what should I do??? HELP!!!?

Question

I have just started working at a new place in town. All of the staff is new and we all started working at the same time. They all know each other from church and school, so right away i am out of the loop. the problem is they are all mondo mega christians. I am agnostic, with some spritual (as in magic, ghosts) beliefs. So far i have been able to stay away from the topic or religion, but the other day one of my co workers was telling us (i don't know why) about when her son declaired he was an athiest, (then she started to cry) but how now he goes to church and is back with the lord. then they went on about forcing children to go to church because if u plant a seed, (at this point i politley excused myself). I am fine with what they want to believe in, thats their thing. But i now that soon some one is going to ask me about what church i go to. when i say i don't go then they try to get me to go to their church....and it goes on.

sorry ran out of room. I am a little scared to tell them what i believe because i want and need them to like me so we can run the shop smoothly. I don't want to get fired because i believe something diffrent, but i am not ashaimed and i will tell them and explain my beliefs if asked. what should i do?

Answer 1

They'll probably invite you to church, I doubt if they'll try to force you and hopefully they won't try to ostracize you if you decline. There is a difference between the relationship between children and parents vs. co-workers and they really should respect that difference. Hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well they receive you once they realize you are agnostic. I'm a "fundy" christian who once worked in an office full of gays and was treated very well by them, I think we were both pleasantly surprised at how well we worked together. Respect is an important and valuable thing.

Answer 2

just let them wine about their problems ignore it. I get screamed at by my sister all the time because i believe in ghost and spirits and reincarnation but i also believe in God, she always tells me i am going to hell but the threat doesnt get to me. No way should a parent force a kid to go to church, the belief of religion should be left up to the child when the child gets older it should not be forced by a adult.

Answer 3

How might you comply with teachings that you simply consider "are mistaken"? Does Buddhism coach to comply with a direction of deception? Is that what your mothers and fathers wish - so that you can fake to be whatever you're no longer. Will that lead them to completely satisfied? I suspect no longer, but when they're relatively that egocentric, then the disappointment is typically extra manipulation than specific. If you consider and have an understanding of the gospel of Christ, why might you reject such an top notch salvation? God has paid any such prime cost to be certain your salvation. Why reject what you consider to be actual? Perhaps God will use your salvation to convey your mothers and fathers to Himself.

Answer 4

You're not under any obligations to discuss your spiritual life with your coworkers.

If anyone does ask you where you go to church, just tell them that you appreciate their interest but don't believe that work is the place for this conversation.

Answer 5

My best advice would be, don't give a snide answer if they do approach you. If someone asks you about why you believe what you do (or asks you to come to church, etc.), smile and say, I think that's wonderful that you believe that....but quite honestly I am not interested in hearing any more about it right now. If I change my mind, I'll let you know.

There is no need to be rude to others....no matter what.

Answer 6

If you're in a small town, tell them you're a messianic jew, I'm pretty sure they don't have one of those churchs in town. I don't see how any christian denomination could have problems with that church either. I'm christian, and that's the church I'd like to go to, but I live in one of those small towns that simply don't have it. Either that, or just tell them the truth. Most of us don't have any problems with working with or even being friends with non-christians.

Answer 7

Tell them politely that you don't attend church and that you aren't interested in attending. Then walk away. It's difficult but really important that you remain polite about it; I would tell them that I didn't discuss my spiritual beliefs, and then change the topic. They should be able to respect that, although unfortunately they may push. Stick to your "I don't talk about it" guns; they'll eventually leave you alone.

Answer 8

How uncomfortable for you.

I find a good response is to remember to smile a lot and be very friendly. Try smiling through "Thanks so much for your interest, but I don't feel comfortable talking about religion at work. I'm sure you understand." Or you could try a version of that with "Religion, sex and politics are three things that can ruin relationships and I like working here too much to risk that."

Good luck.

Answer 9

Unless you work in a church, religion has no place being discussed at work. Just tell them, "Sorry, I never discuss religion or politics."

Answer 10

It doesn't seem like there is anything to help you with. You excuse yourself when you want to disengage from the discussion, and no one has asked you about church. So what's the problem?

If you're worried about a future problem--that is, someone asking you about what church you go to--just answer honestly. What's the problem?

If they try to get you to go with them to church, say, "No, thank you." Again--what's the problem?