how do atheists feel when someone says he will pray for them?

Answer 1

Think about the implications of saying that...

You are basically telling an Atheist that they aren't intelligent, or adult enough to make their own choices.

If you weren't using that as a way to smack an Atheist in the face, you wouldn't TELL them you'll pray for them, you'd just do it.

But no, Christians want praise for what they do, they want to subtely kick other people and then say "But I didn't say anything wrong" by claiming they were being kind.

Its not kind, its condescending. So what do I feel? I feel like I want to smack those Christians upside the back of the head.

Answer 2

It's a matter of attitude. I have often noticed the difference between "praying at someone" and "praying for someone". Many of the condescending types will say, "I'll be praying for you," when they want to lord their "superiority" over you, whereas they will tell a friend suffering a loss, "I'll pray for you." The tone of voice goes along with the change of verb tense. I have, on occasion put the condescending types in their place.

Answer 3

Depends on the context. I have chronic ill-health. One of my friends is an MCC minister. She really wanted me to come to the Eucharist so she could pray over me. We compromised, I didn't take the sacrament, but did go forward and she placed her hands on me and prayed for me, which was really beautiful and touched me deeply.

But those moments are rare. What is more common is a complete stranger on here saying it almost as a taunt. Then it is arrogant and inconsiderate. For all the love and compassion that it supposed to be behind it, in actuality it's far closer to "Na, na, I know better than you."

Answer 4

Being an atheist, it doesn't bother me one way or the other. People can say and do what they want. The prayers don't mean anything to me, and I already know that they won't do anything anyway.

Answer 5

It depends on the circumstance. If the person is being genuinely nice, I accept the gesture in the same way I would if they had baked me cookies or something similar. People offered prayers to me when my grandmother passed away, and I took it as their means of offering sympathy.

If its the persons reaction to the fact that I don't believe in god, and that their prayers will "lead me back", its similar to having someone p!ss on your head, and tell you its raining.

Answer 6

I'm not bothered by it at all. If it makes someone feel as if they can help my situation by saying a few words of prayer, then so be it. I consider it a nice gesture, thank them, and leave it at that.

Answer 7

Thanks if you did. One of my friends said a nice thing to me. He said, "You don't have to love God for him to love you back". However kind sentiment is no excuse to toss out reason. I like this quote by Thomas Jefferson a little better:

"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear"

So to answer your question, I would feel the same as if someone would have said, "I'll be thinking of you".

Answer 8

I take it in the spirit it's intended. If they're going to pray for me because they don't approve of me, it just ticks me off. If they're going to pray for me because they can tell I'm going through a rough time, I appreciate their good wishes.

Answer 9

i dont know what they say, but i had a brother n law that was atheists. He didnt belive in God till he was on his death bed. He called for me to come see him and i did and i talked to him about God till he passed and i believe with all my heart he excepted God into his heart before he died.

Answer 10

If he says that he will pray for my soul? Insulted. My soul is MY business!