I couldn't resist reading this thread. I was born into a Catholic family, but my parents were not very devoted to mass. I'm grateful I didn't have religion shoved down my throat, or I would not have the awesome relationship I have with the Father in heaven. Fast forward to the 21st century and I married a great guy, but his family is a part of what I consider to be a very unhealthy religious cult by the name of church of christ. I drank the kool aid and converted because I wanted to make him happy and I believed the propaganda about hell. I left after 2 years and I'm very glad I did. I was disfellowshipped by his family, and it became very clear to me that fanatical christians have absolutely no clue what loving your neighbor is all about. I don't consider myself a christian, and with utmost respect, I firmly believe if Jesus had a press conference he would say he is not christian. Now, I still believe in the Holy Trinity and that is my prerogative, but atheists have the constitutional right to believe in nothing. Telling someone you are praying for them so they can see the "light" when he/she has absolutely no interest in religion is offensive. Christians how would you feel if a Buddhist, one of the most peaceful and tolerant people btw, told you they are praying for you because you are desperately lost and in need of some "real" religion? A Buddhist would not do that so that is an entirely hypothetical situation, but the feeling it should evoke is one of indignation. What is interesting is that Christians have murdered innocent people in the name of religion in a desperate attempt to "save" souls. In the end, we do live in a wonderful country, and members of this board need not fear for their lives due to being atheist. I think the respectful position is to politely disagree with those who are trying to convert and move on, but the member who is the focus of the prayers has an inalienable right to be an unbeliever.