What Counts as Prayer? (#31) - a podcast by Dan Koch

Can silent meditation be prayer? Is prayer always in some sense bodily and physical, or is it only a spiritual thing? When did prayer first enter the story of humanity — millions of years ago, or only after verbal language? Did Neanderthals pray? Is it worth looking into the prayer practices of other religions, and if we do, what might we learn? These questions and more are explored with Dr. Carol Zaleski (Smith College), co-author of the incredible book “Prayer: A History.”

Later, Dan answers a listener question: “What are the mental tricks or ways that you seek to understand or empathize with someone’s viewpoint you disagree with?” (1:32:00)

Dan’s 4 mental tricks:

Trick 1 -- system 1 or 2 belief? If 1, let it go, and just be kind; show them that people with your opposite belief can be loving; and remind yourself that they will probably only change their mind if they change their tribe. In this case, it’s better to ask general life questions than to drill down on the specific area of disagreement or original interest.

Trick 2 -- if system 2, start asking more specific questions, learn their story as it relates to the issue.

Trick 3 -- remind yourself that you are also a member of various tribes, so you can let your guard down as you listen to them.

Trick 4 -- look for nuance; if you are finding it, you're on the right track; if there is none, you are probably stuck in mostly pointless tribal warfare.

Carol’s book "Prayer: A History":
William James, “The Varieties of Religious Experience”:
Father Giles, “Prayer is the greatest freedom of all” (BBC): https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/prayer-is-the-greatest-freedom-of-all/p07b8dq5?playlist=what-is-freedom
CS Lewis, “Transposition" sermon: https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/lewiscs-transposition/lewiscs-transposition-00-h.html#ch01transposition
Scott Davison, “Petitionary Prayer: A Philosophical Investigation”: https://www.amazon.com/Petitionary-Prayer-Philosophical-Scott-Davison/dp/0198757743

Edited by Josh Gilbert (Gwall.Gilbert11@gmail.com)
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