When Can You Tell a Co-Worker Their Religion Is Ridiculous?

Question

I think that people should be free of all types of harassment in the workplace. I think that this includes sexual, religious, ethnic and so forth.

The ACLJ and the Liberty Counsel tell us that we are free to share our religion in the workplace with our co-workers. This would include in the breakroom, lunch break... pretty much anywhere that co-workers are allowed to talk about anything they want.

My point is is this not a two way street? Once someone begins telling me about their religion, do I not have the right to say "That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!"

Case in point, this Mormon is going on about his religion. So I ask him about Joseph Smith and the golden tablets. Then I ask him about his holy undergarments. He got spittin mad!

Keep in mind that this guy has been spreading his beliefs for at least two weeks. Now, because I brought up the holy underwear, he has threatened to file a harassment complaint. Where does his rights end and mine begin?

Answer 1

I couldn't help but notice that a few people here think that you were "rude, or mean" when mentioning "holy undergarments".

To someone who knows very little about the Mormon faith (LDS) this would seem like you were just being a complete prick.

The fact is, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who are "worthy" enough to go to the Temple and undergo an "Endowment" DO IN FACT wear something called "garments". These garments are to be worn underneath clothing at all times and not to be shown to the public.

You were NOT harassing him. He brought up his religion, and you asked a question about it.

He's probably upset because things that occur in the Temple are sacred and not supposed to be spoken of much around "people who don't understand the significance".

He needs to not be so sensitive and understand that he walked right into this.

Seriously though, don't worry about the suit. You asked a legitimate question about an ACTUAL Mormon practice after he opened himself to question about said faith.

Answer 2

Well, everyone has the right to talk about it, on their own time, and they also have the rigth to react in their way. Additionally, if someone tells another they do not wish to talk about it, or that something is offensive, then the other person should probably stop. Now, unless you are a superior, he probably doesn't have a claim against you. Because under the law it typical deals with people in power and who can make decisions which effect you. If you are a superior, and you are saying things you know makes the employee uncomfortable and hostile, then you are in trouble. The safe thing is to be respectful of all people regardless of belief, which is of course a two-way street. It does sound like you aren't necessary being respectful, and I can't say if he was because I don't know what he said about your beliefs.

Lastly, your company may have its own guidelines or policies, which you should read. Because it may be against policies to create a hostile workplace or harass another, even about something they may have opened. Good luck.

Answer 3

You have the right to share your side as well. If you are wanting to be serious about sharing your views, don't pick on the little things like underwear. Concentrate on the big things like "Was Joseph Smith really a prophet?" "Reconcile the nature of God" "Is the church a true restoration - the Book of Hebrews says it's not!"
The underwear is one that may get you a harassment charge because it relates to personal clothing.

Answer 4

I think that it is best to say that you aren't interested in being proselytized at work. That would serve you better than letting the guy go on and on, thinking that you are interested, only to have you say something repellent about his religion. When the Mormon missionaries have come to my home, I sat through the initial spiel several times. I couldn't help but catch the line about the first picture in their book, "Here is illiterate Joseph Smith reading the tablets". I guess that's part of the miracle, but it didn't sit well with me.

Answer 5

Religious information (whether requested or not) is just what some people want to give. The way I look at it, DON´T PUT THIS ON ME, PERSON. I don´t put my beliefs on anybody unless they ask and they need a few years to sit down for some serious talking. So basically, it is something I try to avoid and wouldn´t go near it with a ten foot pole (that I took from my neighbors yard). There is ALWAYS room for argument coming from ALL sides. So if you don´t want the headache, it´s better to just answer when asked. But anyway, to call a religion rediculous (even if it is immoral or wrong) is NOT going to fly with the person you tell it to, so basically ONLY say that if you are ready for an argument. Good luck. Love and Respect.

Answer 6

You can only tell a co-worker that if when you have become very good friends with him or her and spend time outside of work. Making such statements against someone's religion in the workplace is not appropriate nor acceptable.

Answer 7

Any worker is free to practice or select a religion. Thus, questions about a religion is just fine to know what a co-worker is spreading in the workplace.

Answer 8

Ok, how to say this,

at anytime, you could have told him your not interested in hearing about his religion. Nothing he said to you was derogatory or inappropriate.

Yes, you have the right to say, "That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!" .

BUT, your comments about" holy undergarments" was totaly inappropiate and can get you fired.

Now if he had started talking about his religion and you had told him, im not interested, and he continued to bring it up, then that would have been inappropiate.

Just because someone starts talking about a subject your not interested in, doesn't give you the right to make inappropiate comments. You just have to tell them you don't want to talk about that subject. Whether its baseball or religion.

Answer 9

You both have rights!But if you don't want to hear about his religion.That is your right! But the way you handle letting him know that you don't want to hear about it-can cross the line for his rights too! Everyone has their own beliefs=that's their right.Maybe you can say "Sorry man I've been having a bad day,and I guess I took it out on you.But if you don't mind I'd rather you didn't tell me about your religion any more." He may forgive you,and drop the complaint,and leave you alone too.

Answer 10

If he's been spreading his beliefs for a couple of weeks, you're entitled to tell him what you think of him and where to go. If he uses that as an excuse to file an harrassment complaint, file one in return simply because his COMPLAINT seeks to exploit the system to harrass others.