Once a month I release a column at Patheos.org, a religion discussion portal. This month’s just went live. It’s about how people use prayer:

People want the gods to answer prayers and deliver favors. I’ve felt that way. When you are sick, hurt, or out of money you want to believe the gods will fix it.

What kind of world would that be?

If people succeeded or failed not because of what they did, but because of who the gods favored, would the world really be a better place? Is that justice?

But there is a good reason to pray. To read more, check it out.

Also, there may be swordfighting.