So, let me get this straight, Christians and atheists....?

Question

It's okay to talk about religion at work if you are a Christian, but if you are an atheist, you should refrain from discussing religion at work? When I asked about experiences with telling coworkers you are an atheist, many replies (I don't know if they were from Christians or atheists) suggested that I should not discuss such a topic at work. But moments later, when I asked Christians if their coworkers know they are Christians, the overwhelming majority said yes.

What gives?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Akw.R6.rfNVIqfkBfOfzhHXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071202093339AAak64l

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoH60OZ6YlS73nmboEeSdvPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071202094758AAvCBhj

Oh Wolfechu, yes, you are about to find out. It's a whole different ball game. :o)

Yes, Homeowner, since there's only one Ohio, you would be correct.

Hello, my beautiful (((((Heretic)))))

Answer 1

It's called a Double Standard. But when you call them on it, you are "persecuting" them.

Answer 2

I think people understand that the majority of people (at least in the U.S.) are Christians, or at least theists of some type. Thus, it is far easier to be accepted and respected if you are Christian rather than an atheist. I am only fifteen, so I don't have a job, but when I was at public school last year, I was actually questioned quite a bit on my personal beliefs. I tried to be honest yet downplay them, but I still received a lot of crap about being an atheist. However, I'm now in a Catholic high school (don't ask why; it's complicated) where that is not a problem, because everyone just assumes you believe the same. But I think everyone should just agree to disagree, instead of fearing and trying to convert each other. As Chief Dan George once said, "That one does not speak to, one does not know. That one does not know, one fears. That one fears, one destroys." Or something to that effect. I am not trying to stereotype, but I think that I could accurately say that most Christians don't understand how someone could not believe in God. As atheists make up such a small portion of the population, most probably have never even met an atheist. Thus, the ones that are known are met with ridicule and minor discrimination. That is what I have experienced, at least.

Answer 3

I've worked at my company a long while. Everyone there is a theist, mostly Catholic. There are a couple who might be agnostic but they claim a theist view. I'm sure over the years most of them have found out I'm atheist. I've never been discriminated against for being atheist. It's a smallish company and we've all socialized outside work in some form or another. Over the years I've had a couple coworkers that were more vocal about their beliefs than others. No problems with them, I suppose we just had a agree to disagree type of thing.

Answer 4

I've been working for the same company now for sixteen years and everyone there knows I'm an atheist. There are maybe one or two people out of five hundred that won't talk to me because of that but the vast majority have no problems with it and I even socialize with them outside of work. Yes, I live in the liberal Northeast and that may have something to do with it because I doubt that I would be able to have the same experience had I stayed out in Indiana.

Very rarely are personal beliefs discussed at my place of work, when they are they are usually by someone new. Most people there, mostly christians, don't believe that work is the place for that type of discussion.

Answer 5

Atheists are less pushy? There's no need to forcefeed our ideas on others?

I think at the bottom it's a question of self-definition. I've stated in several questions that I'm the one running my life, not some external doctrine. My list might go something like; Male, Intellectual, European, Finnish, Student, Atheist. So my "belief-system" is pretty low in imporance to me.

I hate to generalize, but it seems that a sizeable majority of christians (and other faiths) tend to start with religion at the top. For them, the belief-system is what they measure everything else, "how good a man am I, compared to what the bible says I should be"

So basically for christians it's more important to declare their faith, because it's just more important in their life.

I guess.

Answer 6

I am an atheist, and I do not believe discussions of religion are appropriate at work for anyone. For openers, since the law says you must be hired without your boss knowing of your religion, it seems clear that to play fair, you should keep your religious beliefs to yourself at work. And it makes sense, because such issues can raise resentment and mistrust among co-workers. That is counter-productive.

Of course, if you work for a religious organization, it is only fair that you be a member of that religion. Still, even there, I believe it is against the law for employers to inquire about your religious beliefs. So to be fair, you are going to hear about that religion you work for at work. If you are not a believer, it would be appropriate to keep your mouth shut.

Answer 7

because despite all their pretence at persecution christians have no problem telling atheists they should just STFU, but the same doesn't apply the other way

because christianity is right and atheism is wrong.

But they're still the ones hard done by for some reason.

I wonder how many people will attempt to preach to you in this question. Do they think god gives brownie points for obnoxiousness or something

Answer 8

I don't think anyone should refrain from discussing their beliefs as long as t doesn't interfere with work. A lot of Christians need to realize that they themselves
cannot save anyone and shouldn't force someone to accept Christ as Savior. All they can do in most cases is plant a seed and let GOD move in HIS way. Too many people to reach to concentrate on a few THEY think they can lead to Christ.

Answer 9

Or a pagan...or a mormon.... If you aren't a WASP, you ought not be talking about religion. Silly people with something to fear.

I'll make a reference to my fave. quote.

"I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation."
---Mormon President John Taylor


I think all religions should be that way, and if there is nothing wrong with their faith, then it will stand up to anything that can be thrown at it.

I think there's a double standard in the workplace and schools, and that sucks.

Answer 10

The workplace is not the proper place to discuss spiritual matters. People are at different levels of understanding, and what might seem to one to be true and normal, to another would be very upsetting, as they are not ready for higher concepts until they outgrow their present beliefs.
Your actions at the workplace will be public notice of your belief system. Those who ask for help should be given help, but those who don't should not.

Answer 11

it is strange...

when i was working there were several pagans that worked with me. we all got along fine with everyone else.

although i have been told that there were people there that didn't like me because i was pagan i wasn't aware of it. i guess it's because i really don't care what some bigot thinks of me, so i never paid any attention to them.

a lot of people just assume that everyone is a christian until they find out different, and yes they do talk about it.

((linz)) i live in ohio too.

bb