By fixing part of the content of the prayer, they're taking some of the heart out of it. Whatever the case, though, I think studying a faith-based issue is missing the point. What difference will it make if you can scientifically say that prayer either does or doesn't work? Will you convince a non-believer to be faithful? Will you convince a believer that s/he's wrong? I VERY much doubt it either way. Prayer isn't about science. It's about a belief that's not either rational or scientific at heart. It's something you either accept or you don't.
Another problem I see is that the people being prayed for didn't know the people praying. When you don't know someone, your prayers for them are not going to be as heartfelt or genuine because you don't have a personal relationship to bind you together and have no vested interest in the outcome. When it's your grandma going in for heart surgery you're going to pray a lot harder than if it was Jane Doe.
Personally, I doubt they'll ever come to a firm conclusion on this. The researchers of this study even stated that it won't be the final word. In other words, they knew their methods were imperfect. I think that perfecting those methods will be a wild goose chase for those who undertake it.
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A truly open mind will seriously consider all points of view, even those with which it strongly disagrees for there may be a grain of truth in even the most ridiculous of opinions. |