Atheists, how do you respond to "I'll pray for you"?

Answer 1

generally i don't. anyone who prays for me is wasting their time, not mine. so whatever.

that said, it depends on why they're praying for me. if it's because i'm sick or things are going crap, then it's ok because they're doing what they think is a nice thing to do for me. if it's because i don't believe in god, then it pisses me off.

Answer 2

When some tells me that they will pray for me, my response depends on the circumstance. If I am upset or going through hard times and someone tells me that they will pray for me, I say thank you because I take it as a sort of well wishing upon me. However, if I tell someone my beliefs (I am Atheist) and they tell me that they will pray for me (in an attempt to "save my soul") my response would not be quite as gracious.

Answer 3

I evaluate it skill those asserting it to a minimum of be one in all: - clueless, because of the fact it shows a damaging carry close of what atheism incredibly skill - condescending, because of the fact that is incredibly a pat on the top asserting "it quite is okay, i understand extra advantageous" - self-significant, when you consider that they're finding out directly to intercede on my behalf with the gods i don't have self assurance in - arrogant, because of the fact they're intentionally flaunting their non secular muscular tissues

Answer 4

Usually it's no more offensive than if someone said good luck. Some times it's because a Christian friend is worried for my soul. Well, that's just well intentioned superstition, isn't it. Of course there is the occasional smug," You're going to hell.", meaning to it. I generally don't let jerks get to me.

As a lose rule, I smile at all three kinds.

Answer 5

If it's said genuinely, like, "Man I'm in a lot of pain, I hope the physical therapist can help," "Well, I'll be praying for you then! Get well!" --- be gracious. "Thanks, this shoulder needs all the help it can get!"

If it's said hatefully, like, "No, I'm an atheist, I'm comfortable with that, but believe what you wish," "Well, I'll be praying for YOU!" --- That warrants a quick and merciless "sod off."

I have to admit, I liked Kirk Cameron's story about a phone call with the RSS guy. Kirk said, "I'll pray for you," and the RSS guy said, "And I'll think for you."

Good one, I think.

Answer 6

Well I always tell Christians that I will pray to Loki for them to loose their faith in Jesus. They don't like that at all and get insulted, yet are too silly to understand that I just turned it around on them.

Answer 7

There are a couple ways to reply,

A simple "thank you," if I believe they mean well.
The classic, "I'll think for you," is a good standby.
Then for those particularly persistent evangelicals, this one might do the trick, "Or... you could do something useful. Just a suggestion."

Answer 8

It depends on the context. If its sincere, depending on how I think it will make the person feel, "Thank you." or "No, thank you." It its one of those, "I'm great and I want one more on my scorecard" prayers, I range from ignoring them to pointing out their lack of humility. I tend towards the former, since these people are impervious to reason.

Answer 9

Anyone who says something as hideously patronising and moronic as that has identified themselves as a robot. Given the context, I could do anything from ignoring it to being extremely rude back.

CD

Answer 10

Depends.

If for example I say, "I am about to walk this tightrope over the Grand Canyon" and someone says, "I'll pray for you." I say, "Thanks!." because I know they mean well.

If however I say "I'm an atheist" and they say, "I'll pray for you" I feel insulted. To such condescension, my usual reply is "Don't waste your time."