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... the world proves you wrong. Thanks to TechCrunch for the pointer to Information Age Prayer, a new online service that uses text-to-speech technology to say your prayers for you on a regular basis.

No, I'm not kidding. Far as I can tell, this thing is serious. (Possibly fraudulent -- I can't really see how to check that they're really doing this -- but serious.)

They even have specials! For instance, the Complete Jewish Discount Package, including "Morning and Evening Shema, 5 Get Well Prayers and a Prayer for Peace, only $25.95 each Month". Such a bargain!

(no subject)

Date: 2009-03-19 02:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] corwyn-ap.livejournal.com
Right. It was that that I was hoping to get an explanation for.

What is the difference between a) thinking a petition to God, b) saying one, c) having another person say one for you, and d) having a machine say one for you? (aside from the $29.95). In other words, convince a visitor from another planet that one (or more) makes sense, and another doesn't.

(no subject)

Date: 2009-03-19 03:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] metageek.livejournal.com
Mmm, a believer might say that the difference is how much effort you're expending, on the theory that, if it's too easy, you don't deserve help. It's not a magic spell, it's an appeal to God's mercy, begging him to intervene for you. If you don't take it seriously, why should he?

Although I suppose there might be religions that believe that the purpose of prayer is to ensure that the gods have lots of prayers to listen to, like a celestial iPod. For them, a prayer machine would make plenty of sense.

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