Is it normal to be an atheist and still say "bless you,"?

I'm the same.

Shit we're going to hell aren't we?
/Sarcasm

I've wondered if when you say "bless you" when someone sneezes, would you say "damn you" when someone coughs? :P

thts got nowt 2 do wiv believing in it all. its jst a figure of speech wen angry/upset- or sneezing. dnt fret bout it

XD

Blessings can be bestowed by regular people; usually by someone in authority who has something of value to offer. It's like saying "I love you' when you're not really feeling loving; the simple act of saying it conveys good will, and is worth more when expressed than when left unexpressed (get married, you'll see why).

Now, there *is* something hypocritical in using theistic expressions when you're atheist. Unless you're really agnostic, meaning 'you don't know' and not ashamed to admit it! To me THAT'S the sign of a true rationalist.

I hadnt thought about that before. I do it all the time.

I do the exact same thing. I always think about it right after I say it too. But in the end it shouldn't bother you too much since you don't believe in it anyway.

Weirdly, I say it on IIN the other day and wondered whether I should or not. But the way I figured, many of the people I wanted God to bless were people who'd have believed in God, so it was kind of okay.

I'm a atheist, but also listen to gospel music & sometimes cry.