umm... i suppose this question is out there for the freethinkers, but theists you can tell me if you do this yourself. because ever since i've become an atheist, i have gotten more emails ending in the words "god bless" than i ever had in my life.and i was christian for 15 years (if you count it infancy and childhood) and an atheist for 2. so that says something.
i especially get it a lot from people i don't know who are trying to convert me. and i'm not saying i get like really pissed off when i see those words. i get mad when people make snap judgments about me without even knowing me (i can see that you're searching for god, you seem angry maybe so you DO need god, etc), so before you say anything, no it doesn't really bother me. i'm just curious.
2007-08-24 06:46:40 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. My atheist father said "God bless you" when someone sneezed. It's wishing someone the best that you can. Take it in the spirit in which it is offered, which appears to be love, concern and care.
I have no problem with hearing "blessed be" from my Wiccan friends. I'm very touched when they ask the Goddess to bless me. It's all offered in love.
2007-08-24 07:00:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I get it too, but for the most part people don't know I am atheist, as I believe religious beliefs are very personal and I am under no obligation to tell anyone else what I choose to believe or not believe. I have a secretary who knows I am atheist, though, and she sends me religious crap all the time. Then hangs around my door after sending it to see if I will say anything. I just delete and ignore her. Not sure why people decide they are the judges of other people and how they should live their lives.
2007-08-24 14:25:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually refrain from saying that to people if I'm unsure about their spiritual background.
Perhaps other Christians are saying that hoping that you'll strike up a conversation with them, but for others, maybe their faith is just so strong that they don't even think about saying that to people, regardless of how it might be interpreted by the person receiving those words.
Whether you believe or not, if there is a God out there, it certainly couldn't hurt if someone thought enough of you to let you know that they wish for the best for you.
2007-08-24 14:12:57 · answer #3 · answered by samans442 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The proper response is, "Thank you," or even "God bless you," with complete courtesy and softness of voice. In short, kindness. Since I was age 9 I have been an unbeliever but when I became an adult, at age 18, I've seen no reason not to be civilized. The phrase does me no harm, and one doesn't always know what inspired the other person to say it.
2007-08-24 13:56:54 · answer #4 · answered by Yank 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I say "God bless you", or "Have a blessed day" because I truly want people to experience the blessings of God in their lives. It matters not a bit to me if you're an atheist or whatever.
2007-08-24 13:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to the first Atheists' responses, it's not meant to be a slap in the face. But early on I realized that's how they took it, so now I just end with something like "have a great day!".
Have a great day! :)
2007-08-24 14:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am NOT one of those that send out unwanted e-mails and I disagree with those who do, A LOT....... for more reasons than this form can hold..... but, anyway, I say God bless as a love offering to God, not to man....... or woman as the case may be....... it is MY way of stating MY faith, and nothing more ,nothing less...... go in peace......... God bless
2007-08-24 13:53:53 · answer #7 · answered by Annie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe some people want you to convert back to Christianity so they say 'God bless' and if you accept the blessing it will do you good in the future, if you reject it, the blessing turns back to them.
2007-08-24 13:53:17 · answer #8 · answered by Lana 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not think it is that you are atheist.As a Christian I realize
I say God Bless you all day,I say it to strangers who hold open a door for me,or lift my heavy bags,it just comes out.
Many say it right back,thus far in life it has not offended anyone.
2007-08-24 14:01:31 · answer #9 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheists need God's blessings just as much as anyone else. God bless you!
2007-08-24 14:03:50 · answer #10 · answered by words for the birds 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋