What does an atheist say to someone who is grieving?(theguardian.com)
theguardian.com
What does an atheist say to someone who is grieving?
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/23/atheist-grieving-what-to-say
3 comments
"I'm sorry for your loss. I'll keep you in my thoughts. I'm here if you need anything."
A popular & insightful quote notes (edited for relevance):
A human being should be able to ... comfort the dying, ... die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein
Hard enough for the religious, TFA author notes it's nigh unto impossible for atheists.
A human being should be able to ... comfort the dying, ... die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein
Hard enough for the religious, TFA author notes it's nigh unto impossible for atheists.
Except, you can. I'm essentially an atheist, and if a friend said he's praying for me I'd take in the spirit given, friendship and love.
Certainly not everyone feels that way, and it's case by case, but I think in all things on both sides of any interaction we can all mostly just lighten up.