Atheists in the workplace

[DeaconDean]

Dear friends,

Recently, I was moved back at least temporarily, back to 3rd shift. I expect to go back on a "split shift" in the spring. (Two days a week I work by myself, and three days a week I work with an atheist.) Due to incidents in the past, I have refrained from any religious talk at work.

Understand, I respect the right of every American to believe or not believe as their conscious dictates. I also have experience that any form of "witnessing" is frowned upon. (Studying classes in seminary, studying for Sunday school, are prime examples of what I have experienced.) I have never witnessed in the workplace because I know in North Carolina, this can be construed as whatever. I have choose instead, to let my life be a witness. (Believe it or not, that was thrown up in my face once!)

So much for a history lesson. I have been ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church. I have also been licensed to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a co-worker who is an admitted atheist. I have not witnessed to, or preached at this individual. However last night, they made a comment about one of their aunts giving praise to God about a child cured of cancer. I'll not repeat what was said. Later on in the shift, I made a comment to my boss (and even he is full agreement with me) about the next President appointing some conservative Judges to the Supreme Court. And again, this individual made a remark about me being a religious nut or something to that affect. I did not argue, rather pointed out that the alternative was a president who said it was fully legal to abort babies one hour prior to birth saying that these "babies" had no rights whatsoever prior to being birthed.

Now, like I said, I have not mentioned religion to them, I have not witnessed to them. I have considered saying to them something along these lines:

"You do realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you? Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you. Otherwise, we'll have to make other working accommodations. How about the three days we overlap, you do whatever, and I'll do whatever?"

I mean I know we have to work together at night, but I'd rather not be around them at all when they do into these rants.

Advice?

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Strivax]

If people are determined to be ignorant (and this I find common enough among both religious and atheist types) then you really cannot stop them from being so. Just let it all pass you by, water off a duck's back, as a reflection on them, not on you.

Best wishes, Strivax.

 

[Paul of Eugene OR]

Dear friends,

Recently, I was moved back at least temporarily, back to 3rd shift. I expect to go back on a "split shift" in the spring. (Two days a week I work by myself, and three days a week I work with an atheist.) Due to incidents in the past, I have refrained from any religious talk at work.

Understand, I respect the right of every American to believe or not believe as their conscious dictates. I also have experience that any form of "witnessing" is frowned upon. (Studying classes in seminary, studying for Sunday school, are prime examples of what I have experienced.) I have never witnessed in the workplace because I know in North Carolina, this can be construed as whatever. I have choose instead, to let my life be a witness. (Believe it or not, that was thrown up in my face once!)

So much for a history lesson. I have been ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church. I have also been licensed to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a co-worker who is an admitted atheist. I have not witnessed to, or preached at this individual. However last night, they made a comment about one of their aunts giving praise to God about a child cured of cancer. I'll not repeat what was said. Later on in the shift, I made a comment to my boss (and even he is full agreement with me) about the next President appointing some conservative Judges to the Supreme Court. And again, this individual made a remark about me being a religious nut or something to that affect. I did not argue, rather pointed out that the alternative was a president who said it was fully legal to abort babies one hour prior to birth saying that these "babies" had no rights whatsoever prior to being birthed.

Now, like I said, I have not mentioned religion to them, I have not witnessed to them. I have considered saying to them something along these lines:

"You do realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you? Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you. Otherwise, we'll have to make other working accommodations. How about the three days we overlap, you do whatever, and I'll do whatever?"

I mean I know we have to work together at night, but I'd rather not be around them at all when they do into these rants.

Advice?

God Bless

Till all are one.

It doesn't hurt for them to understand their casual crude remarks might be offensive to some. Based on your description, I have no problem with your stand with them. You might threaten to pray for them if they don't shape up.

 

[Amanda Mission]

Dear friends,

Recently, I was moved back at least temporarily, back to 3rd shift. I expect to go back on a "split shift" in the spring. (Two days a week I work by myself, and three days a week I work with an atheist.) Due to incidents in the past, I have refrained from any religious talk at work.

Understand, I respect the right of every American to believe or not believe as their conscious dictates. I also have experience that any form of "witnessing" is frowned upon. (Studying classes in seminary, studying for Sunday school, are prime examples of what I have experienced.) I have never witnessed in the workplace because I know in North Carolina, this can be construed as whatever. I have choose instead, to let my life be a witness. (Believe it or not, that was thrown up in my face once!)

So much for a history lesson. I have been ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church. I have also been licensed to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a co-worker who is an admitted atheist. I have not witnessed to, or preached at this individual. However last night, they made a comment about one of their aunts giving praise to God about a child cured of cancer. I'll not repeat what was said. Later on in the shift, I made a comment to my boss (and even he is full agreement with me) about the next President appointing some conservative Judges to the Supreme Court. And again, this individual made a remark about me being a religious nut or something to that affect. I did not argue, rather pointed out that the alternative was a president who said it was fully legal to abort babies one hour prior to birth saying that these "babies" had no rights whatsoever prior to being birthed.

Now, like I said, I have not mentioned religion to them, I have not witnessed to them. I have considered saying to them something along these lines:

"You do realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you? Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you. Otherwise, we'll have to make other working accommodations. How about the three days we overlap, you do whatever, and I'll do whatever?"

I mean I know we have to work together at night, but I'd rather not be around them at all when they do into these rants.

Advice?

God Bless

Till all are one.

I know you want to get even with those who do not believe; but that would not serve you. Since you are a minister, you must focus on tending to your flock. Remember, the Lord's sheep know his voice. So, try. Not to feed pearls to pigs. Save your energy for a productive day at work. Try not to confuse the word of God with the political rhetoric of mankind. Do these things and you will earn peace, self respect, and maybe even the respect of others.

 

[Strivax]

You might threaten to pray for them if they don't shape up.

LOL.

Cheers, Strivax.

 

[Anguspure]

Dear friends,

Recently, I was moved back at least temporarily, back to 3rd shift. I expect to go back on a "split shift" in the spring. (Two days a week I work by myself, and three days a week I work with an atheist.) Due to incidents in the past, I have refrained from any religious talk at work.

Understand, I respect the right of every American to believe or not believe as their conscious dictates. I also have experience that any form of "witnessing" is frowned upon. (Studying classes in seminary, studying for Sunday school, are prime examples of what I have experienced.) I have never witnessed in the workplace because I know in North Carolina, this can be construed as whatever. I have choose instead, to let my life be a witness. (Believe it or not, that was thrown up in my face once!)

So much for a history lesson. I have been ordained as a deacon in the Baptist church. I have also been licensed to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a co-worker who is an admitted atheist. I have not witnessed to, or preached at this individual. However last night, they made a comment about one of their aunts giving praise to God about a child cured of cancer. I'll not repeat what was said. Later on in the shift, I made a comment to my boss (and even he is full agreement with me) about the next President appointing some conservative Judges to the Supreme Court. And again, this individual made a remark about me being a religious nut or something to that affect. I did not argue, rather pointed out that the alternative was a president who said it was fully legal to abort babies one hour prior to birth saying that these "babies" had no rights whatsoever prior to being birthed.

Now, like I said, I have not mentioned religion to them, I have not witnessed to them. I have considered saying to them something along these lines:

"You do realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you? Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you. Otherwise, we'll have to make other working accommodations. How about the three days we overlap, you do whatever, and I'll do whatever?"

I mean I know we have to work together at night, but I'd rather not be around them at all when they do into these rants.

Advice?

God Bless

Till all are one.

I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say because I have lived (not just worked) in this sort of situation for over 25 years now, grow to hate it more every day.

 

[now faith]

It's not up to you,God has called you for his purpose and glory to preach the Gospel.
To every creature.
Remember Jonah?
You sow the seed,another waters,another reaps the harvest.

I say these things from experience.
I have been called to wittness to some very strange people, rotten,crazy,and the hardest one was a child molester.
I was in a parking lot,and the Holy Spirit put him to my mind told me to go.
I said Lord him!
But I knew what was to be God's will,so it was no strange thing when I drove out that he was walking on foot on the road.
I stopped and asked him if he needed a ride my voice was kind,as well my Wife was along puzzled.
He looked me in the eye paused and said no.
My point in this is it was not about my obedience, it was about God's will for him,and he refused.
I have never seen him again,I suppose they move a lot.
He is without excuse, because his look spoke volumes, in that he knew why I stopped and why it was not happenstance we crossed paths.
Often I feel I have failed somehow but often I never see the outcome of my wittness either.

2 Corinthians: 4. 3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

If they hate you,spit on you,cuss you..remember Christ endured much more for our sake.

 

[DeaconDean]

I think there has been a misunderstanding, or at least I hope there was. The comment was made:

I know you want to get even with those who do not believe;

Nowhere in my OP did I say that.

I did say:

"I have not mentioned religion to them, I have not witnessed to them. I have considered saying to them something along these lines:

"You do realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you? Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you. Otherwise, we'll have to make other working accommodations. How about the three days we overlap, you do whatever, and I'll do whatever?"

And like the person above me, I have been experiencing these types of things in my workplace for 18 years.

However, I do know:

"4. What constitutes religious harassment under Title VII?

subjected to unwelcome statements or conduct that is based on religion and is so severe or pervasive that the individual being harassed reasonably finds the work environment to be hostile or abusive, and there is a basis for holding the employer liable.

It is necessary to evaluate all of the surrounding circumstances to determine whether or not particular conduct or remarks are unwelcome. For example, where an employee is upset by repeated mocking use of derogatory terms or comments about his religious beliefs or observance by a colleague, it may be evident that the conduct is unwelcome. In contrast, a consensual conversation about religious views, even if quite spirited, does not constitute harassment if it is not unwelcome."

Questions and Answers about Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

So it goes back to:

Have I been "proselytizing"?

No!

Have I made any comments about their being atheist?

No!

If they want to be atheist, fine.

Just don't make comments that people who believe in God or God still being in the miracle business "a bunch of f****** idiots".

Or that because I'm a conservative, I'm a "religious nut".

I do not discuss religion (or politics, learned both the hard way) in the workplace unless asked by another Christian.

It may be that that individual does not know I am ordained or licensed.

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Goodbook]

Well..im not a licensed minister like you but I teach bibles in school, live with a mother whos atheist and have to hear rude comments she makes about God and the bible shes never read many times.

She does know I teach bible and go to church she just does this to provoke me but Love is not easily provoked. just smile and say Praise the Lord your aunt was healed. Lol.

And then If they say something about religious nuts you could say they are the best kind. I love it when people are nutty about Jesus!

And pray for them. I once had my mum ask ME for prayer when she was scared about maybe having cancer, guess what she didnt have it. She promptly forgot about Gods mercy in that area of her life but I DO remember praying with her.

 

[Goodbook]

And then just keep humming How great thou art or Amazing Grace and they may leave you alone.

 

[DeaconDean]

Well, based on what been said up to now, it is clear that the point ya'll are saying is keep your mouth shut and put up with it.

I wonder how long it would be before somebody complained about me making rude comments about Allah?

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Zurückschlagen]

Some people obviously have problem with this, for no apparent reason whatsoever.

One of my friends, I already cut contact with him, anyways,
he continued to repeat this one thing to me:
My soul is forever lost. It's all gone. I can't be saved.

He was a very secretive man for 8 straight years, I know not much about him.

He constantly tried to mock Christianity and make me go to the dark side.
I'm not talking about some fake Darth Vader schtuck. Really, he wanted me to join him.
I guess, we split ways.
I stopped talking to him

Just act professional, be kind to them and don't make fun of them or don't argue. Being aggressive will fuel even more their mockery and it will inspire more of this behavior.

 

[DeaconDean]

History has a way of repeating itself.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

-Martin Niemöller (1946 date cannot be precise)

Keep your mouth shut, smile, act as nothing has happened.

Yep, history is repeating itself.

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Zurückschlagen]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything.
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to be silent and a time to speak.

 

[DeaconDean]

"Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." -Lk. 22:36 (KJV)

Now before everybody jumps on me, I know "sword" should be interpreted in reference to the "word" as in "the Word of God".

But if there is a time and place for everything, why n a tup for my Christian views?

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[98cwitr]

Dean I think you're on the right track. I would simply says to this worker that "If you don't want me talking religion at work, I'd respectfully ask that you don't make such comments." And leave it at that. Your rights as an employee permit you to believe what you do, and as long as you're not infringing upon another employee, there's no HR violations. That said, what he is doing may very well be an HR vio. Good luck, Dean!

 

[Goodbook]

Humming is not keeping silent even though your mouth is shut...

 

[now faith]

Dean,recently I had to make a choice.
I am a retailer and get a lot of organizations wanting me to support their cause.
For many years I would pitch in and donate to this organization, who on outward motives they are good moral business men,who are connected.
After studying their internal practices in depth,I could no longer support them.
I know they will black ball me,but better them than to offend Christ.
I know that in being obedient to God first I will never miss a dollar,I have faith in God and know he has given me everything I have or will have it is His anyway.
What seemed to be a costly decision, has increased my business,and all I have to see is there dirty looks.

 

[DeaconDean]

Dean,recently I had to make a choice.
I am a retailer and get a lot of organizations wanting me to support their cause.
For many years I would pitch in and donate to this organization, who on outward motives they are good moral business men,who are connected.
After studying their internal practices in depth,I could no longer support them.
I know they will black ball me,but better them than to offend Christ.
I know that in being obedient to God first I will never miss a dollar,I have faith in God and know he has given me everything I have or will have it is His anyway.
What seemed to be a costly decision, has increased my business,and all I have to see is there dirty looks.

Like I said brother, I really don't want to make a big deal out of it. Perhaps this person is not aware that I have been ordained and licensed to preach.

In the year and a half I have worked with/around this person, I have not tried to proselytize nor talk religion with this person, o preached to them.

I though what I said earlier was an easy, simple way to defuse the situation.

"Perhaps you do not realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you. Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you."

But alas, the overwhelming response so far has been to keep my mouth shut and act like nothing happened.

Caroline Kennedy is quoted as saying:

"It is not easy to stand up against your constituents or your friends or colleagues or your community and take a tough stand for something you believe is right. Because you always want to keep working and live to fight another battle and it might cost you your career."

Peter Marshall, game show host is quoted as saying:

"If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything."

A friend here on the forums had a saying, I modified it to say:

"Other than their own sins, all a man has is his principles that he can call his own, compromise them, and he has nothing!"

Oh well, I'll keep this thread open a little longer and then request it to be closed.

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[Anguspure]

Like I said brother, I really don't want to make a big deal out of it. Perhaps this person is not aware that I have been ordained and licensed to preach.

In the year and a half I have worked with/around this person, I have not tried to proselytize nor talk religion with this person, o preached to them.

I though what I said earlier was an easy, simple way to defuse the situation.

"Perhaps you do not realize that I am an ordained member of the Baptist church and licensed to preach don't you. Tell you what, your refrain from making remarks about religion, and I'll not preach or witness to you."

But alas, the overwhelming response so far has been to keep my mouth shut and act like nothing happened.

Caroline Kennedy is quoted as saying:

"It is not easy to stand up against your constituents or your friends or colleagues or your community and take a tough stand for something you believe is right. Because you always want to keep working and live to fight another battle and it might cost you your career."

Peter Marshall, game show host is quoted as saying:

"If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything."

A friend here on the forums had a saying, I modified it to say:

"Other than their own sins, all a man has is his principles that he can call his own, compromise them, and he has nothing!"

Oh well, I'll keep this thread open a little longer and then request it to be closed.

God Bless

Till all are one.

I hear ya.
What interests me though is that if a person such as yourself with the full backing of a Church body and all the prayers and support etc of this sort of community, has this sort of trouble with going to work for a few hours on a day to day basis with a few hard nuts, then what hope is there for a person in my situation?
It would appear to be a complete miracle of God in itself that I've even been able to maintain a trust in Him, let alone hope to stand as an open believer in an antagonistic environment.