Then is it wrong that several of the JW girls in my office accept Christmas bonuses from our boss? These aren't bonuses based on production, but are intended to help people buy gifts.
2007-04-09 05:37:14 · 19 answers · asked by Shepherd 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is up to the conscience of each individual Christian whether we choose to accept a gift during a holiday season or not. We take several things into consideration before deciding.
Depending omn the circumstances I have both accepted and refused to accept gifts.
I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses an so speak from ...
2007-04-09 05:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by Abdijah 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
If a so-called "Christmas" bonus is intended primarily to honor the pagan celebration of Saturnalia (no matter its modern name), then it would be inappropriate for a Jehovah's Witness to accept it.
In nearly every case, however, employers and managers simply use a regular part of employee compensation to add to existing "holiday" good wishes. Many or most Jehovah's Witnesses have recognized such bonuses as "end of the year" bonuses; Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to communicate with their employers or managers to be sure that their acceptance of such bonuses is not interpreted as a "celebration" of what can only be called a pagan holiday.
2007-04-10 17:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my office my boss often gives Christmas gifts to all the staff. I've made him aware that I don't celebrate Christmas. He said that rather than leave me out, he would still like to give me a gift but would like me to accept it on the basis of a thank you for all the work I've done during the year. That conversation with my boss was private, and I've never really thought about what others think about my accepting the gift as they all know I don't celebrate Christmas.
Maybe, the Witness girls in your office have had similar conversations with their bosses. Do you know that they haven't?
2007-04-09 12:46:52 · answer #3 · answered by north_lights20 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Bonuses are given for all employees, half-year bonuses and Christmas bonuses too...you can also say that is the 13th month pay but it just coincided with Christmas...As others said, it depends on the individual conscience but I guess you havent seen them receive gifts...
What's a secular Christmas? I guess the one who answered is not a JW...
2007-04-09 12:46:22 · answer #4 · answered by Tomoyo K 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Do you think that if Christmas was observed in October, when
Christ was born, that your boss would still give out Christmas bonuses? NO
On the books, do you think you employer list the expense as a Christmas Bonus, or as an "End Of The Fiscal Year Profit Share"?
It's called a Christmas Bonus to placate the feelings of those who still think December 25th or January 5th need to be observed. In Europe, where they grow tired of American Commercialism, they are just called fiscal bonuses.
Properly, the bonus should be given a name to placate all the religions with year end observances.
For those who don't need their feelings placated, or their faith reinforced by an end of year acknowledgment, than it is just a fiscal year bonus, regardless of the name.
(This posting being written on the road some where in America)
2007-04-09 15:23:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Was the bonus intended for religious christmas or secular christmas? I think you'll find that since it was to buy gifts, it was for secular christmas, and therefore not subject to celebration.
Christian Christmas is all bout the birth of Jesus. Secular Christmas is about turkey, the tree, presents, egg-nog, crackers etc. Most people who celebrate Christmas do so in a secular way, without any thought of Jesus at all. It's extremely commercialised.
Good question though.
I am sure that the bonus is given indiscriminately of the religious affiliation of the recipients and so can't really be considered a 'christmas' bonus at all.
2007-04-09 12:42:27 · answer #6 · answered by Dharma Nature 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because paying some people less for doing the same work based on their religion is discrimination.
The pay also offsets the the time off in the case of hourly wage employees. And they are ahem, GIFTS, not rewards for practicing a certain religion or celebrating a certain holiday.
2007-04-09 15:07:55 · answer #7 · answered by corvis_9 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Really? As far as I know everyone can use their bonus however they wish to not specifically to buy gifts. Also bonuses are determined by your position and salary your boss will get a much bigger bonus than you so it is typically a percentage of your salary so it is determined by production.
2007-04-09 12:49:07 · answer #8 · answered by honey27 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They shouldn't, but most would anyway.
Its kind of like how they remain completely neutral in the world of politics. No voting, no affiliations. But they CAN work for the government or accept government handouts such as welfare money.
When I was a kid, being raised a JW, I was told to not even accept birthday treats at school when kids brought in stuff. I did anyway, but felt guilty about it every time. lol
I highly doubt that if the Christmas bonus was a gift wrapped in holiday paper they would accept it.
2007-04-09 12:48:31 · answer #9 · answered by Laura 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Actually most businesses I know of have end of year boni with no religous attatchments. As for Christmas Boni I guess it would depend on the variables. Your best bet would be to ask the ladies in your office about this. You might find out their reasoning, or they might decide they have something new to consider.
Sasi's answer was sooooo close to be nice.
2007-04-10 02:13:10 · answer #10 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋