Critical View: Some Thoughts On "Thoughts And Prayers"

On Friday, March 15, Muslim New Zealanders were murdered for being Muslim. By the end of the day, nearly 50 Muslims in Christchurch were slaughtered because of their dedication to their faith.

As with many tragedies, there was an international outflow of solidarity in the form of “thoughts and prayers” being sent towards New Zealand. And as with many tragedies, there were those who scoffed at the notion of thoughts and prayers. One notable example was provided by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. 

In response to the tragedy, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, a child, tweeted “At 1st I thought of saying ‘imagine being told your house of faith isn’t safe anymore.’” She went on, stating that she “couldn’t say ‘imagine.’ Because of Charleston. Pittsburgh. Sutherland Springs.” But she’s not done yet. AOC concludes by saying “what good are thoughts & prayers when they don’t even keep the pews safe?” 

The New York congresswoman went on in the following tweet: “(‘Thoughts and prayers’ is a reference to the NRA’s phrase used to deflect conversation away from policy change during tragedies. Not directed to PM Ardern, who I greatly admire.)”

Remarkably puerile statements from a remarkably puerile congresswoman. 

This has become a trend amongst those who do not understand religion, and it is getting tiring. Those who scold the notion of “thoughts and prayers” must dismiss whatever Hallmark version of religion they possess. Religion is predicated on the idea that the world can be a dark and Hobbesian place. Religion acknowledges there is a tragedy. Religion acknowledges there is pain. Religion acknowledges there is suffering. 

Religion, no matter what form, teaches that there is a greater meaning to life that transcends the individual. Religion is not about you. In an age of selfies and relentless narcissism and self-promotion, religion offers a fresh alternative to the hyperproliferation of Generation: Me. 

When religious people send their thoughts and prayers, they are doing so in an attempt to empathize with victims of a tragedy that has no remedy. In that instance, prayer serves to provide some semblance of meaning when all hope seems lost. It serves to remind victims of tragedy that they are not alone to suffer meaninglessly in the universe.  

For a few brief moments, the mass of humanity can overlook their divisions and empathize with their fellow man. That’s what thoughts and prayers are about. This does not mean there does not need to be a change in policy. This does not mean that the tragedy in question could not have been prevented. This does not mean that no action needs to be taken. It means that those who suffer through something as horrible as a terrorist attack need a kind of help that transcends any policy solution. Those who send thoughts and prayers do not believe that praying will alleviate the world’s tragedies. 

For a minority group, such as the Muslim community in Christchurch, it would be natural of them to feel targeted. It would feel natural because they just were. The international outpour of support, the mass flooding of thoughts and prayers from fellow religious followers from around the world, might serve as a reminder that acceptance far surpasses hate. It is a small token, but a symbolic one. And that is ultimately what thoughts and prayers is about: a reminder that the love that people can show each other will always persist. 

Thoughts and prayers to the Muslim community of Christchurch.