ATHEISTS: We need some polite but pithy ways to respond to believers who say, "May God bless you." Any ideas?

Question

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Sometimes people assume I'm a Christian (who hasn't had that experience), and I would like to kindly suggest that there are other beliefs out there.

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Answer 1

When they say, "May god bless you." You can always ask them, "Which one?"

That's like when people say, "By god", I say, "How Much?"

Answer 2

How about, "Thank you, that's very nice. Peace to you, my friend." No point in being rude or attacking their beliefs when they are well meaning and simply trying to be kind to you. If they ask you why you responded that way, instead of "God bless you too" for example, you can explain that you do not believe in God. That might open a very interesting conversation within the bounds of mutual respect.

Answer 3

I generally like "and may your God bless you, too."

"God bless" can be heard as a polite, but archaic form of generalised good wishes, similar to saying "Goodbye" (which has a similar etymology).

The "your" is sufficient to retain a full sense of Atheist Dignity. A slightly ****** eyebrow is optional, but often effective if well executed.

There's no necessity to set up a fully developed philosophical challenge to a social nicety that was probably offered without thinking and in good faith.

- "Ms Manners Guide to Etiquette and Keeping Yourself Nice - Atheist (♂♂) Edition". (Ask your librarian - they keep it behind the counter)

Answer 4

Gosh... that's a tough one to overcome... It's a knee jerk reaction for a lot of them just like calling you "friend" when they know nothing about you.... . I generally just ignore it, knowing their intentions are good, but I certainly have had my moments, too. It can be annoying.

In real life, for face to face encounters, it's easy enough to just wave off the unwanted blessings with a frown or a gesture showing unimportance... Here on the puter it's a different sort of fir ball to cough up because it's generally the case that the unsuspecting do-gooder is the one to have the last word, as in responding to your question.

I suppose you can begin paying them back with a slogan like: "Atheism: the Logical Choice" or "All hail the Flying Spaghetti Monster" ... so... Good luck.

((((( r u randy? )))))
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ROFLMAO...at Burt
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Answer 5

Sadly, anything other than "thank you" would be rude. Further, "god bless you" is just a polite response to a sneeze. It is a learned behavior with almost no meaning beyond a symbolic gesture of good will.

My husband is Latino, so we often say "salud"(basically, good health) rather than "bless you."

Answer 6

"Die, fiend!" would do pretty nicely, I think.

J/K.

To be honest, "Thanks," is the best answer to give. There aren't many of us atheists who are willing to wear a sign proclaiming our disbelief in God, so that Christians can better side-step saying "God bless you". Christians wouldn't have any idea who believes in what, and "God bless you" is something that just comes naturally to them.

Answer 7

The polite thing to do would be to just say, "Thank you."

They are truly just acknowledging you and wishing you well. Is it that hard to take? So why the need to be pithy?

Answer 8

You know... You could just say "thanks". They are not necessarily trying to push their religion on you- or trying to be insensitive to your beliefs. It just means that they hope the best for you. It is kind of like a "good luck" or "have a nice day". They wouldn't say it to you if they didn't like you.

Answer 9

Christian:"May God bless you."
Atheist: "And may Santa bring you lots of presents this year."

(Although to be honest, I almost always stick to a simple "Thank you." Intent trumps theology here.)

Answer 10

Gee, maybe thankyou! They are being kind. Or maybe you could say "take care", being kind in return without saying something you don't believe. Do you take offense to "Merry Christmas" instead of happy holidays, get over yourself, if someone is being kind don't get your panties in a knot, you don't have to sign up!