Posted on 12/07/2004 6:01:11 PM PST by I got the rope
Well...I tried to do a good thing today. Earlier today I noticed that a secretary in the office was a little down, so I approached her to find out what was the matter. She wasn't happy about all the Christmas decorations or the Christmas Tree that some of the other secretaries had set-up. She is a Jehovah Witness.
She does not celebrate Christmas and she thought the whole idea of a Christmas tree was too pagen. I had to agree with her on this one. I kinda think the same thing.
We spoke half the day off and on and I quickly realized their were huge differences in my Christian beliefs and her beliefs. We discussed the Bible (King James) and her Bible (The New World Translation).
I found her translation very interesting. I was hearing things I have never heard before. Being the die-hard FReeper that I am I quickly quoted refutations to some of her base arguments, but she was always ready with a new topic once I had decimated her arguments with the King James Bible. We discussed the diety of Jesus, the trinity, the Holy Spirit, God's true name, and salvation.
Towards the end she kinda got tired and said she didn't want to discuss it anymore and that she would give me a copy of the New World Translation tomorrow. It was about this time that a die-hard Atheist butted in to the conversation and asked if I was talking about religion. I said, "No...we're talking about Jesus!"
She (the Atheist) went totally ballistic on me. You would have thought I poured Holy water on Dracula or something! She told me that I could not discuss religion or Jesus in the workplace and the she and many others were very uncomfortable with me. She said that if I did not stop she would go straight to the top with this and have them shut me up.
I turned to the Jehovah Witness secretary and said,"If I'm bothering you I'll leave you alone." She looked kinda taken aback and said, "Uhhh...I would rather not talk about this anymore."
The Atheist stormed off and the whole time I'm thinking that this whole "Diversity in the workplace" thing just disappeared as far as I'm concerned. I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable now.
BTW, Atheist-girl helped decorate the Christmas tree and helped stuff the stocking for all the employees with candy. Oh yeah...she also stands about 5'6" and weighs about 300lbs.
Perhaps you can explain how this applies to a private enterprise?
Breakroom talk is one thing. But as an employer myself, I want my employees working when I'm paying them to work.
Anytime that a Jehovah Witness knocks on my door, I tell them that I am Jewish.
Works every time!
(*sigh*...that joke just never gets old, does it?)
;)
I had a friend whose mother was a Jehovah Witness and whose father was an atheist.
He now knocks on strangers' doors ... for no reason.
Pray and do nothing. Its in Gods hands. He lead you to talk to the JW and it was none of the athesits business. It was a personal conversation like many at work. If you're called on it be humble and truthful.
Try to get the whole thing to end at the next rung up then. Unless you think you can win the "diversity" argument. Otherwise... on second thought, why not fight it if you think you can win or at least back the atheist off a little.
When I am out doing yard work I make sure I have on a Metallica, Slayer, Megadeath, or other such Tshirt on and heavy metal blasting.
They pass me by for some reason.
Uh, JW's do not believe in the Incarnation - i.e. Jesus = God.
Which used to be the reason for the season.
To be a Madeleine Murray O'Hair atheist and a female, I think you have to weigh at least 300 pounds.
Are you sure all she was stuffing with candy were the stockings?
I agree- address the issue first- before they call you in to discuss it.
As to the pagan issue- I resolved that many years ago in my own heart. I see the Christmas trees, decorating, caroling, Santa Claus and so forth as a truly lovely and fun winter festival. At the same time, I celebrate the birth of Christ privately, in my own ways that are meaningful and significant to me...far removed from all the outer trappings of " the season".
This has worked beautifully for me- though of course it will not for everyone.
Can you explain how Political Correctness and Anti-Christian regulations are appropriate in a private enterprise?
Can this company explain, in any financially sound way, how alienating over 85% of the Christian American public, is a good business practice?
Curious minds would like to know....
Honest truth. Ask them about it right off the bat. Growing their own food is the least of the JW's problems. They are going to be forced to spend eternity here on earth. It's either here or Hell. Some choice.
It also explains why the picture of growing food for eternity. For them it's literally true.
BTW, good observation on your part..........wish I could have been there!
What was interesting is that we had one company which celebrates Christmas (for the majority, the minority either does not participate or doesn't take offense and joins in the largely secular activities). This is the company I was on. We offered to have a meet and greet and made the mistake of saying Christmas. All hell broke loose. One of the other companies has a department that apparently takes offense at everything. Tried to change it to holiday (which I told them was wrong) and still got complaints. Told all to stuff it and we are having a private get together with food. They are still welcome, but dang....
Just about as intolerant as the Muslims.
IF you get offended by the way the rest of the world lives,
go home, stay home, don't come out. Cut your throat.
I told them I was a geologist and they left with strange looks. (True story).
That did not work for me, since my father, step-mother, two sisters, ex-wife and two daughters are all member of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints (Mormon).
Oh well, God will always give us some challenges in life. LOL
I'd play it off like no big deal, and portray the Lib Atheist as someone who stirs trouble...
if at all possible demonstrate that maybe the Lib Athiest might be overreacting, and she should really try some decaf....but don't put it in that tone....hehe
Make the Angry overreacting Lib the issue, not poor innocent You, who just loves to talk to people and learn more about them....;) "Gosh, I didn't think asking about the holidays and her church was offensive, gee, I'm awful sorry"
Bosses hate agitators who look for trouble.
They're not fond of freedom of religion martyrs either, that's why I'd avoid making this a Supreme Court issue. Unless you're into it!
Hate again to sound harsh, but are you there for a job, or to defend your freedom to discuss religion in a private workplace?
See my post #33. It may prove helpful sometime.
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