Meryl Streep’s struggle with faith
Meryl Streep has always been interested in faith and understands the solace offered by religion, but she doesn't believe in the power of prayer.
Meryl Streep finds no comfort in prayer, says Mick Brown in the London Daily Telegraph. Long before playing a nun in her current film, Doubt, Streep says she was searching for spiritual meaning in a troubled world. “I’ve always been really, deeply interested in faith, because I think I can understand the solace that’s available in the whole construct of religion,” says the 59-year actress, who grew up Presbyterian. But despite being consumed with what she calls a “yearning for the ineffable, for real true certainty,” Streep has found little of that solace herself. “I really don’t believe in the power of prayer, or things would have been avoided that have happened, that are awful. So it’s a horrible position as an intelligent, emotional, yearning human being to sit outside of the available comfort there. But I just can’t go there.” So where does she find consolation in the face of aging and death? “Consolation? I’m not sure I have it. I have a belief, I guess, in the power of the aggregate human attempt. In love and hope and optimism—you know, the magic things that seem inexplicable.” But Streep does not rule out the possibility that God exists. “I do have a sense of trying to make things better. Where does that come from?”
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Posted by Michael Kirk, Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 12:20 pm I agree with Miss Streep. In all my years on this earth I have yet to see one example where muttering to some unseen, unheard God has made the slightest difference to anything.
Posted by val valdez, Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 1:32 pm Dear Michael Kirk, It is not "muttering" to an unseen, unheard God. The Creator exists in ways to be heard and seen IF you are open and non-judgmental. Popes prayer, doctors prayer, solders pray. Ask a soldier why he/she prayers? May you have a joyous holiday, and a safe one. Remember, HE is the reason for the season.
Posted by Mary K. Williams, Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 2:52 pm I was raised beleiving that there is a God who created our universe and blesses us with EVERYTHING we have. Sure I had my doubts from time to time but what cemented it for me was about twelve years ago. I was driving a sporty little red car and realized I had not fastened my seat belt. I was trying to get it hooked, looked up and was heading straight for a utility pole, paniced and was losing control of the car. I shouted "God help me!" And He did! There were skid marks on the pavement but I didn't hit the utility pole. I thanked Him profusely and everytime I pass that spot on the road, I thank Him again. That's just one proof in my life that I have that God IS real. If I had more time and space, I could tell you many, many more. Yes, Jesus is the reason for this season. Please pause and ask Him to be your savior and to bless and keep you. You don't have to be perfect - He will forgive you of all your sins but you have to ask.
Posted by Murm, Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 9:21 pm Ms. Streep did say in an interview a few days later that she does believe in God just not religion as imposed by man. She has also said that she feels that the best evidence of God (to her) is in music. So it appears that she does believe in God just not all the rituals, etc. that have been imposed by man. Just thought I'd throw that out there since the article didn't delve very deep.
Posted by Jessica W., Friday, January 9, 2009, 2:11 pm I agree with Mr. Kirk. Praying just seems more like a way of focusing your own attention on a desired outcome. It's kind of sad that people think there has to be some "all powerful - and I'm on YOUR side!"- type person out there listening.
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