between an offer of prayer and evangelizing--or the Spanish Inquisition-- it doesn't look likely that sense will prevail on Mudcat any time soon in this matter.

Admittedly we have had some entertaining digressions in various Mudcatters' fantasies--on Hitler, for instance. And to hear about the dangers of "unhealthy knowledge".    It's amazing that some people who no doubt see themselves as "freethinkers" can be better described as non-thinkers. Always interesting to hear a "free-thinker" endorse ignorance. That in itself is just about worth the price of admission. Perhaps that's the new improved atheism. Sounds like it would fit right into one of the late lamented Jerry Falwell's congregations.

But, as Keith quoted from the article about the settlement, for some, prayer is considered an "integral part of the healing process". And if an ailing Mudcatter, confronted with the terrible danger of having a nurse pray for him or her, feels it is not part of his or her healing process, that Mudcatter can always tell the nurse in attendance to "stuff your superstition", or whatever charming phrase you may care to use. I'm sure the nurse will not inflict a prayer upon you.   Except possibly in private. And be aware you are in grave danger of that insidious crime. But please don't lose more than a few weeks of sleep over it. Unless you have to.

But the fact remains that for some, prayer is welcomed. So it was a reasonable offer--as the Trust has recognized.   Since evidently common sense is more easily found there than on Mudcat.

Indeed, only the more stubborn--not to say rabid, of course--perish the thought--anti-religion Mudcattters (and some professional debaters) seem to be still objecting. Actually their number-- a month after the fact--is impressive.

But never let it be said that Mudcatters are deterred by anything as mundane as common sense from righteous bellyaching--ad nauseam, so to speak.

Though it is a bit too bad that these Mudcatters can't summon up comparable enthusiasm to actually address a significant issue--and actually improve the world.