An Atheist Outnumbered by Christians at Work (an ethical dilemma)

[Jo Dirt]

We have gotten a new administrator where I work (nursing home) who is apparently very religious. We had tornado warnings at work yesterday and when news came of a touchdown the next town over he (kind of jokingly) said if anyone's not right with God they've got about 15 minutes. On top of that, they've started praying at inservices and drop Christian slurs all over the place. The DON is big into the church, the ADON is religious. Most of the doctors are big into church. This is a small southern town and it's gospel music, neatly cropped hair, button down shirts and Hush Puppies all the way. They think I'm so meek and sweet as sugar, the patients love me and I love them (and I do!) I wonder what they would think if they knew. I make these natural hippie soaps and so many people scramble to buy them (even though these soaps are very expensive to make I sell them super cheap just because it makes me happy that I can make something other people like and I like to see them happy). They probably think I'm a Christian like them.

I just wonder what they would think of me if they knew. Maybe it shouldn't be a big deal to me, but it bothers me. I think they may feel a combination of disgust, pity, anger and frustration and I'm afraid they would even fire me. Of course, they can't discriminate on religion, but you know how the cookie crumbles...I have a big heart and I really care about other people, but I'm as atheist as Carl Sagan. I fight hard to respect them with their religion, but I somehow doubt the favor would be returned.

Ever dealt with or seen this? What do you think the outcome would be if a small, devoutly religious southern community who was all about appearances found out a valued employee held such an abhorrent (to them) view of the world?

[Atheos]

I'm surprised no one shut this thread down yet...

[leslie :-D]

The implication, in context, is that by not believing in any particular flavor of supernatural diety, the atheist effectively stands for nothing.

ah....

i didn't read it as religious context.

i read it as, if we don't know who we are, we're apt to lack leadership and merely follow others.

again, it's all about perspective.:)

leslie

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

I'm surprised no one shut this thread down yet...

Mm, agreed. At any rate, I have to go do some errands, get ready for work and Easter tomorrow (IRONY ALERT). Thanks for an interesting Saturday morning, and have yourself a pleasant weekend.

[Atheos]

You too.

I have to work tomorrow because none of the Christians want to!!!

HEHE

ETA:

Though they DID bribe me to work for them by supplying me with an inordinate amount of Cadbury Eggs.

[LaneyB]

Perhaps you are more in doubt about your beliefs than you care to admit.

If you are truly an Atheist, and you truly believe in being an Atheist, then you won't experience any undue hardship by "coming out of the closet". Just stand firm in your convictions. Perhaps you can get a few Christians to become Atheist in the process, eh?

So the fact that the OP is worried about coming out at work due to the discrimination that will most likely occur, that means the OP is secretly in doubt about being an atheist? Do you understand at all how insulting and offensive your post is to atheists?

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

OP, don't disclose anything you don't want to... and i agree with suesquatch, just nod and move on. it's NOT worth the heartache.

i am a catholic democrat and was living in north carolina working on a floor compromised of very very conservative southern baptists who made some very uncalled for comments, and even went as far to say that catholics were pagans in disguise and were not really follows of christ.

it was my mistake in telling them that i was a catholic when they asked me where i went to church and my mistake in telling them that i was a democrat. they called me "kennedy" for the duration of my time there.

workplaces can become hostile if you are outnumbered, and it becomes quite uncomfortable when you are happy with yourself and your convictions and have to face being preached at when you go to work. you are there for the patients, not to debate religion. i reminded my coworkers of that almost daily until i switched depts because i was soo miserable.

all the best to you. :)

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

You too.

I have to work tomorrow because none of the Christians want to!!!

HEHE

ETA:

Though they DID bribe me to work for them by supplying me with an inordinate amount of Cadbury Eggs.

See? There's something in Christianity for everyone. :icon_roll

Really going now...

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I still don't understand why it's anyone's business what religion the OP chooses to be.

Have we turned into such a Jerry Springer-ish nation that no one comprehends the concept of privacy? Is nothing sacred any more?

Geez.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Have we turned into such a Jerry Springer-ish nation that no one comprehends the concept of privacy? Is nothing sacred any more?

Geez.

Privacy is indeed sacred with most of these people. I think the problem is the presumption of others that the OP is a Christian just because they and most everyone else around them is, and the fear of rejection and drama if they find out.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

If it's not working for you, then perhaps you should just let it out and face the consequences. But the consequences could be them preaching at you to save you, or totally reject you and not speak to you. Or you might be pleasantly surprised to find they leave you alone.

I live in a more liberal area where I freely say that "I'm a Unitarian, I don't believe in the ressurrection, but I will go to our church service, and I do hope you have a Happy Easter" when someone asked about my Easter plans. The other day a coworker was talking about praying and I said "I don't pray, but feel free to pray for me if you'd like..." Another "Christian" standing by butted in in a condescending tone "why would you ask someone to pray for you if you don't believe in God, I wouldn't pray for you......"..Me: "I wounder if your Jesus would pray for me?"...makes for some interesting conversation.

Do whatever suits you and your peace of mind. Best of luck.

[hotmama2be]

Well here is my opinion keep your religious views at home be a professional and get the job done. Work is a public setting people have there beliefs but that does not give you a right to enforce your beliefs at work. Stay neutral and respect each other this is the best policy.

[Flightline, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry, but since we are all bearing our souls here, so to speak, I think atheists are simply ignorant--willfully ignorant, but so long as they do the job, their ignorance is of no consequence.

I will say this, however, if they were correct, nursing would go from the greatest possible profession to the most horrible profession. Nursing would become wrong.

Rather than belabor a religious point here, which is bound to get me in trouble, I'll adress this in my new blog. It'll be the first post I've ever posted in there and I'll leave it open to replies.

But I'm warning you now, don't come knocking if you can't take the heat or the mixed metaphors!