The Problem of Presenting the Secular as Sacred

l listened to a podcast of one of my favorite NPR talk shows a while ago. It featured a discussion that I found to be very intellectually dishonest. One of the guests shared how she engages in so-called "secular prayers". She obliged when asked to offer an example thereof. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a Christian minister.)

Beyond the obvious oxymoronic component involved, the lack of logic in this proposition is frustrating to ponder. Regarding the former, prayer is a widely held practice across myriad faith traditions. (Even atheists recognize this objective fact.) Regarding the latter point, a "secular prayer" is nonsensical because prayer requires both subject AND object. In other words, people pray ABOUT someone or something (i.e., the subject) while concurrently praying TO God (i.e., the object). Thus, by definition, a "secular prayer" is illogical because there is no "object" thereof. While I understand that some faith traditions include “prayer” without a deity being involved, I would challenge them to elucidate how, specifically, such an exercise is different from deep reflection, meditation, or “mindfulness”. Either God is at the center of prayer, or the person is. If the latter is the case, I would strongly argue that there is no difference between such “prayers” and deep introspection.

In short, "secular prayer" is, basically, an expressed desire for "good things" to happen to whatever group of people who constitute the "subject" (even if said subject is one’s own self). But given that there is no Being to whom such a prayer is directed - a Being who could ACT on the prayer - it is an exercise in talking to one’s self. That’s completely fine, but I believe that one should be intellectually honest about that. (Note: I'm well aware that atheists do not believe that actual prayers “go” anywhere; my point is that the person of faith BELIEVES that there is an object of their prayers.)

To be honest, I'm at least as offended by the lack of logic in this charade as l am about any other factor. It reminds me of when people appeal to a completely secular, impersonal "universe" for good fortune. It's fine if one does not believe that the Creator is real, but how can one who does not believe in an uncreated God feel comfortable appealing to a mere creation to answer one's prayers (or, if you like, deepest desires)? It's similar to the atheistic practice of having "church without God". I have no problem whatsoever with a group of people gathering to share in a peaceful, meaningful, communal experience; I simply have a problem with intellectual dishonesty. There is a "hole" that every human being has. We try to fill it with money, sex, power, drugs, children, spouses, cars, and many other counterfeit experiences or items. However, that hole is God-shaped; nothing else will fit.

I’m hopeful that my comments are received in the genuinely inquisitive nature in which I present them.