Is there anything wrong with prayer? "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Chris Pratt was lambasted by netizens after he offered to say a prayer for comedian Kevin Patrick Smith after he suffered from a massive heart attack this February.
"Kevin we don't know each other too good but I have loved you since 'Clerks' and I'm praying my [expletive] off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people!?" he wrote on Twitter (@prattprattpratt).
Instead of praising the actor for his kind words, netizens called him out for showcasing his faith. "That's cool and everything, but doctors and nurses save lives, not prayer," a Twitter user wrote. "Great, now I won't enjoy your films as much knowing you're a Jesus nut," another added.
"Prayer does nothing. Only doctors and nurses and how healthy he is will save Smith. Sending him encouragement might boost his mood and aid in the healing process," a non-believer also commented.
But aside from the backlash, Pratt received some support. An atheist even wrote that he might not agree with Pratt regarding religion, but he still appreciates the concern shown by the actor. "As an atheist, I think @prattprattpratt should do whatever he feels like. Offering prayers for a sick person's recovery is polite and thoughtful. Good looking out, Chris!" he wrote.
Pratt also received support from "Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn, who wrote in a series of tweets that people simply misunderstood the backlash on Pratt's "thoughts and prayers."
"There is nothing wrong with sending someone positive thoughts & prayers. But when this is coupled with inaction when action will benefit the situation, it's empty," he explained. "No one expects Chris Pratt to shoulder doctors out of the way and perform heart surgery on Kevin Smith. Nor does Kevin need Chris to pay his medical bills. So I think his prayers are appreciated, and about all he can do."
