How to politely decline co-workers invitations to church and bible groups?

Question

I have to work closely with this person, and she CONSTANTLY invites me to her various god-related activities. I have said no before, but she doesn't get the hint.

Well, I am an Atheist. I am NOT going to her church or bible study--I just don't want to offend her.

Answer 1

Well, if you've said no, and the dolt doesn't get the hint, then it is time for brutal honesty.

It will change your work relationship, but if you don't like the constant badgering, that is what it is going to take.

Answer 2

I'm a Christian, if someone whom I've invited to church is not interested, I would prefer an honest answer, and then I would not mention it again, unless asked. It would not affect friendship or a business relationship. We are supposed to be good examples, I don't believe hounding someone is a good example. You would be surprised how many people ask questions about Christian life, the Bible, or spiritual matters in general, just because they know I am a Christian. It is good for people of different belief systems to discuss things, it clears the air and ends misunderstandings. Peace

Answer 3

How about, "Please don't invite me to these kind of activities anymore. I appreciate your friendliness, but I am really not interested." If she persists, keep repeating this, but perhaps drop the "I appreciate your friendliness" part and be more insistent.

If she continues, perhaps talk to a supervisor about it.

If she *is* the supervisor, I would keep a written record of every invitation and your response, including the date and time and as many exact words as you can remember. Be polite about it and continue to do your job, but if you find at some point that you are being discriminated against because of your refusal of this person's religious invitations, your written record may be very handy.

Answer 4

I am agnostic, irreverent, and do not attend church. Christians often are told that they must be missionaries, endeavoring to convert the infidel! Your co-worker may be one who believes it is her duty to attempt to "save" you. If she is of normal intelligence and you have already declined her invitations, she is doubtlessly attempting to convert you and most likely does not intend to desist in asking you. If you do not want to offend her, particularly since you must work with her, all you can do, then, assuming that you mean to continue resisting her efforts to sway you, is to continue politely to refuse her whenever she asks you to attend church-related events. If you reject her rudely, you will hurt her feelings and maybe even arouse her animosity toward you which might result in your having to work in a miserable environment.

Answer 5

I myself am Christian.
The most honest thing you can do is say "I am not interested, and I don't wish to be asked again. Thank you for the consideration, but most importantly thank you for abiding by my wishes."
When I was a non-believer, I found it to be the best way to maintain a healthy working relationship, and friendship. It also speaks well of your integrity if you are forthright.


While I believe it to be my joy to speak to you of Jesus, to share with you what I am convinced of, having done so or at least having tried, if you are not interested, then it is best to let you go your way.
What many Christians forget, in their fervor, is that it is the Holy Spirit who is able to convince you. We really are just the vessel which carries the news to you. It is up to you then to decide.

Answer 6

There may be no "best way". I am a Christian and believe I should seek to share my God. By that I am obedient and need do no more. (We don't get points for saving or loosing souls.) You might try telling her that you have heard her message and appreciate the fact that she is excited enough about sharing her blessing; but it is not considered Christian like to become so over zealous that she infringes on you belief.

Answer 7

Eek... what an awkward situation. Here's a youtube Man in the Box episode where Greg deals with a similar frustration about overly pushy religious co-workers. Sorry, I have no words of wisdom, but this video might make you smile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVNLVJsdolI

Answer 8

I've run into this too. I usually just smile and say "Thanks for the invite, but it's not really my thing"....or I tell them I have other plans that day/night (which usually isn't all that far from the truth).

If someone continually brings it up, I'll finally just level with them and tell them politely -- but firmly -- that I do not share their religious beliefs and would appreciate it if they would respect that.

Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Tell her that you appreciate her invitation and respect her commitment to God. You will keep it in mind as an open invitation and let her know when you are ready to join her. If appropriate, ask her to just keep you in prayer.

Since you are an athiest, just tell her that. And you would prefer not to discuss your religious preferences at work and would like to maintain a pleasant co-working relationship.

Answer 10

You might quietly tell her that you don't discuss your religious beliefs outside of your family and you have no interest in attending any services with her or anyone.

You may have to tell her several times, in no uncertain terms. Some of the Christees just don't get it.

Answer 11

Tell them that you would love to make it but you are currently in talks with the Dark Lord Over-seer for a promotion. If it falls through you will take them up on it.