[fergus51]

I am an agnostic and have had the same kind of interactions with the enthusiastic christians I have worked with. I take the view that they are just trying to introduce me to something they like, the same way I would tell them about a great new restaurant.

If they are preachy I just tell them I'm not interested and don't really care if they are judgemental about me not being Christian. Who cares if they think I'll burn in hell? As long as I think otherwise, it doesn't bug me a bit

[Rapheal]

I am a Christian nurse. I believe that you know a person by their deeds, not their words. Nobody has right to judge your beliefs. You do not need to defend them. Enjoy and appreciate your co-workers stories if you like. They must enjoy talking to you as evidenced by their willingness to share their personal stories and beliefs. So it sounds to me as if you are a very likeable person.

My daughter has a t-shirt that says "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words." This sums it up for me.

[roxannekkb]

My daughter has a t-shirt that says "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words." This sums it up for me.

That is soooo true. How we behave in this world, the example we set, is so much more telling than the words which come out of our mouths. I've seen very religious people of all faiths who knew all the dogma and the rituals, but alas, completely lacked the spiritual side of their faith. And the reverse, people who were not affiliated with any religion but yet were kind, compassionate, and totally connected spiritually.

Oh, and by the way, I'm the one that nurse ratched mentioned who has the great sig line from the Matrix Reloaded. It really says it all, about belief systems.

[jnette]

Originally posted by glow_worm

I've worked in the blue ridge mountains of NC, and it's true that very southern Christian nurses there can become abrasive/condemning towards co-workers or patients who don't go to church! In fact, in one nursing facility where I worked for a year, nurses would attend the funerals of Christian residents who had passed, but they would not attend the funerals of non-Christians b/c these residents were supposedly going to "burn in Hell". It was very sad and bizarre. Their behavior was not congruent with "love your neighbor", "forgive one another", "judge not", and other statements from their own bible.

However, it's the assumptions that people make concerning my own religious orientation (or lack of) that really bother me!

Wow. The above is really, really sad. I can say I've not met any of those, but know that there are those out there who (as in anything) take things to the extreme. Or inject "manmade" law into the Word. And it bothers me that ppl exposed to these folks assume that this is "Christianity"... when it's far from it. This is what has turned so many ppl off, and I can certainly understand why. They certainly do more damage than good.

As for others' assumptions about you... why give it any thought at all? If YOU are comfortable with who you are, then no need to fret about their assumptions, right? Opinions vs. facts.... again.

I love Fergus' and Eltrip's responses and I totally agree ! And Roxannekkb.. I'll have to remember that quote ! Super ! So much truth there !

By the way, Gloworm... best of luck on your NCLEX !!! It's on my B'Day (!) so that should bring you all KINDS of success !!! And right now, I'm tempted to say "I'll pray for you" but it's just out of sheer mischief on my part... in jest, ok? Truly, though, I wish you the best.. it's not been that long that I took mine.. only 4 mos. ago. WOW.

[LauraLou]

In areas of the country which are particularly religious, people tend to assume everyone shares their beliefs and act accordingly. It isn’t meant to be divisive or isolating, but it can feel that way to the person who doesn’t share the same beliefs.

I live in Texas, which isn’t exactly the South, but also very religious. I am a Christian, but I am sometimes approached by Christians of other denominations, who wish share with me their particular Christian beliefs.

I have found the best thing is to avoid confrontation and simply excuse myself from conversations that I find uncomfortable. I don’t make a big deal about it, I just say I have to use the rest room or need to check on something. I have found that making an issue of religion sometimes escalates the situation rather than resolves it, but if you are truly uncomfortable you should say something.

It is rare to find someone who will continue to share their beliefs with you, once they realize it makes you uncomfortable. Usually the people who continue to push are the ones you didn’t like much to begin with.

[txsugarlvn]

Just don't say anything. Easier said than done, right? I can't remember if you stated what you believed in your posts but it's not important. Here's a funny story....I am a Christian but I worked in a Catholic facility taking care of nuns for a few years. I loved them and the environment which was so peaceful and so spiritually calming. BUT, I knew better than to let any of the "sisters" know I wasn't Catholic. Why? Because they dedicated their lives to the Catholic religion and that's what they firmly believe. Dogma and all. I do not. So when they would talk i would listen. We could talk about God or Christ but I never went beyond that. You see, they felt that if you were not a Catholic and had not gone through the rites of passage (ie:communion, confirmation, etc) then you were going to hell. No two ways about it. Rather than argue or debate or disagree, I just smiled and nodded. it was a very peaceful working environment.
I am in Texas so I don't face the same problems with coworkers as you do in SC. But, regardless of what area of the country you live, and there are pushy in-your-face people in ALL parts of the country, just back off and let it go unless you are pushed to the point of candidly stating your views. You will find people on both sides of the issue more than willing to shove it down your throat. Just take a deep calming breath, hit the delete button on the computer, and relax.
I wish you the best and only good things in life. I truly hope this situation resolves itself to the best of all concerned.

[iliel]

I recently worked in a large Mormon practice. I am no where near religious and my life style (living with b-friend, sometimes drinking, etc) went against what they stood for. but, they were the best employers I ever had. If I needed anything, they were there for me. There were times when their beliefs came out in the practice and I thought it was wrong, but, I just kept my mouth shut and found comfort in the other non religious office workers. I realized they really ment no harm and were good, honest people to work for.
I know how you feel!
Iliel

[navynurse29]

Glow worm, what a great post! It really got me thinking about a woman I used to work with. She was a minister's wife, supposed to be the image of a good christian godly woman, right? Wrong! This woman was the worst gossiping backstabbing hypocrite in the office! One minute she would be telling you about what a great church service they had on Sunday and the next she would be judging you if said the word "hell". I am a Christian and I am definitely not one to preach in your face but I am not a hypocrite, if I'm wrong about something or if I catch myself being a judgemental witch, I'll admit it. (usually ) Anyway, one day, I finally had enough of this woman, who was starting to make me doubt my faith and christians in general. She was gossiping about someone as usual when she turned to me to ask me a question about a rumor she had heard about a patient. When she turned to me, I yelled and ducked. She looked at me like I was nuts, and asked me what my problem was? Again, I ducked and backed up against the wall in mock horror. She was like "What?!" I said ," I can't talk to you until you pull that big wooden plank out of your eye, you almost hit me with it!" She shut up and she has never gossiped in front of me since!

Anyway, I agree with many people here, if something makes you uncomfortable, no matter what it is, just smile, nod your head then gracefully bow out the conversation. You don't always have to put your two cents in. Hey and Good luck on your NCLEX! I bet you will do great!

[Belgndogs]

What a great thread to read through. I have found as well, since I'm not christian either, that it's best to just smile and nod even if I don't agree with the beliefs being expressed. IMHO, just because I don't agree, I don't have the right to invalidate their beliefs or experiences. After all, I wouldn't like for someone to tell me my beliefs or experiences are wrong (even though that's happened )

[Sable's mom]

IMHO, this thread could apply to many religions or social beliefs. For example, if you are practicing in a Native American setting, it is expected that you will allow/encourage/put up with(choose verb based on your own opinion) smudging. This has been a problem here because smudging puts a LOT of smoke in the air and those who don't believe in it are still forced to breathe it for a period of time.
Anyways, just saying that Christians aren't the only ones who may assume that 'everyone' believes like they do.