I don't say anything, actually. People will often say "bless you" to me (or gesundheit if they're family) but I actually don't say anything when somebody sneezes. Sneezes happen; I don't see the need to make a bigger deal out of them than they are.
That said, other than the idea of telling atheist that nothing happens when they die, after they sneeze, I didn't get why any of this was amusing to the audience. It's not even like they were laughing at the irony, since it's not irony at all.
As an atheist, I really don't mind if someone says "bless you" to me when I sneeze. People mean it in a good natured way, and I can accept it as they intend it. I think most atheists accept that phrase as a pleasantry and don't really care either way. I probably wouldn't say "bless you" to anyone, but I might wish them well in a general way.
Well, there are many situations where a reply to something is considered good form. A simple gesundheit might be considered deeply offensive to some atheists. Ignoring a sneeze could be considered rude too. I usually just mumble a bit...
There is no situation where gesungheit would be offensive to an atheist. I believe it just means good health or something like that. I know a lot of atheists, and none of them would even be offended by "bless you". I think sometimes religious people like to portray atheists as being overly reactionary when that is not my experience at all.
cover your @#%^%@ mouth ;)
ReplyDeleteNot that it'll change anyone's mind, but I say 'Gesundheit'. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI don't say anything, actually. People will often say "bless you" to me (or gesundheit if they're family) but I actually don't say anything when somebody sneezes. Sneezes happen; I don't see the need to make a bigger deal out of them than they are.
ReplyDeleteThat said, other than the idea of telling atheist that nothing happens when they die, after they sneeze, I didn't get why any of this was amusing to the audience. It's not even like they were laughing at the irony, since it's not irony at all.
As an atheist, I really don't mind if someone says "bless you" to me when I sneeze. People mean it in a good natured way, and I can accept it as they intend it. I think most atheists accept that phrase as a pleasantry and don't really care either way. I probably wouldn't say "bless you" to anyone, but I might wish them well in a general way.
ReplyDelete"Generic good fortune to you, here, have a Reactine!"
ReplyDeleteWell, there are many situations where a reply to something is considered good form. A simple gesundheit might be considered deeply offensive to some atheists. Ignoring a sneeze could be considered rude too. I usually just mumble a bit...
ReplyDeleteThere is no situation where gesungheit would be offensive to an atheist. I believe it just means good health or something like that. I know a lot of atheists, and none of them would even be offended by "bless you". I think sometimes religious people like to portray atheists as being overly reactionary when that is not my experience at all.
ReplyDeleteActually, in real life my most common comment is - "Oh, sorry, let me get this nasty cigarette away from you"
ReplyDelete.
... but 'Gesundheit' just means 'good health'- no theistic implications that I can see there....
ReplyDeleteReally, I did not know that. Thanks. I thought it meant "bless you"
ReplyDeleteNope, 'gesundheit'= 'good health', 'krankheit'= 'poor health'.
ReplyDeleteCorey thought it meant 'bless you' as well- must be a common misconception.
Colin Gerbode so the next question - if it's not too personal - what does 2.98 mean ?
ReplyDeleteHeh, no worries! It's less than three, to wit '<3'
ReplyDeletePost-textual puns ftw!
Colin Gerbode awww....
ReplyDeleteWell one can say: Good health to you (and me).
ReplyDelete