I wouldn't be surprised if there are more examples of Christians being "ungracious" to atheists than of atheists being "ungracious" to Christians. Declaring "I'm a Christian" at your typical social gathering will be unlikely to generate any controversy or hostility. Declaring "I'm an atheist," on the other hand . . .

I'm always puzzled by those who take offense at well-intended blessings offered by religious folk. The alternatives of either being ignored, or being cursed seem particularly unpleasant, so why would anyone prefer that?

Equally puzzling is the attitude that one should be offended that everyone doesn't share one's own particular belief (or lack thereof). One of humanity's treasures is the variety. People like the unfriendly traveler must be either clinically depressed or deeply psychotic.

Something to think about!!

If a Muslim says Salaam to me, I respond in kind with peace (Salaam). If a Jew says Shalom to me, I respond with peace (Shalom). If A Christian says Merry Christmas to me, I respond with Merry Christmas to you. Being civil is the order of the day, not throwing a hissy fit, ungracious reply.

Why am I thinking Ebenezer Scrooge? Glad the grouch was not packing a stake of holly.

I am an atheist, and I say "Merry Christmas" all the time. It's the name of the holiday. That is what the day is called, and that means "Merry Christmas" is an appropriate greeting for the season.

A is A.

Sounds like an attention-seeking Peter Keating, making sure everyone knows he's anti-"merry Christmas," in an unspeakably tactless mood. I'd cheer as well.

well over on the other post flanap is having a cow that Rand said Merry Christmas...seems like an argument atheists can 't win.

Indeed!! +1

Who said he's an atheist? He certainly doesn't sound like an Objectivist. He just sounds like a nut.

Apparently, he isn't alone in feeling persecuted by words....

That is what I meant but can see how my words may be taken that I thought the airline did the wrong thing. I think having the hissy fit over the words Merry Christmas was overboard. I will try to choose my words better next time. :)

As one who flys 100K a year I don't think it's going overboard to "kick" him off the flight. If he acts like this just getting aboard the plane how might he act once the plane is in the air?

Good point. The article did not say.

I think everyone is ungracious on occassion but it might be overboard to get kicked off a flight having a hissy fit over the words Merry Christmas. :)

how do you know he's an atheist?