Why do people give thanks to God and/or Jesus, when they haven't actually done anything?

Question

I'm fed up with people thanking "the Lord" for things that would have happened anyway. For example after a successful operation a patient may give thanks, not just to the medical professionals that actually performed it, but to God. Where a patient with no faith in any God, but belief in the doctors ability, would have stood the same chance of survival as the believer in God.

Plus an identical person living in a Third world country, with an even stronger faith in God (even the same God, before that argument arises), may not have survived the same operation, not because of lack of faith, but lack of medical care, rendering the faith they had irrelevant.

So why is religion still such an important part of modern society, when it offers so little in terms of actual benefits, bearing on outcome of events or answers to anything whatsoever?

Answer 1

I feel the same it's ridiculous I was watching PBS this weekend and all these people are thanking god for help the kids received from the hospital for cancer. The part I don't understand is that religion has only held back the medical community with absurd superstitions and irrational beliefs who knows what we would be able to cure now if it wasn't for religious interference in the past.

Answer 2

Your use of the phrase "when they haven't actually done anything" is subjective and that answers your question.

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Answer 3

I give thanks to God in those circumstances because I believe that God did have a hand in the positive outcome. It is a blessing to live in a place where I have access to excellent medical services, clean water, an abundance of food etc... I am well aware of the differences between me and somebody in a third world country in terms of what is available to me, and I therefore, show my appreciation by giving thanks to God.

Answer 4

Very simple. God works through people. I've had countless people come into my life at the right time, including doctors, who knew how to deal with my illness-it wasn't blind luck and nothing I could ever orchestrate.  

Answer 5

The answer to your question is "Faith".

It's simple really. Even an atheist has to admit that the true benefit to come out of a person's belief in a god is that they have more hope and faith in life, a generally more positive outlook, and something to look forward to in the afterlife.

So a patient who believes that god will protect him during the surgery has a scientifically measurable advantage: Faith in his survival. This has the same effect on his immune system as a placebo. I.e. lower risk of infection, faster healing and a strong will to "pull through". I know that doesn't help the person in the 3rd world because there is no medical help there and infections are ripe. But to someone who's recovery could happen that much faster and better in the 1st world, this is an advantage.

If you believe strongly enough in something, you *make* it happen. The person who believes god will save them actually makes themselves help them because he will try harder. So if you don't believe in god you still have to accept that "god" is "doing something" here. He is alive in our ideas.

Also don't forget that "science" as a whole has become the new "god" that atheists and agnostics believe in. They blindly believe "science" will save them. Isn't that a bit like a religion?..

PS: I'm saying all this even though I believe in god. But not as someone who interferes, more as someone who created and watches.

Answer 6

believe it or not, religion is very important because it contribute to everyday life. it's neither the rules of our government that's keeping people from committing atrocities nor the economic of our nations.what sort of morale or policy can you set for someone that believes in nothing?

imagine a situation in which a group of hedgehogs all seek to become close to one another in order to share their heat during cold weather. However, once accomplished, they cannot avoid hurting one another with their sharp quills. They must step away from one another. Though they all share the intention of a close reciprocal relationship, this may not occur for reasons which they cannot avoid.

this is the dilemma that religion has prevented by breeding morales and good judgement. lets forget about who created what but embrace it's teachings. you might not agree with me but faith prevent the poor from destroying the rich and also enrich the heart of the weak by making him believe that no condition is permanent.

i'm just trying to tell you that we live in a world that nothing is equal and to do that peacefully we need faith even if is false.