How do you feel when people say those words to you? What do you think are their intentions? How do you respond? What type of intentions do you have when you respond?
Are these words just a simple pat "what's up"?
2007-09-18 12:18:02 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You do know that a blessing has nothing to do with religion. Even though it is mostly associated with religion, it can be used to say good health or hope.
2007-09-18 12:29:25 · update #1
Usually I say "Thank you". Since I am an atheist, I wouldn't usually say that back to them, but no doubt their intentions are good and I'd be grateful.
2007-09-18 12:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by Claire 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
These aren't phrases I normally say (or hear) as a greeting. I've heard them used in parting, or after a sneeze.
As an interesting aside, the word aloha translates to "may the Divine breathe a blessing upon thy face".
I don't think offense is meant in these simple words, so a simple "thanks" or other acknowledgment is a good enough response.
2007-09-18 12:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
May Allah Bless you, May God Bless you, May he do such things inshAllah ameen.
They miss out on the May part cause he does whatever he wants Al hamdoullah Rub Alameen.
I feel they are in good intentions and that intention is all that matters when they say such things. Allah knows what is in their hearts and you can see it in their right eyeball.
2007-09-18 12:28:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beats a sharp stick to the eye...
It is phrase, nothing more. People mean good when they say it. Heck, Im an atheist, and at the motorcycle races this weekend I said to members of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (who do a free helmet and gear check as a volunteer group) "Bless you kind people for doing this for us."
Who cares if I dont believe? It made them feel good.
2007-09-18 12:23:20 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I love to hear those words, I think it means a person really cares, in this day and time you don't hear it very often, I think it means more now than it did a few years ago, and God Bless YOU!!!!
2007-09-18 12:26:22 · answer #5 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I posted a similar question regarding prayer.
It doesn't bother me when people say these things, because, most of the time, their intentions are pure. Yes, I'm tempted to laugh at the futility of their words, but I restrain myself out of simple respect for my fellow human beings.
2007-09-18 12:24:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my pastor says "God bless you" after the sermon (when everyone's filing out of the sanctuary), that's his way of saying "nice to see you today, may God be with you". I'll usually smile and nod. If I say "bless you" to someone, it's usually after they sneeze. I guess how one takes it depends on the context of the conversation.
2007-09-18 12:35:05 · answer #7 · answered by hockey_gal9 *Biggest Stars fan!* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people who say these things are blessing the person they are talking to. You can say "thank you" and then go on your way. Or say something such as "See ya later". No need to be upset. It is a very good thing.
2007-09-18 12:23:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
it depends. I almost never take offense with it unless someone knows that I am atheist and makes it a point to say god bless you, that bothers me
2007-09-18 12:40:45 · answer #9 · answered by uz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I simply say "Thank you." mainly because 'bless you' doesn't really hold up to it's religious meaning when people say it. I just take it as a considerate saying, nothing religious.
2007-09-18 12:24:45 · answer #10 · answered by :) 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋