Polite way to avoid preaching?

Question

I'll be working at a live-in job soon, and one of my co-workers is an extremely preachy Christian. I need a polite way to let him know that religion is not up for discussion with me, I am happy in my own religion, have tried Christianity before, and am not interested.

I'm a bit nervous because I can't be offensive to him if he refuses to stop preaching (which is generally my normal approach if someone keeps going after my initial "I don't want that" response), it wouldn't look good at work, but it's a live-in job and I won't be able to get away from him either. So... I need a nice way to do it.

Christians, what could I say that would work the best to get left alone on this topic?

Answer 1

Politely remind him that you, like polite society, don't speak about three issues...those issues being religion, politics and sex.

Since you will not speak of these three issues, you would appreciate the same consideration from him.

It has always worked for me :-)

Answer 2

Usually I would approach and tell him my feelings using "I feel" and "I think".

Tell him I don't feel comfortable with your Christian lectures because I feel pressured, and I feel it is my right to believe what I want. I think it is affecting my work...etc..

But fanatics are extremely emotional. They think that if they don't stop helping you, you will go to hell. Thus a white lie will save you time and energy because it is not your job to cure that coworker of his emotional problems.

Try the following...


Thank him, but say I am actually in competition with you, I'm trying to convert a few people here into (your own religion).

Tell him you are visiting a church these days and have been taking it more and more seriously, but would rather leave christian discussions outside of work, because you prefer it that way. You take work seriously and don't want to waste time.

Complain to boss if it gets out of hand.

Extreme:

I like Satanic music and am looking into Satanism or witchcraft.

Talk about how much you love evolution.


Dave

Answer 3

I would say " I appreciate your feeling and I understand you are very passionate about your beliefs, but lets come to and understanding. I won't preach my beliefs if you promise to do the same."

Or you could just tell him there are several things that you will not discuss at work. Politics, Religion and Sex.

That's what I would do. Hope I have helped at least a little.

Answer 4

Wow...tough one. I think the best thing to do is be honest. They may not like it, but you have a right to be left alone in this situation. Just thank them for their concern and efforts, but you'd rather not discuss your religious beliefs or theirs, especially considering you are together for work purposes. Maybe let them know that when you 'are ready' to talk about religion, that YOU will ask them for information. If they can't respect your wishes after your first attempt, maybe you need to be a little more firm about it...not mean...but firm. I'm sure coming from their perspective, they're only trying to help. I myself am a 'holy roller', if you will, and get very excited and enthusiastic when someone asks me questions about church and my beliefs...but I would never push anything on anyone without their asking first. Best of luck to you!!! Lord Bless...

Answer 5

If they are not taking the hint that you don't want to talk about religion with them. How about making an appointment with them and your boss to discuess how it makes you feel.

Or even sending them an email Most christians will understand. I know I do and can take a hint when a non christian doesn't want to speak about religion. I know for me that is a closed door.

What you could say is "Sorry, I am not internested in your religion ever, I hope you will understand and respect the decision that I have made. And if you respect my decision I will respect your decision about not wanting nto hear about my religion."

Something to that effect. Something with the word respect in the wording usually get's the attentions of christians.

Answer 6

Sounds like you put it pretty well "religion is not up for discussion with me, I am happy in my own religion, have tried Christianity before, and am not interested." Polish it up a little, lead in with "I'm glad you have a faith you can accept so openly, but I don't think work is really the place for religious discussion." Something like that.

Answer 7

Thank you for the sweet answer to my question. I had a boss that was like this once.
Try this: be uber polite, but show no interest (i.e., don't say "oh, that' s interesting. is it true xxxxxxx") don't further the conversation at all. And try to agree to what he says.

For example, I really can't stand sports. If someone were telling me sports statistics or results (and I had to be nice) I'd just say "uh huh" "oh" "okay" "that's good" "that's true" "really"

Just one word answers but as nicely as possible. Chances are he'll find someone else more receptive next time.

cheers!

Answer 8

I would explain to him that while you appreciate his beliefs and his wanting to teach them to you, you have found God in your own way and prefer not to discuss it. If that doesn't work, the best I can say is just listen, take it for what it's worth and move on. I also don't like people to try to PUSH their beliefs on others, teaching is one thing, preaching without invitation is another. Good luck!

Answer 9

Say, "I thank you so much for thinking of me in such a caring way, but I have already found my place in religion and am not going to make any changes to my life. I also believe that my place here is to perform a certain job, and that job doesn't involve discussing religion."

Answer 10

It wont be easy to be polite to a fanatic preachy person you have to stand ground and let them know that you are offended by what they preach, let them know that they are invading your space, it is a lesson that person needs to learn, as a Christian I had to learn that many many yrs ago thank God I did and your co-worker will to just be firm may God bless.

Answer 11

I would just politely let him know that religion and politics are two subjects you decided a long time ago that were personal choices and not up for discussion.