It really makes my blood boil and should be considered a form of harassment
2007-06-05 08:12:19 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am an atheist by the way and have been so since the age of 8.
2007-06-05 08:30:10 · update #1
I just this morning received this message:
From: Ballin21
Subject: l
Message: I think you might go to hell. I'll pary for you.
I think he meant pray instead of pary ...
I don't know why Christians say they'll pray for you. I'm sure this young man had no intentions of praying for me. I think it is a programmed response when they have nothing of substance to offer, they just say, "I'll pray for you"
It doesn't offend me, I find it amusing.
2007-06-05 08:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes. It is very arrogant, condescending, and passive-aggressive (Heh...and as I type that, "crimson and clover clone"'s answer up there gives a perfect example of that same despicable attitude). This site explains it well:
"One of the most condescending things a theist can do to an atheist is to make a point of announcing that they'll be praying for us. Atheists don't believe in the power of prayer, but even theists can't think that prayer will be more effective for having announced. So what's the purpose? Some say that it's to express well-wishes, but people say that they'll pray for someone when the person is sick or having trouble. One way or another, the theist appears to be expressing superiority over atheists in a passive-aggressive manner. That suggests they weren't interested in serious conversation to begin with."
2007-06-05 15:15:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
While I'm not christian, the idea of someone saying a prayer for me doesn't bother me. Of course it does freak them out a bit when I tell them thank you, I'll pray for you as well. For some reason they don't seem to want me to pray for them. Strange. I guess they only want other christians to pray for them. At least the ones I talk to are like that. Oh well.
2007-06-05 15:21:43 · answer #3 · answered by choel 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey, if they're going to pray for me, I'm going to anoint a candle with sage and burn it for them. (Sage being purifying, after all.) Fair is fair.
Isn't religious diversity great?
It's only offensive when they say that they'll pray for my eternal soul, or they pray that I'll have an epiphany and join their religion. Then they're just being exclusionary pr*cks. Otherwise, when they're praying I'll get better or do well, etc, it's sweet that they've got my best interest at heart.
2007-06-05 15:24:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does a little when they deny the prayers of the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It's like oh I see, they are much better than a Saint or Jesus' very own Mother.
2007-06-05 15:29:06 · answer #5 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I try not to say it to those I know it will offend. I don't however understand how it can truly upset people. It is like a person saying, you are in my thoughts, I hope all is well etc.
Saying it should be harassment shows a true lack of respect for other's beliefs. Those who say it to you may not know that you are not religious.
2007-06-05 15:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by Beverly B 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Really?
I feel honoured when Christians or someone from any other religion tell me that.
(Unless they say it condescendingly... Like my aunt once told me: "I'm going pray and ask God to give you wits")
Oh... And I say this despite my nowadays having my doubts about religion.
You didn't say why you feel ofended by that...
Is it because you follow a different religion or because you are an atheist? (please, clear that up..)
2007-06-05 15:23:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the situation.
If they're saying it because you are suffering and they want to help, then it's really sweet because it's the most generous thing they can do--spend time in their relationship with God to think about you and care for you.
If they say it because you disagree with them about something and they're just being prideful about being saved, then it's really condescending and irritating.
2007-06-05 15:19:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anise 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No that is just saying they are keeping you in there thoughts while they pray .. what is wrong with that ?? FIne then no one should pray for you .. But when you are in desperation in your life don't ask for prayer either ...
2007-06-05 15:17:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might wish to do something about your anger problem. I've never been offended when someone has offered to pray for me, it's their way of saying, "I care." It doesn't matter that I don't believe as they do, what's important is that they feel as if they are helping me. Why be rude?
2007-06-05 15:17:18 · answer #10 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋