On the
Internet, naturally, "I'll pray for you" may take on an entirely different
context (as does everything else, it often seems). In one of the most common Internet
pastimes,
theological debates, partisans of one side especially are apt to make a closing arguments of this phrase as a sort of a backhanded word-
slap. It seems intended to convey an assurance that the opposing
party to the
discussion, not being of the same theological persuasion is the purported prayer-maker, is doomed to a terrible outcome for it. It suggests, "because you are not of my especial
faith, and are not convinced by my
argument to change that
fact, you are in a bad spot and are going to need praying for."
But perhaps the most striking feature of this tendency is the brazenness of its
insincerity. It often comes at the culmination of exchanges already rife with
insult and
degradation and
accusation and
calumny (on both sides, and whether between theists and atheists, or different stripes of theist, or some other odd combination altogether), and nobody really believes that the claimant is
actually going to do any praying for the benefit of their
sparring partner of the moment. In especially venomous exchanges, it is quite easier to imagine that any prayers to be uttered will be geared in the opposite direction. As a signature afterthought, rather than serving as an offer of comfort, it simply ends up being another insult tossed onto the
pyre.
IRON NODER: TOKYO DRIFT