What's the best way to get out of talking about religion?

Question

I am an athiest and it bothers me when people come into my office and push religion on me. I don't care if that is what they believe in. More power to them. It just isn't for me and I think that it is rude to ask for example " I know that you're a christian, don't you find that hard sometimes?". Why would you ask that in the first place. Obviously, they find me nice, so why do they have to get personal? I'm not their friend. I'm just someone that they had to see about something in particular.

Answer 1

The top three things not up for discussion at work are:
Religion, politics and how much you earn.

If you are afraid to say it to your co-workers, create a large sign and stick in your office where everyone can see it.

You are not obligated to listen to anything that is not work related.

Answer 2

What has worked for me in the past is if I were to say to someone - politely, of course, "I'm sorry, but I will not discuss this issue with you at this time. I don't believe that this is the time or the place to do that."

If they keep pressing the issue asking questions such as, "Well, when would be a good time for you?" Simply say, "Saturday at 2am you can call my cell phone then, and if I answer, I would happy to talk with you about it. Otherwise, please don't ask me questions on this subject, thank you."

Or, use this line - I've used it several times at every job I've ever had: "I'm sorry, but there are 3 things I will not discuss while at work - race, religion, and/or politics. I feel that a discussion on these topics can turn into an argument, and I don't want that for either of us."

Answer 3

I guess if it bothers you then you are not totally convinced of your choices. I have found in my life that when things bother me that I possible have not delt with them to the extent needed to come to a total rational decision. In my case when, I know that I know that I know, then anybody can ask me anything about the subject and I enjoy answere their question in hopes of planting seed of knowledge. That is what make the world go round. If I were you I would be nice, and say this is not the time for this discussion. I would never quit learning about something until I was totally convinced. When you are, the emotions about it will cease.

Answer 4

Tell them you're an atheist.

If that doesn't work (and it sounds like it hasn't) you can always try asking them if they've ever thought about converting to satanism. Then when they say no, start reciting Anton Lavey's 9 Satanic statements to them. Then ask them if they want to continue the discussion or if maybe religion shouldn't be discussed at work... hopefully they will understand how obnoxious it is for someone to try to push their religious beliefs on another person if they are subjected to it themselves.

Answer 5

If these are co-workers, there must be a code of ethics at your job. It may be considered harassment if they keep talking about religion and it bothers you. Almost like sexual harassment. You can get in trouble for sexual harassment just for telling someone they look nice today.

I would complain to the HR department, and tell them exactly what you wrote in here, how you don't care what they believe in, and you would like them to respect you as well by not bringing the subject up.

Answer 6

i totally agree with you.
i am a Christian and i know exactly what you are talking about. i am not one to 'witness' as they say, but i do 'spread the word' by trying to be the best person i can be for myself my friends and my family. i sometimes find it an intrusion when someone just starts going on about how Jesus loves me, and that i should be saved etc, and find it very hard to get a word in to say, 'thanks... i am saved, i know that Jesus loves me and i know that He is here for me and anyone one who just asks, and i do believe that Jesus is my Savior,' and that's it!
they can come across quite obnoxious, not all, just a handful, and they don't mean to be.
maybe you should try and say what i say...you just might believe it one day too ;-)
(hey...that's a light nudge compared to what you're going to get from other 'full on' Christians' asking that question lol) i couldn't resist hehe!
bless you petal

Answer 7

They are trying to find common ground with you or they suspect that you are not a believer and want to convert you.
You can always joke about it being your policy to never discuss politics or religion.
Then CHANGE the subject - talk about the weather, the ball game, work....

Answer 8

i usually tell the christian i am a Buddhist and start telling them about the lord Buddha this usually works especially if you know a bit about the subject
i am a christian but i hate people pushing their religion on others
atheists have every right to believe what they want

Answer 9

When people come to my door to preac to me I start taking off my clothes....by the time I get my pants unbuttoned they usually start to leave, unless they're from a Gay church and then they thing we're beginning to "communicate" and things can start to take a awkward turn. This works very well if they drag children along. They tend to not want them to be exposed to another way of life.

Answer 10

I'm sorry to hear of your choice, but no one but you can choose. So, just be polite and tell them you would rather not discuss this anymore. Or, maybe you could listen just once. Get some new ideas. Whether you follow them or not. Just hear them out once.