My son aged 17 has a hereditary disease that has caused severe deformity in his bones. Just before he turned 17 about two months ago he had a total knee replacement in his right knee and two weeks ago he had a total knee replacement in his Left.

I went to the local liquor store and Mike the owner asked how my son was doing. I said the second knee was not doing very well. It is minorly infected and if we do not control it he might have to live in Childrens hospital for three to six months while they work on it.

We spoke about it a while and on the way out the door he somewhat uncomfortably said "I'll pray for him, I know your an atheist,"

I almost rudely interrupted him. I could feel his apology coming on and was not going to allow it to happen. I said, "No, you are in no way being condescending, you are expressing that you care and would like to do what you can to help. I appreciate that. Thank you."

I wished him a good day and left. I do not like the term "I'll pray for you." Usually it is snarky and pious, and said as if I know better and I will ask my God to make you learn better. In that case I will call the person out for being rude without hesitation. My friend felt helpless and did truly have the best of intent.

The takeaway. With my response he instantly knew that while we disagreed on whether God existed or if prayer could help at all, he knew I was a human that cared about my son and him and appreciate him as a human. If religion ever comes up again he will be much more likely to listen to what I have to say. We will actually be able to have a conversation.

Have you had similar experiences? What do you think of my response? I am among the most vocal of atheist here, my point is there is a time to be a "Hard Atheist" and a time to be the diplomat.