God Bless You

You know the guy who made a big fuss out of the school system making his daughter reciting the Pledge of Allegiance including "one nation under God" everyday? Well, when I first heard the news, I thought "what's the big deal? It's not worth the hassle." I simply don't think most kids really think about the meaning of the words they recite everyday. I went to a Catholic schools, I used to know all the prayers by heart, just don't ask me what they really say.

But this guy's action has got me thinking -- by enforcing the reciting of "one nation under God" in school, it surely gives the false impression to a lot that Catholics are the official nation religion. And it sure makes a statement that this religion is more true than others.

There's this co-worker of mine that I sort of hang out with who likes to say "I'll pray for you." So one time I nicely told her that I'm an atheist. Her response? "Oh, you are so funny." To date I have no clue why that statement is funny? Let me try that one from now on.

"I'm a Muslim." "Oh, you are so funny."
"I'm Jewish." "Oh, you are so funny."
"I'm a Buddist." "Oh, you are hilarious."

Whatever that means.

It's getting to a point that people who'd include "God bless you" at the end of their speech (in everyday life, not talking about politicians) and/or emails are starting to annoy me. So i think I should tag on a line that stresses my "religious belief" or lack thereof also.

I thought about:

"Budda bless you." But since Buddism really doesn't believe in one superior being (so I was told), that statement doesn't even make any sense.

Buddism, however, believes in "karma." So I thought about,

"Do good deeds, and may good karma be with you."

But "karma" has been used so generally I doubt people would even associate that with a religious statement, let alone the fact that I am not a Buddist either.

My next thought was:

"Your God or mine?"

Hubby suggested:

"You may believe in your false prophet, but don't force it upon me."

But that would just make me sound as hateful as a religious fundamentalist, wouldn't it? Surely I could not stoop to THEIR level. That would just be insulting.

Which brings me to my next point. Why isn't there a derogatory term for "religious fundamentalist"? Or is there one that I am not aware of? Maybe I should start calling them the "fundies." :D