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I've been thinking about this thread and I haven't read the last two pages. I really cannot believe that we don't have anything else to discuss. I cannot for the life of me see how a common curtesy of "bless you" can be so offensive. What if I fell in front of you and you asked, "are you ok?" Should I take offense? Good golly, Miss Molly. Come on, people, it isn't like they invited you to church or threw holy water on you. They are just trying to be curtious! Is you non-belief really that fragile?
PS: I would like to say that I did not read the posts that are similar to mine (but without misspelled words). Had I read them, I would have never been so redundant.
I don't understand why people have to say anything at all when others sneeze.
There's a small part of me that hates sneezing around people simply because I know that people will be compelled to say something and then I have to thank them. Why? Can't I just sneeze and get on with things? Small complaint, I know, but still a pet peeve of mine.
And, yes, "God Bless You" is a little bit of an issue for me. I already don't like taking the time to say "thank you" after I sneeze (what am I thankful for, exactly?) and to thank someone for a God Bless You does feel a little bit counter to my views. Of course, it's not so big that I'm going to say "Hey - take it back! I don't believe in God!". No, I'll just recite another pointless "Thank You".
It's far different than an "are you OK?" after I fall down - that's a real question, at least. I think it's obvious that everything is fine despite the fact that I just sneezed. Saying "God Bless You" or "Gasundheit" is just a mindless ritual based on some meaningless tradition.
Now, I haven't read through the thread again, but if I recall right, most of you said that you did not mind thinking that someone was praying for you. You stated that it was meant to be a kindness and although you did not believe in their God or any God, you knew that they were just trying to be nice.
So, what's the difference in "bless you".
Maybe those of you who did not respond in the above mentioned thread can go there and respond.
Now, I haven't read through the thread again, but if I recall right, most of you said that you did not mind thinking that someone was praying for you. You stated that it was meant to be a kindness and although you did not believe in their God or any God, you knew that they were just trying to be nice.
So, what's the difference in "bless you".
For me the difference is that a sneezed blessing is really meaningless to the blesser. Do sneezes need to be met with sympathy? Do you really think I need a blessing after I sneeze? If so, why?
Praying for people is (or should be) something done with conviction and meaning at least. For me, the God part of the sneezing issue is not very relevant. But somebody please explain to me how "bless you" after a sneeze is a nice gesture. What's nice about it? I'm not saying it's "not nice" - just a pointless, meaningless exchange of words as far as I can see.
On a lighter note, if someone engages in a bodily function in a public setting that produces an audible sound that is described in the dictionary as "an expulsion of intestinal gas" they certainly should not expect to be blessed.
The next time June sneezes, anyone who feels so inclined is more than welcomed to say "bless you."
In fact, she thinks she might feel one coming on right now. 1-800-CALL-JUNE. Don't delay. If curcuits are busy, please try your call again later.
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I cannot for the life of me see how a common curtesy of "bless you" can be so offensive. What if I fell in front of you and you asked, "are you ok?" Should I take offense? Good golly, Miss Molly. Come on, people, it isn't like they invited you to church or threw holy water on you. They are just trying to be curtious! Is you non-belief really that fragile?
