Co-worker just asked, "Are you christian?"

[moonbogg]

I hadn't even got my coffee yet and someone comes up and asks what the title says. Boy, that was kind of awkward because I know how this goes of course. Sometimes people feel safe asking because they already assume that, based on your character and attitude, that you are a happy, G-d fearing Christian like they are.
You know, they see that smile that's always on your face and they see you are doing something right in life, and it must be the truth of Jesus, because what else could shape a person in such a way if not the love of Jesus?
So, he felt safe asking because, as he admitted, he thought I was Christian. When I told him, "no" he looked genuinely confused and at a loss for words. He then said, "Oh, you don't believe in G-d, or...?". And I said, "Well, no I don't. I don't know if there is one or not." Of course, I know the one he believes in doesn't exist just as well as I know anything else in life, but I wasn't about to return the favor of tactless inquiries into his personal beliefs, especially since we are here to earn a paycheck and leave at the end of the day and not engage in an offensive battle of the workplace world views.

 

[SaurusX]

Lighten up.

 

[nageov3t]

unless it's a coworker that I'm legitimately friends with... "sorry, I try not to discuss politics or religion while on the clock."

 

[sourceninja]

Just quote Rust Cohle next time.

"I believe that people shouldn't talk about this type of shit at work."

 

[Newell Steamer]

I have never had anyone ask me that in the workplace.

I believe in God, but, it is unprofessional to approach someone like this at work - unless of course the work is clergy or church ceremony rules.

 

[mrjminer]

How is he going to know without asking?

Probably just checking to see if you wanted to go to some event. I've been asked before, no big deal. Nice of him to check, rather than assuming you were and then just start talking about this great church event you might be interested in attending or participating in.

 

[mikeymikec]

I think I would first ask in response, "why do you ask?".

I've been asked about my religious affiliation once at work, and it was relevant to work.

 

[purbeast0]

lol @ op saying G-d instead of god.

 

[Drako]

Those evil Christians are always out to get you.

 

[jaedaliu]

I think it's better that he asked instead of jumping straight in with, "I can't believe that they're murdering all these babies and nobody's going to jail! (unsolicited comment about abortion)" or another Christian view that I don't necessarily agree with.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

I hadn't even got my coffee yet and someone comes up and asks what the title says. Boy, that was kind of awkward because I know how this goes of course. Sometimes people feel safe asking because they already assume that, based on your character and attitude, that you are a happy, G-d fearing Christian like they are.

Christians are not happy. Christians are miserable because they believe an invisible man in the sky thinks they're giant pieces of shit and will burn them in hell for all eternity if they step out of line. They're looking for fellow Christians because misery loves company.

 

[z1ggy]

You should have just said you prefer not to talk about that type of stuff at work, unless he's a good friend, in which case he probably already knows that type of thing anyway.

That and politics shouldn't be discussed. My old boss is a harddddddcore republican and whenever Palin or some dumbass says something that gets out in the media and he over hears me making fun of it, he has ot chime in defending her, etc etc and then if I piss him off, there goes my raise.

Just not worth it.

 

[Muse]

I can only recall one remark made about religion by a coworker, who was from Turkey. It was kind of out of the blue and the context made me understand that he held this belief deeply. He said something like "religion is the source of most of the world's problems." Unforgettable.

Edit: Nice post, OP!

 

[SunnyD]

Why do you feel the need to put a hyphen where the "o" is supposed to be in the word "god" when writing your little story, and yet you still capitalize the "g" as if it were a proper name like a Christian or a Jew would...

 

[MtnMan]

Immediately respond with another question that is nobody's eff'in business, such as 'do you and your wife have oral sex?'

 

[moonbogg]

Why do you feel the need to put a hyphen where the "o" is supposed to be in the word "god" when writing your little story, and yet you still capitalize the "g" as if it were a proper name like a Christian or a Jew would...

Just to see if you'd notice. Well done, but someone beat you to it. Also, Jews say G-d to make sure they don't take his name in vein by accident, as did I. Because if that G-d exists he will FUCK YOUR SHIT RIGHT UP if you make a mistake, so I was playing it safe, you know.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I always answer that question with "I am culturally Catholic."

It get them to leave me alone faster than the more straight-forward way of saying it ("no")

 

[Imp]

I ask people if they're Catholic or Christian all the time, and I'm a borderline atheist.

Same reason I ask what your parents do and where you're from. Background = clue into how you think and what I can expect.

 

[moonbogg]

I always answer that question with "I am culturally Catholic."

It get them to leave me alone faster than the more straight-forward way of saying it ("no")

Good advice, but I think its better they realize up front that I don't believe in bipedal hydroplaning.

 

[slayernine]

lol @ op saying G-d instead of god.

Well if you spell the name in its entirety you risk lightning coming forth from the heavens and striking you down. It's like beetlejuice right

 

[halik]

The south?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Good advice, but I think its better they realize up front that I don't believe in bipedal hydroplaning.

The ones who are intelligent and mature enough to deal with an alternative point of view will decode my statement and understand that I am NOT Christian. Therefore there is no threat that people you actually respect will think you are something you are not.

Closed minded people who push religions like magazine subscriptions will hear what they want to hear (aka "I am Catholic") and leave me alone. In their small mind I am part of the flock, but placating them is the best outcome I am going to get anyway so why not take it?

 

[moonbogg]

The south?

Of Orange County, CA. Same shit =/

 

[SunnyD]

Just to see if you'd notice. Well done, but someone beat you to it. Also, Jews say G-d to make sure they don't take his name in vein by accident, as did I. Because if that G-d exists he will FUCK YOUR SHIT RIGHT UP if you make a mistake, so I was playing it safe, you know.

So you're of a Judaic-rooted denomination then. If not practicing, raised from.

 

[HN]

No, i'm Ted. That's Christian over there...