What gives her the right?
By princesslee
@princesslee (158)
Australia
April 24, 2008 6:37pm CST
I was on the bus yesterday with my kids and this woman got on and, working her way from the front to the back of the bus, she shook everyone's hand and said "God bless you" - what gives her the right to do that?
I refused her hand. I have nothing against a person's religion, or anything else, but I do NOT like someone trying to press it onto me. It's just rude. Also, as far as I am concerned, a priest is the one with the power to 'bless' people.
This woman did not say it very loudly either so people did not know what she was saying until she said it to them. By that I mean that most people accepted her hand as they did not know what she was doing. If you're going to do something like this, speak up! That way people do know what it is you are doing and so have the option of refusing.
I understand she was being friendly, but she could just say hello to people. Not everyone on the bus would believe in God, not everyone would be of the same religion, not everyone likes having some stranger bless them ... basically, many would be offended by her actions.
3 people like this
7 responses
@clrumfelt (5490)
• United States
25 Apr 08
The lady has her right to express her belief in God where ever she wishes. She doesn't have the right to touch people who don't want to be touched. Many people would be squeamish about having a stranger take their hand. I would think most people would be alright with her good wishes toward them, however she chose to express it.
@jesbellaine (4139)
• Philippines
25 Apr 08
Here in our country, I could say that there are LOTS of religious people who get into the bus and started preaching the words of God. It is really fine with me as long as they don't really press or push their religion or belief on me but I do listen since they will just talk for 5 minutes then get off the bus. I just pay respect. Also, when I listen, there are things that really good to hear from them.
But I think that is different from you since she want to shake hands with you but for me, it is allright too if she wants to shake hands with me saying "God Bless You". I mean, I even say it to other person as well for Goodluck and guidance from above but not really for pressing my religion or belief to them.
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
25 Apr 08
Let me start by saying I do beleive in God, however I am NOT a really religious person. I beleive in what I believe in with OUT going to Church or Preaching to the world. If I am asked I will talk about what I believe if not like here I won't. So I won't go into what I believe but I will say this.
If you are in a grocery store and sneeze and the lady standing next to you says "God bless you" do you tell her "No thank you"??? Maybe you need God to bless you. When some one "blesses" you its NOT just about you. It is also about that person feeling like she or he is doing the right thing.
Saying "God bless you" to some people is like saying "Hello" or "Goodbye" to you. When some one says "God bless you" they aren't pressing you to believe in God they are asking God who they believe in to do good by you.
It is just as offensive for you to refuse her "blessing" as you say it is to accept it.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
25 Apr 08
I agree with you, it's intrusive and "pushy" to act this way. I guess though that some people are so fanatical that they think they make a difference to people's lives doing this. I think you did the right thing to refuse her hand. That sort of blessing is only given by somebody ordained to a high position in the Church, I would say.
I'm not Christian, but I was christened as a baby and brought up to believe, and even I know that she doesn't have the right to bless everybody. Brightest Blessings.
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
25 Apr 08
So basically...she has no right to offend you, but it's fine if you offend her? I'm really not out to start an argument, just to present a point of view. You may have offended her by refusing her hand, she may have felt you were rude...but apparently that's alright, you just had a problem with her offending you and being rude in your opinion.
"many would be offended by her actions. " Yes, and many woukld be offended by your actions...neither of you are more right or more wrong than the other.
I do see what you're saying but I don't see why she should have supressed her beliefs when you were able to display yours.
2 people like this
@jhl930 (3601)
• United States
25 Apr 08
i don't know, why she did that but i woudln't have had anything to do with it because i wouldn't want to cause a scene or anything like that...but i mean i guess that i can see your point because if i didn't believe in someones reigion or something like that i don't know if i would want them trying to press it upon me..so i see both of your sides...
@magrylouyu (1627)
• United States
25 Apr 08
I completely agree with you! I think people should be keeping these things to themselves. It's something you do at church. I know their just trying to be friendly and what not but some people do find it offensive or very rude and annoying.
