Why would an atheists get offended when a Christian says "God Bless" to them?

I wasn't aware that I was offended...

By the way the tradition of saying "god bless" began hundreds of years ago, and it was said because people believed that when you sneezed you expelled your soul, or some others believed a demon. Saying bless you was a way of protecting the exposed soul, or preventing re-entry of the demon.

I don't think anyone actually believes that anymore. It's a figure of speech.

The atheists I know, feel about that the same way a devout Christian would feel if the atheist came up to him and said "Flying Purple Unicorn bless you!"

Put yourself in those shoes for a minute. Imagine that someone said that to you. How do you feel? Amused? Irritated? Feel like the person who said it to you is a moron or delusional? Do you want to waste any of your time with this person from that moment forward?

This is how the atheists I know feel when a Christian says God bless you. The words have virtually no effect anyway, so it's basically just an irritating thing Christians say.

And it's an imposition besides.

Did that person ASK you to say it?

And why would you think YOU are so important that at your very words God will automatically squirt out a blessing like some robotron?

A bit arrogant isnt it?

And by the way I (as a Jew) feel the same way when a Christian says that to me, because I know that the Christian "god" is a *pagan human sacrifice* named Jesus. I know that this pagan human sacrifice has no capacity to bless anyone, so the Christian saying that is meaningless. But it still feels like Ive been slimed, and dirtied. It's frankly disgusting to me.

EDIT: No, it is still an imposition. Religion is a very personal matter, and people shouldnt be trying to impose blessings from their various gods onto others without being asked, regardless of their intention.

Well, it does convey an utter failure to consider the other person's perspective, thus promoting the Christian's world-view above the other's.

That apart from any possible consideration of the tone in which the expression may be delivered.

Admittedly "I will pray for you" is a more frequent offender in that class.

Those are the times I wish I was Wiccan, so I could reply "Thank you, and I will cast a spell for you" so the Christian can experience how it feels from the other side.

Mostly, however I take it as a harmless bit of social phrasing.

Not to be understood literally.

"Why would an atheists get offended when a Christian says "God Bless" to them?"

1. I don't.

2. You're projecting.... again.

3. I say 'bless you' myself; it's a buzz... I like making fun of the unfortunate.

~

I wasn't aware we DID get offended.

At the risk of sounding like I'm using the "No True Scotsman" fallacy, you might simply be dealing with a confused MALtheist...

Some people don't want your god's blessings. Have a nice day and Goddess Bless. I hope you aren't offended by that. If you are oh well too bad.

I don't take offence at it, I look at it as if they were saying something like "Have a good day", and I usually reply, "and you too", but then I'm not as radical as some atheists are.

PS And you too.

I don't think I have ever met a person, atheist or otherwise, who would care if you say God bless you to them ...

I take no offence at all when people say it. I use the term "Bless you" quite often myself.

I'm not. Next question.

It might make someone uncomfortable. How would you feel if someone said "May Allah bless you." or "Vishnu be upon you." Wouldn't you feel a little awkward?