2007-07-04 09:28:47 · 29 answers · asked by JesusFan 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why did you say "Let's say a prayer"? Were you trying to annoy someone?
2007-07-04 09:34:37 · answer #1 · answered by The Singing President 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
How would you have felt if a Wiccan said, "Let's all do a ritual spell?"
Public expressions of one's own spiritual path do not belong in the work place. Be respectful of other's beliefs. If you know a few people who would have prayed with you, then go somewhere private with them.
St. Francis said, "Be careful how you live your life it is the only Gospel some people will ever read." If you are sensitive to your coworkers and act in a loving manner they might just be interested in the faith that inspires you to act that way. If you exclude them by having a little prayer pow wow you drive them even further away.
I am a Christian and would have been offended if you did that at work.
2007-07-04 09:37:28 · answer #2 · answered by Linda R 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The workplace is not the place to say a prayer publicly unless everyone is in agreement about it or if it is part of the tradition of the organization. If your office was in a Christian organization the chances of that being all right would be greater. You have to remember the verse about causing people to stumble. Suggesting prayer in the forum you did may have done more harm than good.
2007-07-04 09:41:36 · answer #3 · answered by ready4sea 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Suggesting a prayer in the workplace is an insult to everyone whose faith is different than yours. What an insensitive mean-spirited thing to do. If you were one of my employees (before I retired), you'd get a warning to keep your divisive superstitions to yourself and, if you ever did it again, I'd fire you in a heartbeat!! How much productivity was lost yesterday because you can't get through the day without a little help from your imaginary friend?
2007-07-04 10:05:10 · answer #4 · answered by Diogenes 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Probably for the same reason there are some christian people who b*tch about yoga being practiced in the work place.
*Dude, you make up 1 or 2 stories a week about you and an atheist coworker.Seriously does it make you less insecure about your religion by making up these stories? A hope next weeks topic is about how your atheist coworker gave you a reach around and you liked it*
2007-07-04 09:38:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Did you know (s)he was atheist before saying? If not, it was an honest mistake, especially if most people in your country are religious; in this case, they shouldn't be mad.
However, if you knew and said it anyway, she's angry because its ignorant; by not respecting your co-worker's choice not to pray, you've cast their thoughts off as insignificant and not worthy of your consideration.
I'd be angry too - you should have said something along the gist of, "Why don't we have a group prayer for those who want to participate".
2007-07-04 10:12:14 · answer #6 · answered by Devolution 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd have to say it's because it's kind of rude for you to assume that everyone is of the same religion, even though you seem to have known that your coworker is an atheist ~ you were kind of singling him out, in a way. As mentioned by a previous answerer, religion has no place in the work environment. Unless, of course, you're working for a religious community.
2007-07-04 09:40:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Your atheist friend didn't get angry.... likely looked at you in some sort of pity. Probably thinking why would your little selfish prayer get answered, when six million in Poland and Germany didn't, nor did those prayers of those all murdered in Rwanda. If those prayers weren't answered, why would you think yours would be?
2007-07-04 09:34:53 · answer #8 · answered by April 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Two reasons:
1. There is a time and a place for prayer. Work is neither of those things.
2. Because it's a no-win situation for your coworker. If they decline, they look like a jerk. If they participate, they're making a mockery of themselves and your faith.
You also have to understand that they're in their right to be a tad offended. I'm sure they haven't foisted their religious views on you as you have foisted yours on them. In future, remember that religious sensitivity goes two ways...
2007-07-04 09:44:54 · answer #9 · answered by moddy almondy 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Because they are from evil thoughts. Be careful about getting fired for that stuff, but good job!!!! Has anyone pissed off an atheist today?? Ha Ha!!! I dont do that but I do silently like to aknowledge they getting what they deserve.
2007-07-05 09:46:39 · answer #10 · answered by debbie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋