Additionally, what is a good way for atheists to impart feelings of support and intentions for a good outcome to those who believe in God (for instance, someone is going for a cancer biopsy. A believer would say "I'll pray for you" an atheist could say "good luck", "I wish you well") can you think of anything a little more powerful?
2006-11-07 08:14:34 · 33 answers · asked by Wonderland 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"I'll pray for you [meanly, as in, you're wrong, I'm right, you're going to hell!]" -- "Bugger off."
"I'll pray for you [nicely, as in, oh, that sucks to hear you're going through that, I can't imagine...]" -- "Thanks, I could use all the help I can get."
As for atheists showing support to others, "Oh man, I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?" Or, if there's obviously nothing that can be done, "I'll always be here for you if you need a shoulder or an ear or a hug, and definately gonna be keeping you in my thoughts."
2006-11-07 08:20:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 0⤋
Laughter is a good response. It does let me know where they stand. I realize that they aren't going to lift a finger to help and will feel absolutely pious while being such lazy jerks.
I also think, "I'll keep you in my thoughts," is a cop-out so you can feel justified in doing nothing at all. On the rare occasions when this comes up, I DO something. Even if it's just bring flowers. Action is better than thinking pretty thoughts.
2006-11-07 08:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by claudiagiraffe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you could just hear "I'll pray for you" as "I care about you and I'll be thinking about you and wishing all the best for you." And that might be a good thing to say yourself.
I think "good luck" is not an especially appropriate thing for the bigger trials of life. It's a little too lighthearted. I think that "I'll keep you in my thoughts" would be better.
2006-11-07 08:20:12 · answer #3 · answered by Heron By The Sea 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
First if this person loves you they will keep praying for you anyway! I doubt anyone who believes in God would consider anything less than a prayer to be powerful! Faith is a lot more powerful than luck even in science!
2006-11-07 08:21:19 · answer #4 · answered by peace2all 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since as atheists we don't believe in prayer then allowing someone else to pray will do no harm while giving them a chance to feel like they are doing something good for you - I see no problem with that.
I'm a health care professional who has patients in a hospital setting - many times a week I have patients who want me to pray with them of which I politely refuse, I do however, wish them well and that my thoughts are with them - that seems to work very well.
2006-11-07 08:25:24 · answer #5 · answered by Da Vinci's Code 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If a theist friend says they'll pray for me it would be discourteous in the extreme to say anything other than "thank you" or "you are very kind" - and that is what I say. If someone I don't respect says they'll pray for me out of condescension, I'll happily say "No need" or if they're being really patronizing, "don't bother".
I would say to someone "You have my sincerest good wishes" "my deepest sympathy" or "my thoughts are with you", but it would be meaningless to say that I'd pray for them.
2006-11-07 08:22:04 · answer #6 · answered by Bad Liberal 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Generally, the term "sending good thoughts and wishes" means almost the same thing as praying. Many people will think you actually mean prayer.
As for someone praying for you, just say "thank you" and leave it at that.
2006-11-07 08:19:03 · answer #7 · answered by Steven S 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I had a buddist say he'd pray for me, so I said "thank you". Even if we don't believe in their deity doesn't mean it isn't nice of them to try. When someone offers to do something for you simply out of good intentions, is there really any reason to start arguing with them?
Sorry, don't know what an atheist would say to comfort someone besides good luck.
2006-11-07 08:19:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
They could always say, "I'll keep you in my thoughts".....
and to answer your first question, unless they thought it was someone who was really TRYING to force their beliefs upon them, would it be so horrible, if someone was to say I'll be praying for you? What if they didn't know they were atheists.....I admit, I'm saying this as a Christian, but I AM trying to see the question with perspective....
2006-11-07 08:19:28 · answer #9 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An appropriate way would probably be, "thanks for your compassion, but I am atheist". And something more powerful to say other than "good luck" for an operation might be, " I'll be thinking of you and you'll be just fine."
2006-11-07 08:34:46 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋