What is the proper response if someone constantly makes religous referances at work and you are an athiest?

Question

I don't really want to threaten lawsuits or firing but i want a workplace where peope leave their Bibles and Qur'ans at the door.

Answer 1

I just say something like "We really should leave religion out of the work place. It has the potential to create an uncomfortable environment for some and really doesn't play a role in the work we do here. Perhaps we could leave these conversations for outside of work."

Unless, of course, you work for a church. That's a little different story.

Answer 2

First you have to tell every single person at work that you are Atheist and you would prefer not to hear about anybodies religious beliefs. Then you have to let Human Resources know how you feel also. If anybody is still talking to you after that then return to Human Resources and tell them there are people that are still talking about religion out there and I don't want it anywhere in the work place because I'm the only one with rights here and they are being violated. See what they have to say at this point and go from there. Good luck and please let us know how this works out for you.

Answer 3

You have a small problem called the 1st Amendment.

Now if they are proselytizing, you have a complaint, as they are directly impacting you. However, you can file a lawsuit and try, but the Constitution is on their side (for now) if all they are doing is making religious references.

Answer 4

what type of religious responses.

part of athesm and america is tolerating the f wads you find to be annoying bible thumping *******.

that is the purpose of TOLERANCE.

let them speak, they want to talk in terms of "thank christ I found my pencil" or "holy s hit the boss was angry at me today" or "goddamit I have a lot of work".

if he/she is not handing out pamphlets and trying to convert you or "praying for you" then you are probably being overly sensative.

likewise you could get into a religious debate but ask yourself if it is worth it do deal with the foolish office politics that comes out of it if they aren't bieng aggressive about it towards you.

think of it as just some geek in the next office telling you about last nights star trek episode or whatever they watch these days.

Answer 5

Depends if you want their attention or not.

I would start eliciting Old Gods and phrases that atribute deity status to mythical beings, just to drive home the point.

For instance, when they say stuff about Jesus healing or answering prayers, agree with them, and then go on to tell a story about how you prayed to Neptune to keep your aunt safe on her cruise, and she was miraculously kept from being swallowed by the deep.

Etc...

The point should do the trick.

Answer 6

I think the question is: why are you bothered so much if you don't believe in it? Would you be upset if someone talked about believing in ghosts or even unicorns? Are they trying to convert you (which would be inappropriate in the workplace), or do they talk about their beliefs sometimes (as is their RIGHT)? I think you should ask yourself these questions. Why does it bother you, if you think the things they are talking about are not real? Why?

Answer 7

Every Biblical text has a contradictory text---it's just a case of knowing the main ones--JW's & Momons darken my doorstop no more as I quietly cite a verse which opposes theirs.
Alternately you may draw their attention to the fact the world is currently engaged in religious wars-& you don't want to be constantly reminded about it!

Answer 8

Usually I ignore them, but one time it got to be too much, so I said, "look, I'm not discussing this anymore because if I told you what I think, you'd be horribly offended and I would rather not do that to you." It all stopped right then and there.

Answer 9

If it's just in their personal space (cubical decorations, necklaces), then there's no real reason to complain. Otherwise, take it up with HR.

Of course, it helps if you spell "atheist" correctly when writing to HR.

Answer 10

I went through it. Asked the person nicely to stop broadcasting religion. He refused. I started making Jesus jokes. He got angry. Things worked out fine.