I don't know how you tolerate these people. It must be very hard to do. Glad you're here in this site. Hope it brings you some comfort.

Humor can be resilient, saying shit like, “You kidding me? I paid to have them take it off me!” Or, “I got a great discount, this surgery normally costs an arm too.”

Proselytizes usually will freak out if you say something to the effect of, “Hail Satan.”

But yeah, saying straightforward things like, “Do not touch me...” or scream in pain if they touch you and say, “what the hell is wrong with you...” is also options, slightly less diplomatic but it’ll embarrass the fuck out of them.

First I'm really sorry that happened to you.

Secondly "Gees no!". What is wrong with people? I looked at your profile and realized "Bible belt" - I didn't know it got that bad. I suspected? But I didn't know.

I mean I hear stories but really? Really folks? First touching you without consent - then praying over you without consent? Yup you need a rapid verbal response for this. I think others have stated some good ones.

"Please DON'T" comes to mind though. Let them think what they will. Or simply "No".

Diplomacy be damned. If it was me I would tell them to get away (and not be nice about it).

Diplomacy be damned. They lay their hands on and start praying back stuff I've lost (unless it's my keys) I'd not be too worried about being diplomatic. "BACK OFF!!" would do nicely.

It's a form of assault that will never be recognized in our time. "Please don't" is probably the nicest way I can think of to address it. Perhaps a tattoo or patch on the area stating "prayer free zone". Something on your person that others can recognize as a symbol of your belief (or lack their of). I have worn my star of David in the past when I knew I would be with religious folks. I live and work in the City of Flint, MI and you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a highly religious person or church group. "Have a blessed day" is standard at the drive through window. I'm so glad forums like this exist.

Just say sorry but I'm not religious so please don't

Well actually one surprisingly good argument against the existence of god is that he NEVER grows back missing limbs ( [whywontgodhealamputees.com] ). So it's surprising that any believer would actually even tackle that one; they must be hard core charismatics or something.

As to your actual question -- just say calmly and kindly that you do not consent to, nor appreciate, being prayed for. It's your right.

Tell them your Atheist...if they get pushy about "Their" wanting to "lay hands" on you to help "Heal" you..just tell'em you'll have them arrested for assault & battery..

Are you able to be more forceful, even harsh, with these people? This sounds like a religious version of someone not seeing you and only seeing an amputee. If I was in your place I would think about telling some of these folks to leave me the fuck alone.

Diplomacy -in many instances- only perpetuates ignorance.
T

Think I would lose it after a couple of those incidents and all bets off what might come out of my mouth. I would so fuck w/ppl after awhile "What do you think I am a lizard?"
Get your filthy brainwashed hands off of me.

Please tell me a 16 year old girl didn’t really think you could regenerate your leg. Also, I’m a very touchy-feely person and my personal bubble is quite small, but I cringe thinking of her putting her hand on you!

I know I can get awkward around people in wheelchairs or what not but damn, I’d never just go up and touch them! Or anyone for that matter.

I'm sorry, that must be so frustrating. I don't know why people think it's ok to just go up and touch people without their consent. Honestly, I think you may have a great deal more patience than I have. I think I would already have come undone more than a few times...and probably be wearing a custom made t-shirt saying: "If you try and touch my leg or pray for me, I swear to your God that I will kick you with my fucking phantom limb!!" But that might gain you the reputation of a bitter amputee...which if your ok with, that makes it easy. But seriously, maybe just saying, Please don't. It's kind of you to offer but I would kindly request that you please NOT."

Perhaps you can make up some business cards with this site printed on it and hand them out in such cases...

[whywontgodhealamputees.com]

It sure must be tiresome. You are quite apparently a smart guy and already know various options of things to say to "make a point" but obviously none of that stops the next presumptuous Christian from doing it all over again. Ugh. In your place, I might just resort to cutting them off by saying "Stop. Just stop. You are literally the thousandth person to pray (or perhaps "prey" ) over my amputation. Just how many times do you think I should indulge your hope for a miracle that never comes?" Then just let them chew on that. If they try to lecture you about the importance of faith, you can say faith is just another way to waste emotional energy by refusing to deal with reality. They will probably think you are mean, but they will likely steer clear of you after that. Still, there is no solution for the sheer number of theists who presume they have the right to intrude.
... Have you considered maybe wearing a button that says "prayer-free zone" or something equivalent. ...Or maybe even, ask them to pray anonymously for you, then wait until they see your leg restored to let you know that was their prayer at work. That's to spare you the anticipation anxiety. If they are REALLY the loving Christian they claim, that's the least they can do.

Bloody hell, and they seriously expect that to help?

Haha, I just say that I've already spoken with __ insert usual non xtian god... always shuts em up....evilgrin

All the comments come from the side of anger or defense. One of the best ways to communicate with others is to make them feel that you understand their situation. (Done all the time on cop shows. Sympathizing with the crook.) So, maybe get them to pause and say, "I can understand that you want the world to be a better place and want my leg to be better, but I live with the fact that my leg won't grow back."

Just hold your hand up at them and say, ”thanks but I’m good.”

People, as you well know, are stupid. Sometimes you just have to shake your head, and move on, and other times, you don't HAVE to be diplomatic when stupidity comes your way. Just saying "I don't need your prayers or religious rational" is enough to stop a prayer-miser at times. Wishing you strength to deal with dumbasses, and welcome to the group.

Tell them that you'll consent to their prayer activity if they'll allow you to involve them in a Voodoo ritual. I'll bet they leave you alone after that.

I'm genuinely curious -- where are you going that people are touching you and offering unsolicited prayers???

I don't know how I would more diplomatically say "Stop. Just stop. I don't like being touched and I would rather not be part of your prayers." If that didn't work, I'd probably say "Leave me the fuck alone."

People are so stupid. I wonder what god's purpose was when I see all those crippled and cancer ridden children at St. Jude. The most simple answer is there is no god to have a purpose for anything and we make our own purpose through opportunity. Yet, the religious keep acting foolishly.

Rotten luck ..Mind you , I,ve been told before that my stroke is Gods way of teaching me a lesson and to become a better ( never worked that one out ) person .