NationStates Jolt Archive

I saw this, and I had to share.

http://www.france24.com/en/20090321-internet-religion-computers-address-almighty-information-age-prayer

Can machines address God? It’s a question that would undoubtedly interest Isaac Asimov, the father of science fiction.

The website "Information Age Prayer" does not shy away from such lofty theological debates and offers, for a few dollars, to recite prayers for the faithful who are too busy in this Information Age.

The concept is simple. Users have to click on their religion of choice on the home page, which leads them to a list of prayers such as the “Our Father” for Christians and the "Fajr" for Muslims.

Prices are based on the length of the texts and therefore vary. For Catholics, for example, the monthly fee for a daily prayer ranges from 70 cents for the “Hail Mary” to $49.97 for the rosary. And for the hesitant ones ($50 dollars, it’s a lump sum), the button offers a reminder: "Show God you’re serious - Get the complete Rosary Package." It’s an offer that’s hard to resist.

Once the payment is done, a computer belonging to the site's host will recite the requested prayer, every day, using the software, "The Last Cry." For Muslims, the site specifies that the computer speakers are turned towards Mecca.

Prayers for all seasons and situations

The site also offers targeted prayers. Is a close relative sick? Just enter his/her name at the time of purchase and the machine will piously recite a prayer of a speedy cure. There’s an alternative for the ones who are too late as well. And for pacifists, a prayer for peace in this world, at $3.95 per month, is almost an obligation.

There’s also a special prayer to address the financial crisis. But it comes with a warning: the site is not an alternative for fiscal responsibility.

As for revenues, the site explains that it transfers 10% of revenues to charity. But it fails to specify which ones.

If users want to create their own prayers however, they will have to wait – for now. "Information Age Prayer" does not offer this service, since the site managers fear the likely outrageous texts may not be detected by a machine.

For those hesitating on moral grounds, "Information Age Prayer" invites users to ask their religious representatives for counsel. Amen!

Anyone else seen any wonderful ideas lately?

lol why didnt i think about exploiting retar.. i mean catholics this way?

*Looks at bank statement, depressed*

I seriously need to start a cult. So much money in religion...

Wow... thats... genius!

lol why didnt i think about exploiting retar.. i mean catholics this way?

This.

In fact, I doubt he's a genius; just brave enough to play on other's gullibility. The only reason we haven't done this is because we're not that sick.

This.

In fact, I doubt he's a genius; just brave enough to play on other's gullibility. The only reason we haven't done this is because we're not that sick.

I am.

I just didn't think of it.

I am.

I just didn't think of it.

I thought of the DVD rewinder years ago... but I never got to implement it before someone else made one.

lol why didnt i think about exploiting retar.. i mean catholics this way?

Obviously you haven't prayed enough for God to bless you with this type of fortune.

I am.

I just didn't think of it.

So what? I was referring to the person who did think of it.

So what? I was referring to the person who did think of it.

Well, you said we're not that sick.

I'm just confirming that I actually am that sick, but not that creative.

Well, you said we're not that sick.

I'm just confirming that I actually am that sick, but not that creative.

I was simply suggesting that creativity had nothing to do with it. It's not too late to make a competitor to his *crossout*idea*crossout* exploit.

I thought of the DVD rewinder years ago... but I never got to implement it before someone else made one.
Did you know that a majority of people who bought the DVD Rewinder off of Amazon.com also bought Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle DVDs? That says something about stuff, I'm sure.

Did you know that a majority of people who bought the DVD Rewinder off of Amazon.com also bought Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle DVDs? That says something about stuff, I'm sure.

I already owned TMNT on DVD at the time.

Obviously you haven't prayed enough for God to bless you with this type of fortune.

I did but it was only enough to cover the prayer fees. :(

wow, interesting idea, but i wonder if it counts as a con... since the site is selling nothing in reality. not being religious makes me biased, of course, seeing how i'd consider prayer a waste of time (and/or money) anyway.

*waits to see what NSG's religious types think of it*

wow, interesting idea, but i wonder if it counts as a con... since the site is selling nothing in reality. not being religious makes me biased, of course, seeing how i'd consider prayer a waste of time (and/or money) anyway.

*waits to see what NSG's religious types think of it*

I think that's where it becomes genius... religions and religious leaders have sold this kind of nothing to the masses for ages, and managed to get laws implemented to avoid being sued for conning folks.

In fact, I doubt he's a genius; just brave enough to play on other's gullibility. The only reason we haven't done this is because we're not that sick.
He's a genius for coming up with an idea before anyone else did.
That's what geniuses (genii?) do.

I think that's where it becomes genius... religions and religious leaders have sold this kind of nothing to the masses for ages, and managed to get laws implemented to avoid being sued for conning folks.

indeed, but the site isn't a church... does that make a difference?

indeed, but the site isn't a church... does that make a difference?

Unless the Catholic church starts suing for exclusivity for their material and right to pray, which is kind of the rubbish only the CoS do, probably not.

Unless the Catholic church starts suing for exclusivity for their material and right to pray, which is kind of the rubbish only the CoS do, probably not.

All the pope has to do is set an edict that says only prayers made by humans count.