Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn got philosophical in defending Chris Pratt, the star of his other-worldly films.

Pratt posted on Twitter that he was sending out “prayers” for Kevin Smith, who was hospitalized after what Smith called a “massive” heart attack.

“Kevin, we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my a** off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me, people!?” Pratt also wrote.

Many online did not like Pratt’s sentiments, according to USA Today. Others cited science and medicine for saving lives in making a case against prayer, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Then Gunn wrote that Pratt’s prayers were “appreciated, and about all he can do.”

“So I just read Chris Pratt’s tweet to Kevin Smith saying he would pray for him and made the mistake of reading the comments, many of which go off on Chris for saying he’d pray. I think people misunderstand the backlash against ‘thoughts and prayers,'” Gunn said.

Gunn proceeded to say that prayer is one side of a coin, saying “when [thoughts and prayers] is coupled with inaction when action will benefit the situation, it’s empty.”

2 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. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Gunn then spoke to gun violence, remarking, “If you’re offering Parkland shooting survivors prayers, but are unwilling to deal with the problems of gun violence in this country in a practical way, those prayers are empty.”

3 If you’re offering Parkland shooting survivors prayers, but are unwilling to deal with the problems of gun violence in this country in a practical way, those prayers are empty. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Then he spoke to folks praying for Puerto Rico.

4 And if you’re going to offer prayers to the folks suffering in Puerto Rico, you might consider adding a link for a donation or calling on your representatives to take action, in addition to those prayers. Prayers alone will not change the world. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

And what Pratt can do — or in this case, not do — for Smith.

5 But 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. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

And then he got personal.

6 I’m not tweeting this to defend Chris - he’s a big boy and can take care of himself. But for me, personally, prayer and meditation are great boons to my life and help me navigate my way through this world, and I don’t want to dissuade others who find those things useful. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Then, a mention of politics.

7 I honestly would not be doing what I’m doing in either my career, or in speaking out on political matters, if I wasn’t led there through prayers and meditation. I feel lucky to have these tools. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Then, its role for others (or not).

8 I don’t think that means YOU need to pray. I don’t. There are many ways to navigate this life. Mine is only one of them. Prayer isn’t for everyone but, in the face of helplessness, it’s often meant as a acknowledgement that one cares (and we all care about @ThatKevinSmith). — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018

Before Twitter replies got rolling, Gunn added this statement, “As you’ll see, the people here are overall very kind and balanced. Atheists and Christians are generally all great people and generally get along and respect each other’s beliefs. It’s the strengthening of the fringes on Twitter which makes it seem otherwise.”

Smith, an icon in the Star Wars and superhero movie communities, posted on Twitter that he was dealt with a “widow maker” blockage of his lift anterior descending artery. He would have passed away if he hadn’t canceled another stand-up performance in southern California, he added.

“But for now, I’m still above ground,” Smith said.