This is an excellent example to put the spotlight on a common misconception; Logic, Science, The Scientific Method etc., are ANTI-RELIGION. Further, they promote ATHEISM and deny the existence of a SPIRIT WORLD, and the SUPERNATURAL.
This ties into another example of FALLACY OF TRUTH BY ASSOCIATION.
In the scene, listen carefully to what Sheldon says. He never asserts that praying for his safety was in any way ineffective or, that to do so could have no effect on the outcome of the trip.
He just pointed out, quite correctly, that his Mother reached a conclusion that was Logically Invalid. However, many people of faith equate this criticism with ATHEISTIC IDEOLOGY. Yet, just because an Atheist would agree with Sheldons assessment, it does not follow that ONLY ATHEISTS would reach the same conclusion.
This is an example of Fallacy Of Truth By Association; ANY CONCLUSION REACHED BY AN INDIVIDUAL, THAT IS ALSO SHARED BY MEMBERS OF A CERTAIN GROUP, INDICATES THAT THE INDIVIDUAL MUST BE PART OF THAT GROUP.
Consider the following scenarios; In the first example we will imagine a conversation that includes Sheldon as an Atheist, in the second he will indicate no specific religious beliefs.
Dialogue from the episode: "THE ELECTRIC CAN OPENER FLUCTUATION."
"No mother, I could not feel your church group praying for my safety. The fact that I'm home safe does not prove that it worked, that logic is Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc."
#1 #2
SHELDON THE ATHEIST. SHELDON THE UNCOMMITTED.
"MOM, HOW COULD PRAYING "WELL MOM, I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT.
HELP ME IN ANY WAY? IT HOWEVER, SINCE IT IS AN EXPRESSION
ASSUMES THE EXISTENCE OF FAITH, THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IF
OF A SUPREME BEING THAT IT HAD ANY EFFECT."
CAN CONTROL THE FORCES
OF NATURE."
TO BE CONTINUED...
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