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What do you say to people who say, "I'll pray for you", when you tell them you're an atheist? I like to tell them, "and I'll sacrifice a chicken to Shiva for you! " Sounds so much nicer than, "don't bother"...

Coffeeman 7 Oct 13
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75 comments

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1

I say 'thank you' and leave it at that.

12

I usually ask them to pray for all the children in the world who are being tortured, instead.

And then I'll say, "Please tell God you'd really appreciate him listening this time."

10

So there's this cashier at the local Dollar General that is always saying "God bless you" and "have a blessed day". I ignore it mostly, but my daughter is not so tolerant. One day, as I'm standing aside watching my daughter check out with this cashier, I hear my daughter say "hail Satan" in response to the "blessed day". The look on the cashier's face....

OOOOH PALEEEASE get that on video and post it.. 🤣

7

A funny one would be, hey while you're ordering, can I get two double cheese burgers with no pickles or onions, and a large fry...😁

Nice! I'll use that one!

6

I always say, "Thank you," and smile. What the hell it takes no time and uses face muscles.

6

I don't mind if people pray for me. They mean it be a kindness.

@OwlInASack I think the difference between me and many people on this site is that I grew up with no religion so these things are really meaningless to me. I don't have the same experience with control from a religion that others do so I don't feel it is anything but a platitude. I didn't care that my granddaughters were baptized because to me it is just water on the head. For others it is a vestige of an awful time in their lives. So not really complacent but more of a whatever. If you are wishing me well in your own way I am ok with that.

@OwlInASack Ah family! That is always a different kettle of fish!

@OwlInASack An old friend of mine, a very out-spoken Atheist btw, always responds with, " So, you're after extra Frequent Flyer points so you can get up-grade from Economy to V.I.P. class for your flight to nowhere are you?'

6

I tell them to go f*ck themselves!🤣
I love the way THAT sounds!

Hehehe!

6

No point in saying anything at all
It’s their time and foolishness so let them

5

When someone says, "I'll pray for you..." I respond, "And I'll THINK for you."

Good one, I'm using that. Lol

Good one!

I used that one today! Thanks!

I don't like thinking for other people. It's an excercise in futility. But like the old joke, "Will prayer work?" No, but it can't hurt! lol

5

Happens to me all the time. I usually don't say anything or just thank you.

@sweetcharlotte You are too sweet! Thank you is the way to go

5

Depending on the tone, i might ignore it, smile or tell them,"I'll dance naked in the woods for you!"

BillF Level 7 Oct 14, 2019

I like that!

5

And I'll think for you.

Very good!

5

I guess something like: "If that makes you feel better, go ahead. I'd rather use my hands for something more useful than praying."

4

Nobody ever says it here in Australia, not even the religious people who I know. Perhaps they know that I am beyond praying for.

..is that what that ‘religious freedom act’ I just heard about down there is all about … encouraging ‘them’ to announce their religion to you?
[agnostic.com]

We get lots of religious nuts in the usa

@Varn I am suspecting it. Our prime minister is a religious freak. Very much like Donald. We don’t need any religious freedom acts, we already have religious freedom here.

@Coffeeman Way to many...

4

What are you supposed to say, when someone admits that they plan to waste minutes of their life in a meaningless gesture on your behalf? Umm... thanks, I guess.

Hehehe

4

"I don't believe in an invisible being that resides somewhere beyond the clouds."

That shuts them up. Mission accomplished.

I refer to "him" as a Jewish zombie.

That's great! I'll use that one! No sky guy!

I often refer to him as sky daddy.

4

"I'll write a letter to Santa Claus for you."

palex Level 6 Oct 14, 2019
4

Depends on who it is, and what motivates the statement.
My dear BFF of 55 years: I just give her a hug. I know she’s religious, she knows I’m not. No need going into it; we use our own shorthand.
Stranger or obnoxious proselytizer: anything from ignoring them to saying ‘thanks. You pray for me, I’ll wish on a star for you’.

4

I don't feel the need to be "nice".
Saying "I'll pray for you" is rude AF.
I have no problem saying so.

4

I tell them thank you. They mean well.

Same here... 👍

4

Thank you.. And smile...

4

I would just say “Thank you” and move on. Even Hitch was known to respond in such a way, especially in the later part of his life when we was sick.

The fact of the matter is that the overwhelming majority of people who say that never do. They are just meaningless words that make those people feel more Christian.

4

I usually say I don’t believe in it but knock yourself out.

4

I don't usually say but if they want to pray make it a blow job just as real

bobwjr Level 10 Oct 14, 2019

Best answer! Thanks Bob!

@Coffeeman your welcome

3

Depends on who they are and how snide a comment they can handle 😉

Varn Level 8 Oct 16, 2019

Let them have it!

Thats my approach as well...

3

Mostly I say Thanks and leave it at that. Sometimes I say, "thanks, I'll tell the ravens" and when they want to know what that is all about I show them my tattoo of Huginn and Muninn , Odin's ravens and messengers. Most people shut up and not bother me again . The younger crowd is fascinated, so I can tell the sagas. There are never any repeat prayers.

Thor be blessed!

@Coffeeman The Norse gods did not want or require adolation by the humans.

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