Christians often like to tell us "I'll pray for you" when they're losing an argument and they don't have an ontological leg to stand on. I think it's their way of trying to call on divine intervention to help them win a debate they have no chance with when they're restricted to mere logic.
But I think we atheists need a similar little parting shot -- a final appeal to reason when it seems like nothing is going to penetrate their insulating layers of faith, and they have no concept of how foolish they sound. Any ideas?
I'll get the ball rolling here...:
"I'll think for you."
"I'll feel foolish and embarassed for you."
Your ideas?
2007-07-25 08:58:56 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"you have my sympathy"
or
"moral without fear of hell"
or
"disprove the little green fairies"
2007-07-25 09:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if this is the sort of think you're looking for, but if a christian tells you your going to hell if you don't believe in Christ I usually tell them if heaven is full of a bunch of christians I'll probably prefer hell. That or I tell them: Yeah I know. I already applied for the gate greeter job. Have you heard anything? If you want something that will really piss christians off. Get into a big debate about the existence of God with one. Then once it gets really heated step back and say: If there is a God may he strike YOU down. Man they hate that.Aw well. You gotta be tolerant ya know.
2007-07-25 16:07:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I find uncontrolled laughter works well and the phrase "I'll pray for you" brings it on in me naturally...
It is a bit embarrassing when I snort which I often do when laughing that hard..
If I am able to speak through the laughs I sometimes say "Tell me another joke, that last one was great."
2007-07-25 16:07:56 · answer #3 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't get why you want this; you're taking them as your role model?
It's extremely unlikely that you'll change their minds; it fruitless.
But maybe you can make something out of what I find myself writing on here.
I tell them that they should pray for everyone to see the light.
I tell them to pray every waking moment, and not to stop until everyone has converted to their religion.
I then write "Start now. Shut down your computer..."
Maybe when they say "I'll pray for you." you can say "Do that; don't stop until I've converted." Or just think that part.
I mean, it's better for them all to be praying constantly than to be bothering us.
After all, what's it to you if they pray?
2007-07-25 23:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The very first answer you got is the best: "You have my sympathy."
It works so well because it doesn't outwardly seem offensive, but it is oh-so-biting when used as a follow up to "Well, I'll pray for you." You can't really be accused of being a jerk or losing your composure by using directly offensive or vulgar language, but everyone involved will understand the message.
2007-07-25 16:10:36 · answer #5 · answered by Jim D 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and I like Catherine E's. When we say "I will pray for you' being rude to us just makes us pray more. I loved your question.
2007-07-25 16:17:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"And I'll think for you" is already a common phrase used by atheists after someone says "I'll pray for you." I think it's a perfect one.
I will, on occasion, (if someone is saying "I'll pray for you" to be condescending), just say "Save it for someone who's under the illusion that prayer works."
2007-07-25 16:10:55 · answer #7 · answered by Jess H 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do what David Cross does:
"...Thanks! So you've got that covered, I'm gonna go over here and F*ck a bunch of hookers. You take care of the God thing, I'll go live and enjoy life."
2007-07-25 16:03:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Ontologically speaking...atheists can say, "I'll curse you because I am egotistical!" How you like that?
2007-07-25 16:09:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
forget it.. by the time you wanna say your catchphrase, they'll be around the corner.. they always run away to mommy.
edit:
i just thought of one:
pray for yourself, maybe God can grant you some brains.
wonder if he's omnipotent enough to make that.
or just:
would you do that for me? sorry.. i misjudged you.
2007-07-25 16:03:44 · answer #10 · answered by Just The Kid Next Door 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How about this?
Xian: I'll pray for you......
atheist: And you have my condolences!
xian: Condolences? For what?
atheist: you just made it clear to me that your brain is dead.
BAAAA-ZING!
2007-07-25 16:13:38 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋