What's an acceptable reply by an atheist to "I'll pray for u" (said kindly) on hearing of a difficult event? How to be grateful w/o compromise values?

Question

SteveSmith1985 · Accepted Answer

Just say thank you.

It doesn't require you to compromise your values.

It's something meant kindly. It's the person telling you they are going to do something THEY think is meaningful (pray). In hopes of easing your grief/worry/pain according to THEIR understanding of the cosmos. That makes sense. It's their reality. They are doing it, as you say, as an expression of kindness.

Saying thank you for somebody doing you a kindness (even if it's not something that is meaningful according to your own beliefs) is still meaningful. The kind sentiment is all you are thanking them for.

Thank you in no way implies a tacit acceptance of their beliefs. It's a matter of respecting their different beliefs, not a matter of accepting them.

Thank you implies only a thanks for the sentiment. Nobody will get excited thinking maybe you've finally come around to Jesus.

They will be satisfied that their sentiment is received as the kindness it's meant to be. They will also be satisfied with a simple "thank you." It's the way to go.

FunkyMonkee · Accepted Answer

Just say, "Thank you" and leave it be. YOU KNOW it won't do any good but, no point in making a big stink about it. They're just wishing you well. It's no different than saying, "I hope things work out well for you". They just make it into a superstitious thing. "I'll rub my magic camel testicles for you!" or "I'll sacrifice a goat for you." are no different sayings except that a goat and camel could be seriously injured to make it happen.

Crimsyjo · Accepted Answer

Whilst you don't believe in God yourself and find the idea of a prayer pretty useless remember that the person offering does believe and so the offer comes from a genuine place of kindness. It's much like saying "I wish you well". Or "I hope for the best for you". So you can show appreciation for their kindness. There's room in this world to accept different beliefs or at least agree to disagree on them and not make it a big deal.

WintersDaughter · Accepted Answer

As someone who also gets this a lot from well meaning (and also not well meaning) Christians, it completely depends on the context. If it's well meaning, like you just lost someone, they probably just mean you're in their thoughts. A smile is an acceptable response.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

I feel you 😂

It's so weird for me to hear that, because I feel like they're mixing up things, like what your prayer has to do with anything, why do you bring your faith in the middle of my issues, what's wrong with you etc lol. That's my reflex thought. And I have to focus very hard on their intent, to focus on switching side in fact, to understand that it's their ways to show benevolence. But in the background, I won't be able to not feel weird, which is fair, prayers won't become something intuitive to me magically, it's another galaxy to me, for a reason.

So, in the end, as said in the comments, thank you will suffice, but there's nothing to do about the weird feeling you get except accepting the dissonance, because it's valid.

Still-alive · Answer

link them to this Wikipedia article and tell them to make sure they pray to everyone of these or else im doomed!

Spencer10 · Answer

I think a kind "thank you" is an appropriate response. It in no way compromises your beliefs yet is respectful of others beliefs.

DJB72 · Answer

If you say anything but "thank you" it actually shows worse hypocrisy than atheists accuse Christians of.

Dongie · Answer

Accept it as tho you'll not be infected. Fact is God is and no matter how much you say it's not so isn't changing it. It's so easy to find out but maybe pride gets in the way for most folk.

hahahmm · Answer

This is no different than someone giving you a greeting card or smiling at you. They are signaling that they wish you well. Do you ever do that? So there's your answer

AndrésC64 · Answer

Depending on my mood I may completely ignore them or respond with something like  "I'll think for you."

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

You just say “thank you.” If their well-wishes are taken well, and you don’t really give a shit, just say thanks and move on

ProbablyClueless · Answer

I can't think of any reason you'd have to say more than "thank you." Anything more is saying too much.

SmokinAces2000 · Answer

It depends on the situation but I’d say generally just say thank you. Not everything needs a rebuttal.

seeyounexttuesday · Answer

Lol. Unless your values are to be a complete cunt to Christians, you say "thank you" and go about your day. But knowing you athiests, I know the former is policy.

msmissydc · Answer

"Thank you, klombadrov is with all of us"

BCRanger10 · Answer

Just smile and say "thank you".

MisterWack · Answer

Thank you for thinking of me.

14gurlz2gagonit · Answer

Just say thanks.

MrChinaski · Answer

Thank you, should do the trick.

jshm2 · Answer

God knows...

exitseven · Answer

May the Force Be with You.

Likes2drive · Answer

Probably thank you

What's an acceptable reply by an atheist to "I'll pray for u" (said kindly) on hearing of a difficult event? How to be grateful w/o compromise values?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What would you like to say to an atheist?

What's an acceptable reply by an atheist to "I'll pray for u" (said kindly) on hearing of a difficult event? How to be grateful w/o compromise values?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What would you like to say to an atheist?

We're glad to see you liked this post.