Hi, you old Misophist, you: You've identified the two extremes of this issue, without acknowledging all the ground inbetween. I don't pray for people because I think that I'm better than them. I have several wonderful, loving, mutually supportive friendships. Some of my friends are deeply committed Christians, some are Muslims, some are Agnostics and some are Atheists. Some might even be misophists. Fine people, trying to live an honorable, loving life. I've known people who are selfish, dishonest and mean-spirited, too. Some are Christians, some are jews some are Agnostics and some are Atheists. Nobody's got a corner on idiots. I am also not hurt if someone is offended that I told them that I prayed for them. I would apologize for offending them, and never mention it to them again. But, as I said, I have many Agnostic and Atheist friends who have expressed their appreciation for my prayers. Some have asked me to pray for them. But, if it's offensive, I would certainly never mention it again.

Praying for someone is not condescending or an expression of superiority (although certainly there are people who pray with that attitude.) I've also never run across anyone whose prayers were a threat or an insult. I don't deny that you've experienced that, and I'm sorry you have. Prayers come in all shapes and sizes, but if you're going to generalize, I think that most prayers are for the well-being of others.

Ya know, Misophist, we're all just trying to make it through these days, trying to make some sense out of our lives. You, me, Tracy K, Clinton, Bobert, Kendall... and all the rest of us. As Leadbelly sang, "we're in the same boat, brother." Life is hard. We can make it a little easier if we're trying to help each other, each in our own way. Your way is different than mine, as is Tracy K's and Kendall's. I don't pray that anyone else will be as good as me. I pray that I can be as good as I have the potential to be.

By the way, what is a Misophist? You're not in my dictionary.

Jerry