I placed a bible verse in the signature of my work email and was told to remove it because some of my coworkers were upset and/or offended. I did because I don't want to cause a problem. But I was curious to know if there is any written or unwritten law or rule that states you cannot use a bible verse in an email signature. I've seen people quote philosophers or poets, why can't I quote Jesus?
My signature has my contact info and then below (in a small font) read: Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
PS
I only send internal emails.
2007-03-23 08:31:01 · 26 answers · asked by KDW 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would say that those who were "offended" by that line were more likely convicted by the Holy Spirit in their heart, and they didn't like that!
No, as far as I know, there is no law that says you can't use Bible quotes in your e-mail signature. I would have told the boss that it was a violation of my first Amendment rights. You don't "check those at the door" when you come to work - or school, for that matter.
People are guaranteed a right to speak their mind by the US Constitution, but no one is guaranteed a "right" not to be offended. That's the beauty of living in a free country.
2007-03-23 08:38:09 · answer #1 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I don't think that there's an official law regarding the bible and emails but I bet your company might have one. Business emails should be kept on a strictly professional level which doesn't include your religious beliefs. The bible verse should stay in your personal email signature only.
2007-03-23 08:37:40 · answer #2 · answered by Laura C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My employees have defined criteria as to what they send on company material, whether it be e-mails or paperwork. I can't stop the personal stuff. That causes more headaches than it stops.
If people put their own id tags and extras it would be their personal communications of which I would have no control over.
The e-mails are vital to a company's perceptions and visuals so they most certainly should be generic only leaving the fonts to the person using the e-mail. Even that has to be standard as we do not want the customer trying to figure out the intent of the e-mail.
I am a Christian and professionalism is regarded highly by anyone.
2007-03-23 08:40:36 · answer #3 · answered by Get A Grip 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a gray area. You're generally protected in your rights to, for example, wear a cross.
But an email signature is representing a company. For example, you wouldn't send an invoice with a Bible quote, would you? When you send company email, you're representing your company. Even if it's just internal email.
Besides, how would you feel if you got emails with Satanist quotes or something at the bottom?
2007-03-23 08:34:54 · answer #4 · answered by WWTSD? 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a much more sensitive subject than poetry. And the quote you chose is something that can be offensive to those who do NOT believe in the same religion that you do. Saying "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." To someone who receives that e-mail, if they aren't a believer in the same thing as you, it's like saying, "I'm blessed and you aren't." Religious beliefs are too personal. Maybe choose an inspiring quote from a piece of music or poetry if you'd like. Work isn't really an appropriate place to be quoting Jesus. (Unless you work in a church.)
2007-03-23 08:37:03 · answer #5 · answered by Jess H 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well some companies have that policy, mine does and I get e-mail all the time about god or pray or religious chain letter, I don't like it so I delete, however if I would receive an e-mail like yours, I wold call you and tell you it is offensive, therefor giving you a chance to remove it and if not I would be forced to call human resources unless I knew then I would never do anything to get you fired.
2007-03-23 08:44:17 · answer #6 · answered by man of ape 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you work at the pleasure of your employer, and your are using your employer's equipment, they can pretty much make whatever rules they want for "personal" use of their equipment.
It really depends on the employer. I knew an executive who had Bible studies in her office on the lunch hour, and her employer didn't object.
St. Francis said, "I preach God's love daily, with words if necessary." So let your life be a Bible for others (let people see God's love in your actions) and be ready to share the hope that is in you (because someone will surely ask).
2007-03-23 08:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by angel_light 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are no laws that prohibit you from doing this, it is freedom of speech, but this does not exclude you boss from not having you work there because there also isn't any law to protect you from firing.
I have found, as in my case, how hard am I willing to push. I have left it in mine and I now longer get harrased. That again is not the case for everyone.
God bless you always
2007-03-23 08:38:32 · answer #8 · answered by Perhaps I love you more 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see anything illegal in your signature, other than going against the company's internal policies. Check that out.
I don't see why many people get offended at well-meant, undisturbing and harmless religious actions.
I take other people's blessings to me as they being nice to me.
Some people are quite intolerant.
2007-03-23 08:36:30 · answer #9 · answered by Malcolm Knoxville V 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
brother_stinky and Great Gazoo are 100% correct.
The computer, software and network are all paid for by your company. Therefore they have the right to dictate policy regarding any correspondence sent from "your" computer.
They even have the right to check up on personal mail on your computer, as far as I know.
Don't be tempted to do anything on your computer that you wouldn't want a hostile person to see. You could be putting your job in jeopardy.
2007-03-23 08:46:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anthony Stark 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋