How do you deal with religion at work? (getting preached at) (church, protestant)
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Hi Everyone - It's been a while since I've posted in the forums. I miss the camaraderie here.
I have kind of dilemma that I don't know how to deal with. I have a Christian co-worker who lately has been getting a little too preachy for my tastes. To the best of my knowledge, she is not aware of my pagan faith and I believe she assumes I'm a Christian too (for whatever reason, most people do and they seem to gravitate toward me to talk about their Christian faith - I must have a "preach to me" neon sign above me or something). She is Seventh Day Adventist but currently attends a different denomination church. I don't know anything about the Seventh Day Adventists; however, she seems to be quite stringent in her beliefs - very absolute and everything is "black and white" with absolutely no room for any shade of gray. She's pretty judgmental and dogmatic and doesn't appear to be willing to "live and let live" as far as other lifestyles go. For example, we have a courier service who comes by a couple of times a day to pick and drop off paperwork. Our courier mentioned recently she and her long-time boyfriend are getting married soon - as soon as she left, Co-worker immediately started in on how they were "living in sin" and how God doesn't allow that.
It's just three of us in our branch office - branch manager, my Christian co-worker, and me. I am not in a position to make waves by talking to the branch manager - Co-worker has been working there much longer than me, and I'm only part-time. My experience has been that anyone who upsets the apple cart is the first to be shown the door (not this job but just my observations through the years). While there are several reasons for me to find a new job (it's part-time, pay is way below what I should be making, especially with my degree, not getting the experience I had hoped, etc), I don't wish to be shown the door either.
How do you y'all deal with religious folks preaching/bringing up God every chance they get in the workplace? Do you have any meditations, spells, whatever to help me deal with this? Honestly I'm afraid if I tell her to knock it off, it will make for a very strained working relationship, which I don't want, but I'm very close to that point.
People discussing their religion isn't "getting preached at" They are not involved in preaching a sermon to you, just discussing their own beliefs just as you discuss your beliefs about topics.
How do you get over it?
Allow for a fair one way street of discussion of all ideas, even those you do not agree with.
Don't find reasons to have issues at work. You are there to work, just do it
How would I deal with it? Well it's not recommended but I attended an SDA church a while. Their beliefs are not normal so you could do some research and steer her into a less black and white church. Nothing happened in heaven, per the bible, in 1844. For a Christian, as she calls herself, that would be heresy. Their founder is a plaguarist. I could go on and on. But unless you are up to the task of steering her away from that legalism, just let her be.
I'd tell her I'm uncomfortable discussing a personal matter such as religion at any time, but especially in the workplace. And then change the subject.
If she continued, I would pointedly turn my back on her and busy myself with something.
(You might also consider applying for other jobs in your spare time. )
Hi Everyone - It's been a while since I've posted in the forums. I miss the camaraderie here.
I have kind of dilemma that I don't know how to deal with. I have a Christian co-worker who lately has been getting a little too preachy for my tastes. To the best of my knowledge, she is not aware of my pagan faith and I believe she assumes I'm a Christian too (for whatever reason, most people do and they seem to gravitate toward me to talk about their Christian faith - I must have a "preach to me" neon sign above me or something). She is Seventh Day Adventist but currently attends a different denomination church. I don't know anything about the Seventh Day Adventists; however, she seems to be quite stringent in her beliefs - very absolute and everything is "black and white" with absolutely no room for any shade of gray. She's pretty judgmental and dogmatic and doesn't appear to be willing to "live and let live" as far as other lifestyles go. For example, we have a courier service who comes by a couple of times a day to pick and drop off paperwork. Our courier mentioned recently she and her long-time boyfriend are getting married soon - as soon as she left, Co-worker immediately started in on how they were "living in sin" and how God doesn't allow that.
It's just three of us in our branch office - branch manager, my Christian co-worker, and me. I am not in a position to make waves by talking to the branch manager - Co-worker has been working there much longer than me, and I'm only part-time. My experience has been that anyone who upsets the apple cart is the first to be shown the door (not this job but just my observations through the years). While there are several reasons for me to find a new job (it's part-time, pay is way below what I should be making, especially with my degree, not getting the experience I had hoped, etc), I don't wish to be shown the door either.
How do you y'all deal with religious folks preaching/bringing up God every chance they get in the workplace? Do you have any meditations, spells, whatever to help me deal with this? Honestly I'm afraid if I tell her to knock it off, it will make for a very strained working relationship, which I don't want, but I'm very close to that point.
I really think that I could really help you with this.
What does this person celebrate?
I mean not what Sabbath she keeps, what holy days does she keep?
Given the info you have shared it seems the best solution is not to respond to her religious statements at all, change the subject or keep mum, tune her out. If she asks you specific questions change the subject or just politely state that in the workplace you don’t want to be distracted with personal discussions and avoid three major subjects , football, politics and religion.
In this day and age for the most part won’t bring up anything that might offend someone. Then again if you live in the Bible Belt, you might have to just deal with it.
I have had experience with 7DAs and they indeed have a very black/white point of view and there is no room for discussion that doesn't concur with their beliefs. Make it REALLY clear you have something else to do, email to answer, project to finish, anything to avoid engaging in conversation with her.
I really think that I could really help you with this.
What does this person celebrate?
I mean not what Sabbath she keeps, what holy days does she keep?
Easter for sure, and I honestly don't remember what she said about Christmas. As far as the other holy days, I'm honestly not sure. She was talking about giving up stuff for Lent, which kind of surprised me since I was under the impression the protestant denominations didn't do anything for lent.
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