In a study that should be filed under the label "No Shit, Sherlock", a sociology graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that most people think god is loving, powerful and caring presence that's always around.
Gee, it probably would have been cheaper, easier and faster to simply look at the religious demographics of the USA and realize that over 80% of the nation is religious. Who would've thought that a majority of the population would believe in and pray to a god ?
The study's author, Shane Sharp, said "If they vented their anger to that abusive partner, the result was likely to be more violence, but they could be angry at God while praying, without fear of reprisal."
What a surprise (again). Getting angry and yelling at a violent, abusive partner might get them beaten. But yelling at an imaginary friend doesn't. Of course, for those who are not religious, Sharp said, the findings of the study may not apply unless they look to another "virtual" friend, such as a celebrity, in times of crises. Gee, I wonder why?
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2 comments:
Chuck,
This piece had me at "Hello!" - Getting on your knees and looking to the heavens may really bring comfort during tough times, new research finds.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/14/prayer-relieves-mind-ways-study-finds/#ixzz18CuIimyM
How about "good times?"
Actually, a Gallop (or was it Pew?) study before midterms this year showed that overwhelming majority of Americans did not have anythign related to god on their mind in their everyday lives.
I think 80-90% dealt with jobs, inccomes, economy as major issues and then only 5% or so with "social values" issues - abortion, family values, hetero marriage, etc.
Prayer and illness mentioned in this article - there have been 40+ major studies of prayer's negative effect on outcomes of illnesses.
This study reminds me of a study on effects of gravity - will the apple fall or not if you drop it.
FoxNews might find this study interesting, so do I for entertainment value.
"Results suggested prayer can serve as a distraction and even as sort of a punching bag."
What??????????? It's not god who's determining the outcome of the prayer? - it's mental relief valve?
You can also have "another" outlet? Let's say hiking in the mountains and watching sunset that can lower your blood pressure and get you another distraction?
So, all other "gods" however you define the {punching bag are false if they accomplish the same result? The catholic church has been right all along - all other churches are false churches :o)
The Flying Spaghetti Monster works in mysterious ways on this human animal. I've known it all along as it's been revealed to me.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/14/prayer-relieves-mind-ways-study-finds/#ixzz18Cw0tNcB
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