Atheists that happen to be <<smokers>>...or people of all beliefs, CLICK HERE!?

Question

Again, if you are a smoker, how do you feel when someone states a fact, like, "Quitting smoking cuts the risk of lung cancer, many other cancers, heart disease, stroke, other lung diseases, and other respiratory illnesses"?

Do you feel angry and annoyed, or do you feel thankful that someone cares about your health?

On a similar note (And if you respond with negative comments when someone tells you to quit smoking), when someone wants to talk to you about the Word of God, do you say, "Oh, not THIS again," or do you say, "Wow, someone actually cares about my soul (Regardless of the fact that you don't believe in souls)"?

Don't you think that you should at least thank them, or at least tell them that you are not interested at the moment, instead of accusing them for "indoctrination"?

Your thoughts, stories, etc.?

"panglosswasright": I am using this analogy to project the idea that "it is the thought that counts."

"Atheist machine": Input your sources please.

"Awesome Sauce": Yes, but with the subject at hand, what is 70-80 years compared to en eternal life?

I haven't condemned anyone to Hell. Stop generalizing.

"Pull My Finger, CIB": Assuming that they weren't "forcing" their beliefs, and that they were respecting the response.

Thank you all for your responses and for your opinions.

"Awesome Sauce": The Bible says that God only asks for ten percent of your time. That means that, if you were to obey, 7-8 years would be dedicated to God in a lifetime.

I personally think that an entire lifetime dedicated to myself is rather selfish. What about your children, or friends, or the less fortunate?

You do not have to respond on here; you may continue this conversation via E-mail.

"Ver_jen": We may continue this conversation via E-mail if you want. Simply know this, though: When I tell someone the facts about smoking, I do not see them as a failure. Any battle that is fought in life by someone should be respected. I guess the smoking analogy doesn't always work. We are all fighting some sort of struggle (We both know this).

"panglosswasright":

Analogy:
-Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.
-A comparison based on such similarity.


It fits.


http://www.answers.com/analogy&r=67

Answer 1

As an atheist smokerI listen to people who tell me I need to quit because it's bad for my health.If a christian talks to me about their god I listen politely and make no promises or negative comments.I respect both groups because if they didn't have a genuine concern for me neither would talk about these things if they weren't ..

Answer 2

To get the information at first is a good thing. The frustration sets in when you have been told this over and over again. I know the harm it does. Someone show me a way OUT! I get frustrated because there are inpatient treatment programs for alcoholics, and heroine addicts but not for the smoker. It is harder for some people to quit than others. If a person has never been a smoker, it is hard to understand how difficult it is to quit. (not that I ever recommend starting, just to find out!)

I have been a smoker since I was 10 years old. I don't remember what it was like to NOT smoke. I have been struggling especially for the past two years trying to quit. Every time someone mentions things like that it reminds me of what a failure I am.

It is hard to realize someone said this because they care for you, when all you hear is (reading between the lines)... what a looser. what a failure. Can't even put down a simple little cigarette.

EDIT: This is my own personal experience with smoking. I believe in God.

Answer 3

Well, I don't smoke (I'm 15), but I can answer the second part of your question.

If someone brings up the topic of God or religion, and they automatically assume that I'm a Christian, I would tell them that I'm not a Christian (or that I'm not religious). Perhaps I would be thankful that they at least cared, even if I don't believe what they're trying to save me from.

If their intentions are good, and they usually don't try to indrocrate me into their religion, then I don't mind.

Answer 4

I personally feel irritated and annoyed, not usually angry. The problem is that we hear the same drivel day after day. If I wanted to change my ways, don't you think I would have by now? It is nearly impossible to live in the US without hearing about both the dangers of smoking, and the dangers of the "heathen" lifestyle. How would you feel if everyday I came to you and told you that that donut you're eating is going to cause you to have heart disease and wrap 10 pounds around your hips? Or that you are misguided for having faith of any kind? At first you may take it to be a kind, well-meaning word, but it gets really old, really quick.

Answer 5

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My thoughts are::::::::::
Do you know whtthe worst thing in the world is?
? A HOLIER THAN THOU, NON SMOKER.
GDMFr's.
And NO, I am not going to thank them, for sticking their damned nose in my business.
I was always annoyed by them, and I know without a doubt in my mind, I would have quit 40 years sooner, if only they had kept their mouths shut.
Hounding someone is NOT the way to help them stop smoking. They have to want to stop.
So, butt out, (pardon the pun) if you want them to quit, and leave them alone.

Answer 6

I think the analogy works better on the premises that both could be equally annoying to people. Why should people have to thank them. If it's something you are told constantly, it's annoying stuff that people need to butt out of your life about, not anything you feel thankful for. And if something happens enough, you start to feel the opposite of thankful.


Non smoker, but their life is up to them, not me.

Answer 7

Yes I smoke. However the cigarettes I smoke have no taste or smell they are invisible. Also they do not have any side effects besides the fact they give you magical powers after you die and you get to live happy forever in a magical realm.

The most important thing is to smoke a pack once a month. Your Lucky since I can sell them to YOU!!! Its only a 100$ a month(adjusted for inflation of course). How would you like to pay for it money order or charge?

If you say 'no' you know why I don't smoke Jesus.

Answer 8

On a similar note, when someone wants to talk to you about your complete dedication of any form of control of your life to a fictional character and how you should take control of your own life and actually enjoy it before you die and rot in the ground, do you say "Oh, not THIS again," or do you say "Wow, someone actually cares about my wellbeing" (Regardless of the fact that you don't apparently believe in that).
Don't you think that you should at least thank them, or at least tell them that you are not interested at the moment, instead of pressing them about it. (You're right, the "going to hell" comment was generalizing, and I try to avoid that. Although in my first-hand experiences, I have come accross this comment more often than not).

EDIT: See, here's where beliefs differ. My response to "70-80 years compared to eternity" is "What is 70-80 years of living your life unencumbered of dedicating it to anybody/anything but yourself then dying, compared to 0 years of this?"

Answer 9

It is an absolute fact that quitting smoking has health benefits, which has been scientifically proven There are no facts associated with religion at all.

And I never thank somebody for unsolicited advice.

Answer 10

The difference is, smokers get annoyed because non-smokers don't understand how difficult it is to overcome addiction. Atheists get annoyed because Christians don't realize they are trying to force their addiction on others.