How do you respond to "God bless you?"

[GASlick]

Regardless of what you believe, you take it in the spirit it was intended and say "Thank you".

bear hits nail on the head.

WARHAWK

Absolutely.

[xnewyawka]

I echo GA and the quotes above. A simple thank you is all that's needed.

[tomgallagher]

I usually reply "and you also". What is that back and forth that Muslim's say "salamalekhum" (forgive the spelling) and the response is.?

[D.A.L.U.I.]

I usually reply "and you also". What is that back and forth that Muslim's say "salamalekhum" (forgive the spelling) and the response is.?

"And also w/ you" in Arabic and I'm not going to try to transliterate it.  What I find interesting about it is that this exchange is used repeatedly in Christian liturgies of the Eucharist, and I am betting that it also is part of the Jewish ritual too.  The irony of it is that although it is oft stated by people around the world of all faiths, no one seems to be listening considering the warfare that is going on.  Sad, maybe the holidays will refocus us all.

[tomgallagher]

Someday somebody will have to sit down and figure out hqw many people have been killed in the name of religion since the beginning of recorded history.

[hammerdrill376]

Agreed..If people of different faiths would read out of their holy texts what it teaches without unbiased fundamentalism mixed in and practice it wars would stop immediately.
One key common denominator among all religous faiths is the teachings of kindness and forgiveness.

[PBurke]

why is there enough religion to incite war, but not enough to instill peace?

[Brkeatr]

I think it has to do with Man's fallen nature.

[Papa Don]

Simple manners have gone out the door.  I think "God Bless You" is a thoughtful way of saying that someone cares.  How many times have you opened or held a door for someone and not even get a Thank You?  A simple response to someone's kindness and thoughtfulness doesn't cost much. Compassion in the World seems to be a thing of the past.

[Shaf]

I usually reply "and you also". What is that back and forth that Muslim's say "salamalekhum" (forgive the spelling) and the response is.?

'Wa alaikum asalaam' which means 'and peace be upon you.'   As beautiful to hear as 'God bless you'

[kenrh]

While I absolutely agree that all of us are entitled to our own faiths, some of the replies have touched a raw nerve.  History shows us that the primary reason for starting all religions is control of the masses through placing power in the hands of the chosen few.  If all the deaths due to religious wars was to be totalled there is little doubt that it would exceed all other non-natural causes of death.

[Turk]

While I absolutely agree that all of us are entitled to our own faiths, some of the replies have touched a raw nerve.  History shows us that the primary reason for starting all religions is control of the masses through placing power in the hands of the chosen few.  If all the deaths due to religious wars was to be totalled there is little doubt that it would exceed all other non-natural causes of death.

Agreed, but at the same time, we have to remember that not all religious people are brainwashed zealots. I'm not saying that you were implying that, and at the same time I certainly do believe that religion was made for that cause. However, I believe that peering endlessly at the negative aspect of it is where the line should be drawn. While they may be slim, some wonderful things have been done in the name of religion or God or whatever. And while they may be outweighed by the murders and tortures in the name of God, they still deserve some recognition.

Wow, we went way off topic, didn't we? 

[Robmeister]

I think it has to do with Man's fallen nature.

 

[hammerdrill376]

why is there enough religion to incite war, but not enough to instill peace?

Because religon has nothing to do with true spirituality. The basic tenants of all the major faiths of the world, be they Christian, Islam, Buddism, Taoism, Jewish, or Hindu teach peace. If people of different faiths would study and follow what their Holy scriptures say wars would most certainly become a thing of the past almost immediately. I believe or at least it has been my observation, that "religon" (which I can best define as thinking I am right..you are wrong..believe my way or else)  has done more to destroy people on a personal, community and national level that it has ever helped. But in the midst of all that, out of all the wars, economy problems and so forth an ever increasing number of people of all faiths are reaching out for true spirituality that is not confined behind stained glass windows or several services per week.   

[The Scottish Ambassador]

why is there enough religion to incite war, but not enough to instill peace?

Because religon has nothing to do with true spirituality. The basic tenants of all the major faiths of the world, be they Christian, Islam, Buddism, Taoism, Jewish, or Hindu teach peace. If people of different faiths would study and follow what their Holy scriptures say wars would most certainly become a thing of the past almost immediately. I believe or at least it has been my observation, that "religon" (which I can best define as thinking I am right..you are wrong..believe my way or else)  has done more to destroy people on a personal, community and national level that it has ever helped. But in the midst of all that, out of all the wars, economy problems and so forth an ever increasing number of people of all faiths are reaching out for true spirituality that is not confined behind stained glass windows or several services per week.   

Spot on Hammer. I attended a course run by Church of Scotland called "Church without Walls". This was aimed at encouraging us to show our faith by our actions as well as by going to church every week (altho I still do). We have to remember, without the people a church/mosque/whatever becomes a building. The church is the people. I am rambling here. Hope you guys get what I mean.