well it happened one day when i was helping my music teacher(who is an atheist) packing the instruments and while we were packing he sneezed and i said "bless you" and he told me don't say that and i told him why not and he said that he was an atheist i felt REALLY bad about it i mean i don't want to offened him. ever since that day i have been coming up ways of saying bless you without saying bless you. if you have any ideas please tell me!
2007-09-03 09:01:27 · 53 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Gazoontite. But Bless you is the nicest.
2007-09-03 09:06:08 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Sunny Girl♥ 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Years Ago There Was An Epidemic Where Everyone Was Dying Of Deceases And It Got To The Point Where If Someone Sneezed They Would Say "God Bless You" As In 'Oh, Oh, You're Sick, Hope You Don't Die Too, May God Bless You.'
And That's More Or Less How That Started.....So If He Sneezes, Don't Say Anything. He Doesn't Believe In God So Why Should You Care......If You Are That Concerned For His Health Just Think To Yourself, "Lord Bless Him" Then Leave It Up To God Whether Or Not He Chooses To Do So......
2007-09-03 09:13:16 · answer #2 · answered by la_nemisis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guy I used to date said, "You are so good-looking" when I sneezed. I think he got it from Seinfeld. I suppose you could say something stupid, like, "to your health", which is the literal translation and doesn't have any 'religious' overtones.
Personally, I think your music teacher is an ****** for telling you not to say that. Your intention is what matters, not what words you say. If he were secure enough in his athiest beliefs, he would not be 'offended' or put off by your saying "bless you". Idiot.
I wouldn't change what you're saying.
2007-09-03 09:12:37 · answer #3 · answered by skipper_727 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't gazuntite German for God bless you? If it is him next you don't have to say anything. The whole thing was created in the dark ages when people thought sneezing is when the demons were coming out of you. You didn't even say God bless you how does he know you didn't mean may Darwin bless you.
2007-09-03 09:10:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of my better judgement, I dated an athiest once who had a problem w/ those words as well. He never said it if anyone sneezed and it would actually make people angry w/ him! He chose not to say anything - so maybe you should do the same w/ him. As you know, the phrase originated because your heart literally stops when you sneeze. So, if he doesn't want a blessing, that's his loss.
2007-09-03 09:06:56 · answer #5 · answered by sunshine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm thats a little extreme to get upset about saying Bless you. Its a normal reaction and not necessarily a Christain thing, I mean its a tradition to say that.
If he gets offended then dont say anything at all when he sneezes. that way no one gets offended.
2007-09-03 09:07:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He must be pretty touchy. I have never met an Atheist who didn't see "bless you" when people sneeze as just another figure of speech.
If it offends your teacher somehow, try gesundheit. It means good health.
2007-09-03 09:06:53 · answer #7 · answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scat Cat! An old southern saying. People often sneeze because of allergies...and many ppl are allergic to cats.
I have said this for years and people will ask why or laugh most of the time.
Hope this helps.
2007-09-03 09:14:42 · answer #8 · answered by Belize Missionary 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist...and I've always said is as Bleshyou. To me it's just a thing that is said, to those who want to hear "bless," then they can if they wish.
2007-09-03 09:13:04 · answer #9 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Gesundheit."
It's a German word. If you're not sure how to pronounce it, check the source I listed with this answer- there should be a sound recording or at least a little pronunciation thingy in the definition.
It's basically "I wish you good health." It may or may not have religious meaning, but if there is any, most people don't know ...
2007-09-03 09:08:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you be offended if the teacher said nothing when you sneezed? Probably not.
You have just as much right to have your customs and traditions as he does. So, don't feel bad, and don't worry about it. You did nothing wrong.
2007-09-03 12:09:23 · answer #11 · answered by Aunty Social 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋