I am a Christian, and I think that nonbelievers have a very tainted view of us. The general idea of Christianity by nonbelievers is mostly obtained through the media (politics, films, tv) and bad experiences with those trying to convert by the "chopping block" method. However, the chopping block is against the very core of Christianity: the Bible. Christians are called to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. BUT DO THIS WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT" (1 Peter 3:15). If any of you has had such a negative experience, I most humbly apologize on behalf of all Christians, and even if it wasn't intended as such it was a misrepresentation of the Gospel, and ineffective at that.

But that's not the question, is it? I agree, Samat, that it does seem strange to feel dishonest about prayer if you don't believe God is there listening, but I understand feeling dishonest toward those who are doing the praying. However, the sad fact is that there is a large population of people who "pray" and "go to church" who still don't really believe in God. Christians are very used to being surrounded by nonbelievers, because at one point or another each of us was one as well. If it were me you were talking about eating with, I'd rather you be honest about not believing. A good Christian wouldn't take your plate away because of that; if anything they should be grateful for your honesty, and use that opportunity to share their beliefs with you (ideally in a "gentle and respectful" way). But their "converting" you shouldn't be the main focus of their inviting you over to dinner, they should be inviting you over to build a genuine friendship. Even if the ultimate goal is for conversion, it ain't gonna happen if you're not genuinely friends first because you can see right through that.

The "meaning of prayer" however is not just to give thanks before meals. That is only a miniscule part of prayer, although it is still important. Prayer is spending time with God. It's humbling yourself before the one who created everything and has the ability to do anything. It is giving thanks for the things he has given (which we certainly did nothing to deserve), it is reflecting on the ways he has been working in every moment of our lives, it is presenting requests for continued work in our lives, and so much more.

I could go on and on in an attempt to give an accurate picture of what to be Christian is, but I probably shouldn't right here and right now. For one there isn't enough space, and for another I'm sure everyone would get bored and stop reading. If you have any questions, however, please e-mail me and I'll try my best to answer them as accurately and humbly as possible (address removed).