(Sorry for the badly-typed title, but it wouldn't let me submit the question any other way)
This question goes out to the Atheists. Do you find it insulting when someone says "You're an Atheist? I'll pray for you," or "I hope you see the light someday?"
2007-06-12 11:22:42 · 33 answers · asked by Kat 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Interesting answers...
Yeah I don't mind it so much if like say I'm sick or my dog died and someone wants to pray for me...but if they pray for me because of my choice not be like everyone else, then I feel insulted (not hurt, but insulted)
P.S.- just so y'all know I'm Agnostic, but tends to lean toward Atheism.
2007-06-12 11:37:20 · update #1
Hey Max! Long live the king! lol!
2007-06-13 06:59:56 · update #2
TOCK TOCK TOCK...
2007-06-13 08:51:35 · update #3
not insulting but funny.....dont pray for me.....i know that there isnt an after life.
*** Kit-Kat I love you...please 5 stars baby?....lol
2007-06-13 03:22:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I actually have some firsthand experience that I think helps show my reactions.
My aunt is a frequent poster on a large internet forum (generally full of middle-aged ladies), and recently made a post about her discovery that I'm an atheist (I'm not "in the closet," my aunt is just obtuse). The reactions varied, but many said they would pray for me, or hoped I would see the light, etc.
I have to say that I find it a bit condescending to assume that I am "lost," or that I need to be prayed for. That said, I understand that for those with deep religious convictions, they mean only the best. I've often said that if I was absolutely convinced everyone I knew was going to be tortured forever if they didn't subscribe to viewpoint X, I would probably try to convince people of viewpoint X. So, it's annoying, but not a huge deal.
My mother also tells me that she prays for me often. I know that in my mother's case, this is an extension of that fact that she frequently worries about her children and cares about us deeply.
That said, I really wouldn't mind if no one ever prayed for me again. Real actions speak louder than empty words!
2007-06-12 13:38:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That I do find insulting. It insinuating that they are somehow "better" than you. It's imposing. I don't find it insulting if it's someone who, unaware of my beliefs, says "I'll pray for you" as a response to my telling them about a family illness or some bad luck I've had or something like that. If it's meant honestly and from the heart, then I don't worry about it. Saying something like "You're an Atheist? I'll pray for you," or "I hope you see the light someday." is condescending and rude.
2007-06-12 11:28:49 · answer #3 · answered by Jess H 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
As many have said, it depends on the tone.
Unfortunately, I've gotten more than my fair share of the condescending "you are a heathen, so I will pray for you/you don't know any better" tone. Which sucks. :/
If it's heartfelt, I can understand and appreciate the sentiment. I'd still prefer that they wouldn't, but I'm not the thought-police. I'm not gonna tell them what to do with their time. *shrug*
2007-06-12 11:35:18 · answer #4 · answered by its_johnny_rotten 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wiccans have a better option at this point:
they can offer to cast a spell for them in return.
It does depend a lot on the tone, though. Some are simply sincere, some come across as horribly condescending.
2007-06-12 11:29:57 · answer #5 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Being Agnostic (not Atheist) - I have no problem with it. If someone wants to pray for me - that's their choice. I have noticed, however, whenever someone says they are going to pray for me, absolutely nothing out of the ordinary happens.
2007-06-12 11:29:43 · answer #6 · answered by Big Super 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm agnostic and I find that insulting depending on who says it to me. If is a stranger or someone who hasn't taken the time to really know me, I take it as sanctimonious garbage they do to earn brownie points with their deity and make themselves feel better. Most people who really know me, even my family, do not say that to me save for the siblings of my grandparents who are in their 80's and 90's who know no other way and do it from love.
2007-06-12 11:27:28 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't find it insulting. If the person believes they're doing something for me out of concern, it's the thought that counts and I thank them for it. My grandmother prays for me all the time and tells me so, but it's out of love, not condescension. She truly believes that prayer works. Who am I to tell her not to? I don't like others putting down my beliefs (or lack thereof), so I try not to disparage theirs.
2007-06-12 11:55:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anney 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Insulting, no - because I don't consider someone who thinks that drowning, torturing, and slaughtering millions, conspiring to have someone beaten and executed, and commanding people to kill other people are 'good' or 'loving' to be in any position to insult anyone. It's extremely RUDE of them not to respect another's personal choice of belief, but it doesn't surprise me that they do it, considering the heinous kind of being they admire and praise.
2007-06-12 11:32:58 · answer #9 · answered by gelfling 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just recognize that it's the end of the conversation. This is what they say when they realize that they can't rationally debate the existence of their god, in lieu of the scientific and historical evidence contradicting it.
This is their submission, where they are basically admitting that they believe in magic rather than reality, and they hope that one day we will do the same.
2007-06-12 11:32:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋