I would say meditation is often used theocratically, and I believe it is just as effective a tool for self-delusion as is prayer. Depends on the religious beliefs of the user, as much as how it is used. That is what Larry Dossey speaks of--a belief, doesn't matter if it is theologically correct according to any of the major world religions. Just the belief that your prayer/meditation practices will work seems to have some influence (though not a proven one) on a person's recovery from illness.

There is, IMO, an undeniable religious/holy war/jihad undercurrent in today's geopolitical realities. The mistakes and now largely unknown history of the Inquisition and the Crusades appears to be haunting Western Civilization right now.

So, do we suggest that prayer should be offered on a nationalist basis, ie pray for US and UK troops, to appease those American "support the troops" advocates (this doesn't seem to be an issue in Britain), or not?