Why is co-worker anti-Christian?

Question

Okay this is what happened. I have this co-worker named Tony and out of the blue a few days ago when our friend Monica was showing her baby pictures, Tony was there as well as a couple other people and she was telling everybody the names and mentioned that all the children were named from people in the bible and then Tony got all pissed and said that if my wife was here, she would tear the bible apart from all the contradictions they believe exist. I dont get why he was so pissed. I know he is a buddhist but we never talk bad about his religion so what is his problem? My personal thoughts are that if he finds out the bible is true, he would have to own up to the things he has done in his life and change his ways and there are many people out there that just dont want to do that. So what do you all think about this? Should I say anything to him or not? Thanks in advance. God bless.

Answer 1

Well, my experience in dealing with non-Christians shows that the majority of them get pissed whenever you present the Bible as truth. Talking to them about it does nothing. Simply being nice to them as a friend will do more than you could ever do by belittling his beliefs.

If the opportunity arises for you to say something to him such as "We don't attack your beliefs, so we would appreciate it if you wouldn't bash ours", it would make sense. Otherwise, just smile, nod, and know that you're being the bigger man.

Answer 2

Try to think of it like this, we are all cups and sometimes we are full to the brim. It doesn't take but a drop to overflow at that point. Other times, we are empty and can take a lot before we get anywhere near overflow. You caught Tony on a full-to-the-brim day. He may have been angry at his wife for yelling at him about the Bible for a week straight because some idiot decided to ring the doorbell early Saturday morning to "save your souls". He may have just had a week when everyone felt the need to testify to him. There are lots of things that non-Christians have to just deal with in any given day/week/month. It was probably just one of those days. I would leave it alone. You sound like the kind of person that makes non-Christians feel like he did. He has his truth, yours belongs to you but it isn't universal. Leave him alone.

Answer 3

If this guy is so averse to owning up to the things he has done and doesn't want to change his ways, then why is he a Buddhist? That wouldn't make any sense, because Buddhists believe in living a good moral life and in constantly working to improve themselves.

This guy should not have reacted that way, and I would even say it was not a very Buddhist thing to do.

Answer 4

I think Tony is going to be reborn as a slug or something equally disgusting. Man has he brought some bad karma onto himself! Buddhist? He doesn't sound like a Buddhist.

Slykitty, it appears that the Buddhist started it so don't show your bias. Just as you are trying to start something here.

Answer 5

Consider how much crap he and his wife must get from christians all the time. Christians really often come across as an intolerable bunch, they are very loud and vocal about their beliefs, and often resort to accusations of hellfire and the like. They also have managed to shoehorn their crap into government (adding god to the currency and the pledge of allegiance in the 50s for one), and are a pervasive and obnoxious ignorant force who distort and warp reality to fit their own fragile worldviews. I know several nice christians, but many of them are impossible to deal with.

My guess is that Tony and his wife likely have some personal issues with Christianity (maybe her parents were fundamentalists and caused them both a lot of grief) and can't stand it. Just give him space and don't bring up your faith much around him.

On a side note, it is mostly all nonsense. However it's not a bad source for names.

Answer 6

I'd suggest that you leave him alone, and just change the subject if he starts ranting like that. The Bible, by the way, IS chock-full of contradictions (as you can see readily by putting both "Bible" and "contradictions" into Google.) But that doesn't deter me from my Christian faith, because I also recognize that it is amazingly accurate (especially when it comes to its prophecies), and proves itself so well. Whatever your friend's problem is... that's literally his problem. Unless he comes to you with the intention of having a reasonable and non-confrontational discussion.

Answer 7

He should not get pissed or speak ill of another religion. However, you should not take a sanctimonious attitude and claim his religion is a lie, as that's the type of talk that pisses off non-Christians. He hadn't heard your opinion yet, so he was likely displacing pent up anger at other people who had oppressed him, which is wrong. Your attitude is wrong too though, you might do well with a little humility.

Answer 8

He's a little angry for a Buddhist, but I'll let that slide. As much as I respect Buddhists, I'm a little too angry to be one as well.
I like how you stuck Pascale's wager in there.
How about if you bring up the bible at work, he can bring up that he's against it.

Answer 9

Maybe he was having a bad day at home and instead of lashing out at his wife he lashed out at the co-worker.

Answer 10

Don't discuss religion at work. Ever. Or sex. Ever. Or politics. (Unless you work for a politician.)

I thought that would have been obvious. Ignore what he said, and don't bring up religion. If he says something, just tell him that it isn't appropriate to discuss religion in the workplace.