Honestly, a person who gets offended by a Christian saying “God Bless You” just really needs a hug, and preferrably a hug from a Christian!
I like hugs, but some people do not. And if a person “just really needs a hug,” then why not offer up a hug rather than a God bless you. Much more effective IMO.
I’ve stayed out of this thread because I don’t like to be too nit-picking, but…
If someone says GBY after I sneeze, I ignore it and no, it doesn’t bother me. When I spend three weeks in less-than-desirable conditions volunteering in Louisiana after Katrina and someone says God bless you sir for all your help, I take it in stride on the outside. But honestly, on the inside it does bother me that people believe God has sent me to help or that God has anything to do with anything. I don’t lose sleep, but I get annoyed as I do when exposed to any sort of ignorance.
If I had to object to saying “bless you,” I would probably have to change my last name first to avoid sounding like a hypocrite. My last name means “blessed” in Latin.
Aha! So it is in this song….
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Why get one’s panties in a bunch? Our language changes word meanings all the time. Consider the words we use in anger for bodily functions or parts. We don’t really refer to feces, urine, copulation, or genetalia when we say them. Similarly, “oh, hell”, “go to hell”, “damn” or “Goddamn” don’t really have any religious meaning when used, again, usually in anger. So why get micturated off at the use of that phrase in response to a sneeze? Most times the person hasn’t even attached any religious meaning to it. Rather, it’s a common response that seldom has any meaning.
Why get one’s panties in a bunch? Our language changes word meanings all the time. Consider the words we use in anger for bodily functions or parts. We don’t really refer to feces, urine, copulation, or genetalia when we say them. Similarly, “oh, hell”, “go to hell”, “damn” or “Goddamn” don’t really have any religious meaning when used, again, usually in anger. So why get micturated off at the use of that phrase in response to a sneeze? Most times the person hasn’t even attached any religious meaning to it. Rather, it’s a common response that seldom has any meaning.
Occam
Very true. I differentiate the sneeze reflex from the person who looks deep into the eyes with great gratitude and sincere God Bless You. Just bein’ honest.
Why get one’s panties in a bunch? Our language changes word meanings all the time. Consider the words we use in anger for bodily functions or parts. We don’t really refer to feces, urine, copulation, or genetalia when we say them. Similarly, “oh, hell”, “go to hell”, “damn” or “Goddamn” don’t really have any religious meaning when used, again, usually in anger. So why get micturated off at the use of that phrase in response to a sneeze? Most times the person hasn’t even attached any religious meaning to it. Rather, it’s a common response that seldom has any meaning.
Occam
When most people ask “how are you today” it does not necessarily mean they are interested in your health. Most likely they do not want to hear about all your woes. But it is a social acknowledgement. I believe its called “stroking”
These phrases are just a cultural habit to most people anyway and don’t carry the original meaning that if you don’t bless the sneezer immediately then he may lose his/her soul through the mouth. Personally I’m not offended if someone uses the phrase after I sneeze and don’t respond after being unintentionally blessed. If I responded negatively they would be shocked! Instead of “goddamit” Gary, how about “bloody hell”? Pretty much means the same thing, eh? It’s not what you say but how you say it that counts. That’s why it’s sometimes hard to get your point across in script. There’s no body language to enhance the meaning, even if the language is foreign to you, ex Gesundheit.
Okay group; What’s your reaction to God Damn It; particularly if you just pounded your thumb with a hammer or some such.
Ah, I often respond to those situations with the “f” word, or the “s” word. However, God Damnit is fine by me, it doesn’t really bring any feelings of religious conformity to my mind. Many words are used without concious thought.
Honestly, a person who gets offended by a Christian saying “God Bless You” just really needs a hug, and preferrably a hug from a Christian!
I like hugs, but some people do not. And if a person “just really needs a hug,” then why not offer up a hug rather than a God bless you. Much more effective IMO.
I’ve stayed out of this thread because I don’t like to be too nit-picking, but…
If someone says GBY after I sneeze, I ignore it and no, it doesn’t bother me. When I spend three weeks in less-than-desirable conditions volunteering in Louisiana after Katrina and someone says God bless you sir for all your help, I take it in stride on the outside. But honestly, on the inside it does bother me that people believe God has sent me to help or that God has anything to do with anything. I don’t lose sleep, but I get annoyed as I do when exposed to any sort of ignorance.
I think you’re looking too much into it, friend. When people say “God Bless you”, it’s not like they are saying, “Gosh, it’s sure good that God forced you to do something good for me, otherwise, I would be out of luck!” They are simply openly wishing that the god they believe in bestows his favor upon you. This is actually a very kind gesture, regardless of whether or not you believe in that God. The intent is what’s most important, in my opinion.
Perhaps you are misinterpreting the phrase. Try to expand it a little, and it is nothing more than, “I really hope that God blesses you for what you have done.”
I agree, when the intent is that of good will or gratitude, it is useless to be critical of how it is expressed. “Never look a gift horse in the mouth”
Honestly, a person who gets offended by a Christian saying “God Bless You” just really needs a hug, and preferrably a hug from a Christian!
I like hugs, but some people do not. And if a person “just really needs a hug,” then why not offer up a hug rather than a God bless you. Much more effective IMO.
I’ve stayed out of this thread because I don’t like to be too nit-picking, but…
If someone says GBY after I sneeze, I ignore it and no, it doesn’t bother me. When I spend three weeks in less-than-desirable conditions volunteering in Louisiana after Katrina and someone says God bless you sir for all your help, I take it in stride on the outside. But honestly, on the inside it does bother me that people believe God has sent me to help or that God has anything to do with anything. I don’t lose sleep, but I get annoyed as I do when exposed to any sort of ignorance.
I think you’re looking too much into it, friend. When people say “God Bless you”, it’s not like they are saying, “Gosh, it’s sure good that God forced you to do something good for me, otherwise, I would be out of luck!” They are simply openly wishing that the god they believe in bestows his favor upon you. This is actually a very kind gesture, regardless of whether or not you believe in that God. The intent is what’s most important, in my opinion.
Perhaps you are misinterpreting the phrase. Try to expand it a little, and it is nothing more than, “I really hope that God blesses you for what you have done.”
Still, I’d prefer a hug. If you could share that with your friends…
