How can I explain my Wiccan faith to my Christain co-worker without causing an argument?

Question

or should I just not discuss it at all?

Answer 1

Why do you feel you should? It's not really their business, and probably not a good topic at work.

Answer 2

Unmoving. There is not one path of Wicca, or one path of Paganism, there for, there is not fundamental aspect. A primary law that most go by is "Harm none, do as you will". I am pagan, but have no set religion. What I do believe though, is in the Goddess. I have believed that god was a woman ever since a very early age (5). This did not change as I grew older, I merely discovered that people really did worship the Goddess. That is when I left the Catholic church. The thing is that Pagans tend to be more open minded, and willing, and wanting, to learn about other religious and spiritual paths. Generally, each sets their own belief. Ask ten wiccans the same question, and you'll get 10 different answers.

Answer 3

If she/he doesn't ask about it, I wouldn't say anything.

If she/he does ask, just start by telling her/him that it is a nature-based religion that falls under the umbrella of Paganism. We worship a God and a Goddess, with neither one being purely "good" or purely "evil.." If he/she goes into the whole "You worship the Devil!" thing, calmly tell her that Wicca does not acknowledge a Devil figure, so it would be impossible for you to worship it.

Just answer her questions (or her insults) to the best of your abilities. If she/he becomes insulting, try to just keep calm. You'll look like the more mature, understanding one in the conversation while your co-worker foams at the mouth.

Answer 4

Religion is a touchy thing in the workplace. I would avoid mentioning it. It's just generally not work appropriate. IF you have something religious on your person or your desk (and I would strongly suggest nothing flashy) and IF the co-worker asks, answer the question plainly and truthfully and let it drop. Don't presume she'll object: plenty of Christians don't. I had a devout Baptist question me about my pentagram ring once, and when I explained she just said "Oh. Cool." and walked off. If she says something nasty, tell her she's welcome to her opinion and, again, drop it.

Answer 5

If it isn't causing any problems that need to be addressed, then I would recommend just keeping to yourself. However if they're causing problems for you, you need to ask them what they want to know about your religion. Generally, saying things like "I don't worship Satan" and leaving it at that doesn't help a whole lot.

I personally think sitting someone down and telling them every damn aspect of Wicca would be a little boring to them, and preachy as well. Let them ask questions so that you can address their concerns.

Answer 6

You know, in all my years, my religion never came up at work. i dont' work now, but still at Girl Scout meetings, dance studios, school functions, my religion just never comes up. LOL
I just smile and say I don't have a main stream religion or I answer Asatru. If they ask, I answer. I could give a damn what people think about my religion. They dont' have to practice it.

Answer 7

If you feel that it's likely to cause an argument, then perhaps it's best to stay away from the subject. Many Christians aren't open to being informed about other religions in any case, and it's not like we need to convert others to our path.

Answer 8

Religion is NEVER a good topic at work, and rarely with co- workers outside of the workplace. Don't do it.

Answer 9

I don't usually bring up anything about faith (or my lack of it) at work. The only time I make an exception is when someone asks me what I believe, or to validate what they believe.

Answer 10

leave it -

as a pagan, i never discuss my faith in the workplace. it's not that people don't understand it's that they don't WANT to understand.

don't open yourself up to that negativity. simply tell your co-worker that issues of faith are not going to be discussed. if she persists, be honest and tell her that if she continues, you will have to talk to your boss, hr, or whatever is appropriate.

Answer 11

You could tell her that you find no offence with her religion, and that you personaly believe something different, and that if he/she wants you to you can tell her/him why you believe what you believe, and in turn they can tell you why they believe what they believe, but not in a pushy way, as you don't want to convert each other just share.
If they agree cool, if they don't, just say that you don't have to talk about it.

+Jess+