So, the consensus seems to be that is is NOT offensive for someone to say "May god bless you" or

"have a blessed day", as it would just be a cordial well-wishing.


If that is true, would it be okay if atheist/agnostics said "Have a reality/science based day" or "may reality/science enlighten you" if used in the same context?

getting all worked up over. Nor is it worth antagonizing a thin skinned majority.

If it is okay for a believer to be cordial with a phrase that exemplifies their beliefs, shouldn't it be okay for non-believers to do the same?

used in that context it's certainly arrogant and/or condescending enough to get the point across. Using it is probably bad form, certainly presumptuous, but if that's your bag, man, you can say, with deniable plausibility, that it was meant in a positive sense even though it's not. It's a rude conversational gambit in almost any situation come to think of it.

Yes it's offensive but religious nuts will never understand about shoving their crap down other people's throats.

In fact, most people wish you'd keep it to yourself but have enough manners to let you live your life in peace, despite the fact that you won't give them the same respect.

Assuming you're the one who thinks other people's lives will be instantaneously improved once they're the recipients of your superior prayers and blessings.

In fact, most people wish you'd keep it to yourself but have enough manners to let you live your life in peace, despite the fact that you won't give them the same respect. I see that most think it OK to say those things, allthough they wish they wouldnt.

Assuming you're the one who thinks other people's lives will be instantaneously improved once they're the recipients of your superior prayers and blessings. Where did I EVER say any of that? I am an atheist. You will never hear prayers and blessings from me. You should read the thread before going high and right on me.

Aren't you the same judgmental ass in that dentristry thread? I see you just carry that with you everywhere you go.

"although they wish they wouldn't"

Yes, that's what I said. Most people wish you'd keep it to yourself. Maybe you're the one who needs to read. And read the assuming you're giving the blessings, and since you're not, that sentence is intended for any passersby who might not understand why people find them downright rude.

Before you call me a judgmental ass, you should check the mirror.

As long as these platitudes aren't accompanied with proselytizing of any sort, I allow those who say them to continue on their way unsullied. If anyone uses those phrases in order to ply me with religion, however, they are swiftly disadvised of any such notion.

(usually) not meant to offend, but I still find them aggravating.

Edited to add:

As for the Atheist/Agnostic alternatives, I doubt they would ever be taken as other than deliberate aggravation. That seems to be what most believers expect from non-believers.

:(

I just say thank you.

...any well-wishing should be appreciated.

is derogatory. Why not stick to saying have a nice day or nothing at all?

But wishing someone a "science based day" is not offensive. It is just bizarre.

Next time I offer sympathies to a bereaved person I will say "may science/reality comfort you!" as opposed to the usual I will keep you in my thoughts and then wait for the reaction. :-)

you dont need to say "science/reality" they were just examples.

And it is hard to find good examples. But going back to your other thread, I don't see the assumption as offense. What is offensive is when a person knows your position about religion and purposely insists with the sayings.

"Have a blessed day" or "God bless" or "bless your heart".

Life is too short to be perpetually outraged by people who intend nothing more than to wish you well.

But they may ask you to actually make it happen.

while I don't get offended by those types of comments, I always think, 'shit, another religious person intruding on my choices.' I do not say anything when people make these comments because you can't argue about faith since faith is just that. No hard proof, no real facts. I also, do not impose my lack of faith on others, it is my personal lack of belief. I also do not say bless you when someone sneezes, etc.

how does someone else wishing a blessing of their chosen faith intruding on your choices?

I don't see them saying that you need share their belief, so unless the mere existence of religion is an intrusion in your mind, I don't get this.

I certainly wouldn't be the least bit offended if someone said: "I don't believe in a god, but I do wish you well". Nice thought, made with good intentions... what's not to like?

Just another double standard among many though.

I mean, if one really thinks about it, saying "may god bless you" or "I will pray for you" is even more idiotic, as those are untrue(unproven) or unattainable well-wishes, while "have a reality/science based day" is not only possible, it MAY actually teach you something real and tangible.

Have a nice Octidi of Vendémiaire.

That is, IMO, just as bad as saying "may god bless you" as Darwin (yes, an ACTUAL human that ACTUALLY existed) is mortal and not a god with god like power to "bless" anyone.

years of social interaction and just popping a new one out is disturbing.

Having said that, I've known a lot of harmless oddballs who loved to tweak by inventing their own greetings and salutations. Occasionally amusing, rarely offensive, and often misunderstood, they were generally tolerated as curiosities. But only if they were family or co-workers and not otherwise avoidable.

(I vowed years ago to maim the next Trekie asshole who wished me to live long and prosper, or said something Klingon.)

... but "Have a reality-based day" sounds obnoxiously condescending.

I see them as corresponding to the difference between "Bless you"
(as an alternative to "Thank you") and "I will pray for your soul"
(as an in-your-face "Fuck your beliefs, mine are the only ones that count").


Maybe it depends on the upbringing of the people concerned as to what
they will say in any particular circumstance?

I have to stop myself from saying "Bless you" after a colleague or
whoever sneezes (unless I have heard them say the same in the past)
as I have no wish to offend someone but was brought up to use that
particular phrase on that particular occasion (and the damn habit
is hard to break!). On the other hand, I don't think I have *ever*
used "Have a blessed day" or "I will pray for you" (or, worse, "I will
pray for your soul") in my life - I only encountered the former in
real life when I visited America for the first time!

:shrug:

...passive-aggressive statements about the person wishing you well?