I'm LDS, and I don't really make a big deal about it to people because I know a lot of people are hostile and not open to hearing it. So I got a new job a couple of months ago on the recommendation of an acquantance who didn't know I was LDS. I'm a hard worker and am doing a good job.
Anyway, my religion came up last night on a business trip. We talked about who we're supporting for President and I told him I was for Mitt Romney. He told me that Mitt "hates Jesus" and is a blasphemer who's going to hell. I didn't want to get into an argument but I did say that I didn't agree and that I think members of the Church love Jesus Christ.
He asked me if I was Mormon, and started asking me about it. I ended up sharing my testimony with him and telling him a little about Mormonism. To make a long story short he was very rude to me and told me I'm going to hell unless I repent and join a "Bible-believing" church. How will I face this guy every day?
2007-09-09 16:05:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I also want to add that this didn't make me doubt my faith. I know the Church is true and I know opposition is nothing new. I just found his words and attitude very disrespectful and hurtful. He was not even willing to consider that there could be another way of looking at things. I think it will be uncomfortable to have to work with him. He isn't my superior though, but I do need a good relationship with him.
2007-09-09 16:08:16 · update #1
I have that same problem and I just don't talk about it. I just do my job and if it comes up ( which sometimes it does) I just say that I really don't want to talk about it. I had a group of people gang up on me at work and it got to the point where we were in a yelling match. Some people walk by me and tell me I am in a cult and I just ignore them, but other people are really cool about it so you just have to basically just have to be two different people in and outside of work. I go to the temple every chance I get when I am not at work to keep up my spirits.
2007-09-09 17:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by Erica M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is pray and ask the lord but I am sure you have already done this and are here for help from those who have experienced some of the same problems. I would if the subject with him comes up tell him that you will keep an open mind if he does. And that you believe just as strong as he does that your religion is true as he does his. That you believe Jesus will not hold it against any one who truly believes in him in the end as long they are trying their best to become a better person while they are here and doing what they, as an individual truly think is right. That you would like to be his friend but also know that both will have to put their religious beliefs to the side and respect each other as men. Hope this helps.
2007-09-09 16:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by saintrose 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He has a right to his opinion but he should respect your right to freedom of religion. If you both can agree not to even discuss it that would be fine but if both of you can't leave it alone I don't know what you would do. I am a Middle school teacher in a heavy populated LDS community and I am non-denominational Christian I believe the true church does not have a building, it is each individual person that makes up the body. I believe there are saved Catholics, LDS, Methodist ect. But they are not saved because they belong to a certain church there is only one church and it is not physical, so where ever you go does not matter. I have had many LDS missionaries tell me I was not saved because I am not LDS and also because I am not married and I have no children. I have been judged by members of the LDS church many times. So this is what I suggest but is just my opinion I "kill em with kindness"
2007-09-09 16:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I must preface my remarks by noting that I am agnostic and nonreligious, although as a child and teenager I attended a liberal Protestant Church. Having said that, I do not understand the intolerance displayed by the allegedly "pious and devout" toward members of other faiths. The church of my childhood was in no way intolerant toward any other religions and, in fact, encouraged our attendance of other denominations for our theological enlightenment. I see no reason that a professed "Christian" should denigrate you as a Mormon or your LDS beliefs. I think that the person with whom you are working is simply rude and ignorant. I also think that you should refuse to discuss religion at your job and that if the person continues to plague you with such disparaging comments, you have every right to report him to your supervisor. We are guaranteed religious freedom by the U.S. Constitution, thus your beliefs should have no bearing upon your job if, as you say, you are performing it as you have been directed. Good luck!
2007-09-09 16:27:08 · answer #4 · answered by Lynci 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians are told to be christ-like, or WWJD (what would Jesus do) but they forget to be like Mormons and make their religions look as good as mormons do. Most christians say Mormonism is a cult (I am an ex-mormon, born again christian) and they forget to be the christlike example that a mormon is. I would just keep being a good example because when I was amormon that is what we mormons were taught to be, and maybe he will see the ere of his ways and try to be as christlike as you are. I here the same all the time from Atheist who have christians chasing them down with holy water and tell them demon to be gone from them, altho when I was an atheist I was never chased down by christians and told I was going to hell. Just remember that you are the better example and don't be like my dad (who is a mormon) who told me I was going to hell. I wouldn't try to argue theology with him either, I hate getting into theological decussions with my dad (a mormon) on how he claims to be a christian, I just don't want to spend hours arguing with him, when I can justhonor him as my father without all the argument.
2007-09-11 06:15:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just continue to be polite and kind, follow the teachings of Christ and if necessary turn the other cheek. You might also try fasting for not only this person but for you to be able to set a better example of what a Christian should be, and putting their name on the temple prayer role wouldn't hurt either.
2007-09-09 19:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by Joseph 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you'll need to figure this out individually.
However generically -- make sure you are not discriminated against for your religious beliefs. Document what was said between you as best as possible in case action is taken against you.
Treat him/her with love and respect. let him know you will never at anytime hold his beliefs against him even if he thinks you are in a cult.
And then move on. Keep working your "A" game at work -- if tribulation comes up because of this -- take it in stride and protect yourself.
Good luck
D
2007-09-10 12:37:33 · answer #7 · answered by Dionysus 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd say to just set it aside for now, and get to know him and become friends with him. Go out to eat with your spouses. Talk about your interests and hobbies. Find some common ground. When a friendship emerges, so will respect, and possibly understanding after that.
2007-09-10 11:33:07 · answer #8 · answered by Ender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be confrontational. Don't be aggressive, just smile when he's obnoxious and try to change the subject. Continue being a good example and he'll come around.
2007-09-11 01:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by Sherpa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't let it phase you. Just act like everything's cool. If he attacks your religion respond with truth, but don't attack back. Do what's right and let him rant and rave. You will be respected by your peers and he will just make a fool of himself. People will recognize his religious prejudice for what it is, blind hatred.
2007-09-11 09:55:33 · answer #10 · answered by atomzer0 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋