My coworker just sent me a long anti-Mormon email. How should I handle this?

Question

I had a conversation with this guy on a business trip where we talked about who we're supporting for President. (I'm for Mitt) which got him asking if I was Mormon, which I am and then led to him calling me a blasphemer who's going to hell if I don't repent and join a "Bible-believing" church.

So the guy just sent me this long anti-Mormon email about how the Church is wrong. The thing is he knows nothing about the Church and spent most of it "debunking" things that we don't believe anyway.

I don't want to debate with him. I have answers to his questions, but I know the Spirit can't work where there's contention so there's no point. More importantly this is someone who while he's a friend is someone I know from work and I feel this is unprofessional and inappropriate.

He can't take no for an answer, and he'll for sure ask me what I thought of his email tommorow. I may simply tell him I don't want to discuss it, but I'm sure that will make him mad.

One last thing. So this guy sends me this email attacking my religion and ends it by saying "I hope this email is a blessing to you"!!?!

Answer 1

Isn't it nice that the anti-Mormons are telling you how to deal with the anti-Mormon?
Q: How do I handle hate email?
A: You are wrong! Mormons are evil!! You're all going to heck in a handbasket! AAAARRRGH!!!

It would be GREAT if people would LEARN TO READ!!!!

Okay, so enough of my rantings. I really don't know how I'd handle this sort of thing. What I would probably do is have a prayer before and try to seek the Lord's guidance. You don't need to bring religion into the workplace, particularly if it's an issue of contention. I kind of feel differently if it's "oh, I believe this..." "Really, well, I like that, and believe something like that too" "Cool..a parallel!"
I really feel that when I go into a potentially contentious or explosive situation with a prayer in my heart, I am a lot more open to the Spirit and I'm able to say things which diffuse the situation and calm the other person down.

Answer 2

Well this is what I would do:

I would read the e-mail thoroughly and make it into somewhat of a research project. I would type up a letter to him and explain to him all the parts of his e-mail that are wrong in my estimation. (Use the Bible a lot if he is a Christian and try to show him where his belief is inconsistent or irrational.)

Then I would ask him what he thinks are the positive aspects of this diatribe that would lead to better communication and more understanding.

End the e-mail by saying....
"I hope this blesses you" No, don't do that lol, that would be contrary wouldn't it. Just tell him that you want the work environment to be professional and that you don't really want to argue with him about religion. If he can't take a hint then take it to a higher authority.

Answer 3

Read it and look at the evidence in it. There is a lot out there that is problematic. The book of Hebrews denies that the priesthood was restored. That is a very basic doctrine that you believe and one that the historic Christian church does not.
You are right that the Holy Ghost can not work where there is contention. You say he won't take no for an answer. Take the time to answer him at "coffee breaks" or at lunch. He may have dumped a load on you, but take an item at a time and go through it with him.

Answer 4

After reading the other responses, I am reminded of what the Bible says about two people who have some contention.

First, you go to the guy and talk to him privately, telling him that you don't appreciate the emails, and that you want him to stop, or else.

If that's not enough, then you go to someone else, like your immediate supervisor or his, with the emails.

Then, go to HR or something. Keep taking it up one level until you get satisfaction.

He doesn't sound like someone who wants to discuss religion, like some of the others here (WHO listens to Ed Decker, anyway? That's just so stupid it's almost funny, that anyone would think that we believe that drek! Spirit BABIES? And what's in those little nappies they wear, spirit poop?)

Answer 5

Well one thing I would start off by saying is if this guy is someone you work with (which it seemed her was) then you should tell him that it is not appropriate business practices to talk about religious things in the work place.

If he's not, then its really easy to just block the email. But I am sure you want a better answer then that. I go through this all the time, not because I am devoted in religion or anything, because I am not, really. I just realize that everyone has faith differently and I will fight for your right to express any religion out there.

That being said, this is what I would do. I know that most of religions is all in interpretations of the books and the founding they are written. Mostly, bibles in general are rules or guidelines used to base you life in order to honor and obey YOUR god. Not that guys, not that lady's, not some kid, YOUR god. In Christian belief you welcome god into your heart for yourself, not for the acceptance of others. I am not sure about Mormon, but I am sure you can relate to that in some way. So whatever this guy is trying to do is already (in his credo anyways) is opposite what any god related study of religion practices and that accept everyone for who they are, not who they are not and not who they once were.

As for "debunking" anything - well - maybe. But there are plenty of things and holes in any bible or religious text, more so the King James and the letters in Revelations. If it was absolute then science wouldn't find dinosaur bones, frozen cave men, the red sea wouldn't have been about 2 feet deep, and according to the laws (that they base a religion off of) that says Boys must be sold into slavery and you should eat your dead.

Finally - Personally I hate it when people give me blessings, and maybe thats because I am odd, and maybe thats because I just don't stand their need to impose on others. But usually I just ignore it. If they are trying to pawn religion hate mongering onto you - and *** it off as a blessing, I'd take time to consider who the bigger person is. You seem to be very level headed about your choice and I respect that. Please, don't let someone like him talk you off of that soapbox.

If you have anything else you need to talk about or help please done hesitate to write me at [e-mail] I will be more then happy to but this guy to rest. And I mean that in a relgious way.

Answer 6

I would send it back to him and tell him to not send you e-mails like that again. I would also advise him that he is using a work computer (it sounds like it from your question) for personal use and that you will not tolerate it and he will be reported, by you, if he does it again. If he approaches you about it tomorrow, tell him you do not wish to discuss your beliefs with him anymore and that you do not want anymore e-mails. I would also tell him, in front of other co-workers, that anymore conversation on the subject will cause you to report him to your employers as harassment. Then stick to it. If he won't leave it alone, report him. Don't worry about making him mad, he sounds like a religious fanatic who will not let up unless you get mean and nasty.

You should never, ever discuss politics or religion with co-workers. I have seen it cause serious rifts in the work environment and make it very uncomfortable for all concerned. I wish you luck.

Answer 7

Maybe he had a bad experience with an individual Mormon. Don't take his behavior personally.

You should do as you propose: warmly tell him that you value him as a coworker and friend (if you indeed do) but/and so you don't want to discuss this stuff anymore.

No further justification is necessary, and you are not responsible for the way he chooses to react to this.

Answer 8

There is no place for religion in the workplace. Religion and politic are the big no No's especially in a diverse work enviorment. Just learn to deal with it he is not going to be the last person to have a problem with your beliefs. next time be a little more careful what kinda info you disclose if not soon you may be seen as the problem. warn him to let it go or you will be forced to write a letter to H.R. .

Screw some of these people who challenge you beliefs. If you have faith and a goal in life that help you to be a productive member of society, and it makes you happy, more power to you. Just don't ever challenge another persons happiness. People who challenge others belief Just show how insecure they really are in their own.

Answer 9

IF you cannot get him to calm down and treat you with respect one on one or with the help of coworkers then you need to report this to HR.

I hear that you want to be his friend and co-worker and if he'll leave your religion alone then fantastic!!! But if he can't let it go he has a problem and need help and HR will either get him this help or have him terminated.

Hopefully this guy can see that it is unprofessional to attack the religion of others and save his job and your friendship.

Good Luck -- I hope this message is a blessing to you ;)

D

Answer 10

Wait, is this the same guy that went off on you during the business trip (that you spoke of in an earlier question)? If so, over-active proselyting has turned to harassment and I'd do as the folks above me have suggested: Take it to HR.