I’ve got a piece online today at The American Spectator which discusses why a study about the “medicinal power of prayer” is deeply flawed.
Reader Mark Stoffel said the piece reminded him of a scene from the movie “We Were Soldiers,” which I never saw, but I appreciated this dialogue:
[Moore and Geoghegan a prayer before leaving for Vietnam]
Lt. Colonel Hal Moore: Our Father in Heaven, before we go into battle,
every soldier among us will approach you each in his own way. Our enemies
too, according to their own understanding, will ask for protection and for
victory. And so, we bow before your infinite wisdom. We offer our prayers
as best we can. I pray you watch over the young Jack Geoghegan. That I
lead into battle. You use me as your instrument in this awful hell of war
to watch over them. Especially if they’re men like this one beside me,
deserving of a future in your blessing and goodwill. Amen.
2nd Lieutenant Jack Geoghegan: Amen.
Lt. Colonel Hal Moore: Oh, yes, and one more thing, dear Lord, about our
enemies, ignore their heathen prayers and help us blow those little
bastards straight to Hell. Amen.
