Your response was good enough.

There was no debate here nor was the other person trying to purposely create debate.

Yep. Why cause division. Our opinions are valuable to us. preferable to leave someone feeling better or at least the same.

Almost without thinking, I usually say, "Thank, Buddha."

Of course, Buddha doesn't have anything to do with the weather at all. And besides, Buddha was just a human being, and he's dead now. And I also like Bodhidharma, but's that's too many syllables.

Good idea to have an answer ready for opportunities like that - when it feels appropriate to inform strangers that not everyone they meet believes in God/s. It's not always appropriate, but when it is, it's a great opportunity to open up a thoughtful dialog, and let a little bit of light into a closed mind.

I would probably say something like: "Yep, nature is wonderful, whether you believe in God or not! For me, I'm an atheist, so I can pause in awe and wonder at all the many natural factors that went into making this perfect day!"

(Substitute Agnostic, Skeptic, Happy Humanist, Naturalist, Free thinker, Rationalist...)

If it's a stranger, I don't mind reminding them not everyone they meet believes in God.

If it's a friend (everyone knows I'm atheist) well they got their jab in, and I can take the high road and just smile and keep my mouth shut.

Old people are often lonely.
“Yes Mam, I do believe we’re very lucky to be sharing this day.”

Out of respect for an elder I would have passed it off too. You did the right thing

It's nice to be nice

I am in agreement with everyone who said you handled it correctly. I see no reason to cast a shadow on someone's nice day, unless they are proselytizing, and it sounds like the old woman wasn't. Even when the JWs accost me on the sidewalk, I just say "I'm an atheist, so no thank you. Have a nice day." and then I go about my business. I see no reason to be confrontational about things that I think are nonsense. The only time someone else's religious beliefs concern me is when they try to implant those beliefs in our secular government.

literally the same thing happened to me on Friday. got into an elevator and this elderly lady said. it is a beautiful day. i said yes it is. with all smiles. then comes "praise the lord for this beautiful day" and by this time the elevator has reached the 3rd floor where i would get off. i replied good day to you too and go on with my day.

You did well, being confrontational in that situation is similar to teaching pigs to sing, not only is it a waste of time, it annoys the pig.

you stupid old deluded bag..

Yes, It’s a beautiful day.

Same thing why be rude they don't know any better

Wise to not be confrontational.

We know the religious are, sadly #Religulous...suffering delusions. suffering the brain-washing of myths since childhood.

You're brave, bold, and open-minded for NOT conflicting with the #religulous. I have some good friends who, sadly, are stuck in that frame of mind....but they're still good people.

I liked your response, in view of the circumstances. If a religious response is expected, I normally resist: 'Merry Xmas' always gets 'Happy Soltice' or 'Happy Saturnalia' or 'God Yul'.

"I gotta go, I'm catching a Richard Dawkins lecture at noon."
Then hit her on the side of the head with a shovel.

I consider these types of things non-issues
I’ll still throw out a god bless you here and there
You did well because that was right for you

Id have simply said yes ma'am. Being respectful of others and their beliefs isnt a compromise of ur own. Never understand why atheist feel the need to be rude, confrontational, and cause a scene. Ur not gonna change their beliefs any more than theyre gonna changes urs so why does it need to go any further than that. Now, if u try to force ur religion on me, then weve got a different story. Then ill be confrontational, question ur intelligence, and belittle ur religion. But no need to be that way with a lil old lady trying to be polite a respectful. She maybe lonely, and her conversation with u may have been the highlight of her day.

How about this, "Will you blame him when a storm rolls in?"

Someone wants to express their joy, it's not an injury or affront and doesn't rise to the level of annoyance then I just ignore it. But if they try to preach at me or otherwise try to bring me down then I can be a rather passive aggressive asshole.

I would say, which god is it you are talking about?

"Whatever" or "if you say so."

Probably the same way. She's elderly, not up for debating, she's locked into her fairy tale world and too old to change.

Good question. "I'm sorry," the x-ray technician replied when I said "I'm an atheist."

Hoped this would shut him up. Then I asked him to stop talking about his God.

He acted like being an atheist is a terminal disease.

Damned if you do; damned if you don't. Either way, you get a lecture.

simply 'may your god go with you'