# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 3)
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [January 29, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157 "2026-01-29T18:21:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 134
### Author:  [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2661 "2026-08-11T02:25:28Z")
Similar. I freeze up at the time, and let the surgery proceed. But later i might complain.
It sure as heck makes me uncomfortable.
---
### Author:  [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2662 "2026-08-11T02:27:12Z")
Ancient. ©1971, printed 1982. I’m sure the online one is better. But i figured i may as well look at what I’ve got.
---
### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2663 "2026-08-11T04:00:32Z")
Do nothing, but I can not think of any religion I _strongly disagree with_. Maybe one of the far right evangelical churches (I disagree with some of them, and strongly), but how would I know?
I respect everyone’s right to their religion.
---
### Author:  [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2664 "2026-08-11T04:28:35Z")
Do nothing at the time of surgery, and do nothing about the prayer afterward, too. My primary care physician happens to be of a religion I think is fucked up and backwards, but I’ve found he’s been an excellent physician for me, and his faith has never factored in his care for me (at least as far as I’m aware). If the surgeon takes comfort from the prayer and that increased comfort means a good outcome for me is more likely, I’m good with that.
---
### Author:  [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2665 "2026-08-11T04:47:03Z")
> [@ricepad](#):
>
> If the surgeon takes comfort from the prayer and that increased comfort means a good outcome for me is more likely, I’m good with that.
Good point.
---
### Author:  [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2666 "2026-08-11T05:16:22Z")
As an atheist, if I was offended every time someone spouted religious nonsense in my direction, I wouldn’t have time for anything else. It’s no longer any more annoying than the sun waking me up every morning.
---
### Author:  [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2667 "2026-08-11T10:33:14Z")
> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> but I can not think of any religion I _strongly disagree with_.
Would this count as fighting the hypothetical?
But the asking God to help the surgery go well wouldn’t be the part I disagree with, so I’m wondering what surgeon might have said in this hypothetical scenario. “God, help this surgery to go well, and also help the terrorist act that my extremist sect has planned for tomorrow succeed in causing mass destruction”?
---
### Author:  [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2668 "2026-08-11T12:55:44Z")
I want my surgical team to be as comfortable, confident and relaxed as they can be. If they think their (g)od is helping, I can only benefit. I’m offended when people foist their religion upon me. I have no problem with them exercising it themselves.
---
### Author:  [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2669 "2026-08-11T12:58:07Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#):
>
> > [@DrDeth](#):
> >
> > but I can not think of any religion I _strongly disagree with_.
>
> Would this count as fighting the hypothetical?
>
> But the asking God to help the surgery go well wouldn’t be the part I disagree with, so I’m wondering what surgeon might have said in this hypothetical scenario. “God, help this surgery to go well, and also help the terrorist act that my extremist sect has planned for tomorrow succeed in causing mass destruction”?
“God guide my hand so the patient can recover and learn the error of _his_ ways.”
---
### Author:  [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2670 "2026-08-11T13:08:43Z")
I would let him, but as others said, if the prayer was extremely distasteful (“May all those who don’t believe in my particular version of the divinity die tomorrow in excruciating pain and burn forever in hell”) I would say something to the hospital authorities afterwards.
---
### Author:  [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2671 "2026-08-11T15:22:40Z")
“God, may these explosives implant properly so that this man may become a martyr to your greater glory tomorrow at, oh, let’s say about 5:30pm.”
---
### Author:  [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2672 "2026-08-11T15:24:06Z")
“if you hear something (in prep) say something”
---
### Author:  [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2673 "2026-08-11T16:35:18Z")
If I hear, “god, please guide my hands so I get this one right”, I’m getting up and sprinting out of the entire facility. I wouldn’t care if I was still wearing one of those backless hospital gowns or not!
---
### Author:  [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2674 "2026-08-11T17:03:13Z")
> [@ricepad](#):
>
> “god, please guide my hands so I get this one right”
“god, please guide my hands so I get this one right AT LAST”
---
### Author:  [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2675 "2026-08-11T17:31:01Z")
The surgery question was inspired by an actual event that happened within the last year. My wife was raised Jewish and is now an atheist. Before a surgery, her surgeon prayed to Jesus that the surgery would go well.
---
### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2676 "2026-08-11T17:35:11Z")
> [@markn\_1](#):
>
> Before a surgery, her surgeon prayed to Jesus that the surgery would go well.
Probably happens a lot, but more quietly. This surgeon wanted the patient to know he was praying for some reason. I’d prefer a doctor that didn’t believe in any god. But, it’s not a deal breaker.
---
### Author:  [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2677 "2026-08-11T17:43:27Z")
It looks like bad professional conduct (why be upfront with your prayer? do it in private) _and_ bad Christianity:
> And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. \*\*6 \*\*But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. \*\*7 \*\*And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. \*\*8 \*\*Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
---
### Author:  [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2678 "2026-08-11T17:45:42Z")
> [@Procrustus](#):
>
> This surgeon wanted the patient to know he was praying for some reason.
Otherwise, how would you know he was holier than you?
---
### Author:  [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2679 "2026-08-11T21:42:45Z")
> [@Frodo](#):
>
> do it in private) _and_ bad Christianity:
The quote in @Frodo’s post is Matthew 6:5-8, for those curious. What is now called the “Lord’s Prayer” is given by Jesus to the disciples immediately after that.
And, yeah, certain Christians don’t seem to know about, or care about, that passage. They want to openly and publicly demonstrate their faith. I suspect that they see it as a form of evangelism.
---
### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2680 "2026-08-11T22:16:47Z")
God, grant me the serenity to remove the cancerous testicle
The courage to leave the benign testicle alone
And the wisdom to know the difference.
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=133)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=135)