Angered by co-workers

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phil8888

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Hi everyone,

I’m angry at my coworkers. we just had a meeting where there were about 10 of us, and the topic turned to religion. anyway, I was totally outnumbered. they all sang the same tune. they were saying, “oh well, the Bible is just what the church decided to put in there”, “oh, they just take whatever they want from the bible, and ignore the rest, or twist it around at church” “the bible is man-made anyway” and they kept saying everything was man-made.

then one guy made the comment about religion being just a weapon to use against other people. etc. etc. etc.

I was very angry, but I was completely outnumbered. it was me vs. everyone else, and I didn’t have anything to say. I don’t know if I just didn’t have convincing enough answers, or if I just didn’t want to speak up amid so much opposition. Anyway, please let me know your thoughts about this.

Phil
 
This same question came up in bible study one week and the priest told the gentleman who was having problems with his co-workers to speak the truth about the Church, live by example, but don’t raise your voice or engage in an argument! If asked a question answer it but don’t allow yourself to become angry because you know the truth and therefore you can be at peace. He also said that if they are not willing to listen to what you have to say then you have done the best you could and at that point there’s no need to continue to throw pearls to swine.

You may have planted a seed with someone in that group and in time who knows what your seed may grow into.
 
Phil, you were being tested. Even though you were seething inside, you kept your cool and didn’t reinforce their ignorance. Read scripture and visit here often. You will be given the knowledge to turn the tables on them. Pray for them. How would you like to be one of them, if your life was required of you this day?

Christ’s peace.
 
Thanks po1.

I’m going to the library after work and picking up Handbook for Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli. I will go through and memorize the answers.
 
Do we work in the same place? 😃 I’ve given up getting frustrated and trying to logically convince people. Deep down people are generally searching for the truth. I find that people respond to hope. If you give them hope by your actions, attitude, and living out your faith, then you will do far more than could be accomplished in a heated discussion.
 
yeh, preach the gospel always, when necessary use words.

definitely!

and also, like the other poster said, be calm and peaceful, and loving when speaking.
 
phil8888 said:
yeh, preach the gospel always, when necessary use words.

definitely!

and also, like the other poster said, be calm and peaceful, and loving when speaking.
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I agree with po18guy. Come here often and stick with the threads that help build you up and from which you can learn about the faith. I used to get into arguments here with the atheists, which was no better than the ones I had at work. I finally decided to stay away from those threads, mostly. Occasionally when I’m feeling frisky, I’ll mix it up a bit :D.
 
In regard to their accusation regarding the bible and Church being man-made, I would reply: “Are you saying that you do not believe in the Holy Spirit?” Then I would ask: “How do you think the Holy Spirit operates?” Then take it from there.

Lou F
 
phil8888 said:
umm, isn’t there a good chance they’d say no?
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Ask them for a list of the martyrs in the Atheist church - you know, those who willingly shed their blood for the non-faith. Ask them for a list of charities founded by atheists. Ask them how you proclaim the good news of…nothing.

Since the Holy Spirit does all converting, offer them up in prayer. Many of them were probably faithful early in their lives, but a personal tragedy, or relentless sin drove them away from faith.

Christ’s peace.
 
I have another idea also. I don’t know if this would be practical for you but it’s a suggestion anyway.

I have a little booklet on the basics of Catholicism and I normally keep it with me but I’ve lent it out. It’s apx. 30 small pages of questions and answers and probably only costs a couple of dollars at the most. (somebody gave me my copy)

Could you buy a copy or get something of this nature, keep it in your desk, purse, car, or locker and when you’re “under attack” by your coworkers tell them to read this little booklet, bring it back and you’ll answer their questions then? This way you’ll know if they’re being serious or if they just trying to get a rise out of you. :eek:

Just a thought!🙂 🙂 🙂
 
Maybe you should have mentioned that that is an inappropriate topic for the workplace? That it’s unprofessional?

If you have a union, you could probably let them know about it, say that the conversation created an unsafe work environment for you, and it won’t happen again.
 
good suggestions guys. I like the one about charities.

the thing is even the CEO and president were involved. we don’t have a union. the CEO said they should stop talking about it because when you talk about religion someone might get offended.

people’s attitude of “offended” is pretty weird. If someone said Canadians are monkeys, I would be offended, because I’m canadian, but they almost think they have a good point or something, which they don’t. like what they’re saying is legitimate and it might offend me (it’s not though). I just find it insulitng, just like if you called someone an idiot or an *** or something.
 
Simply ask your coworkers, ah, What if you are wrong?

and promptly walk away with a smile on your face.
 
phil8888 said:
Hi everyone,

I’m angry at my coworkers. we just had a meeting where there were about 10 of us, and the topic turned to religion. anyway, I was totally outnumbered. they all sang the same tune. they were saying, “oh well, the Bible is just what the church decided to put in there”, “oh, they just take whatever they want from the bible, and ignore the rest, or twist it around at church” “the bible is man-made anyway” and they kept saying everything was man-made.

then one guy made the comment about religion being just a weapon to use against other people. etc. etc. etc.

I was very angry, but I was completely outnumbered. it was me vs. everyone else, and I didn’t have anything to say. I don’t know if I just didn’t have convincing enough answers, or if I just didn’t want to speak up amid so much opposition. Anyway, please let me know your thoughts about this.

Phil
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I make it a point not to discuss things of this nature with most co-workers. They’re just people *I have to be around *by unavoidable circumstance. I try to give them no more importance than whatever that warrants. My attitude tends to be a bit aloof, although I try to be as safely cordial as possible. If I stop to talk, I could get caught up in gossip, back-stabbing and unnecessary verbal conflicts stemming from co-worker childishness, so I keep a low-profile and focus on my job. My ‘supervisor’ is a youngish guy, who lacks maturity and actually promotes gossip. It’s disheartening, at times, but this is how I operate. I make a point of ignoring about 90 percent of what comes out of his mouth. 🤷
 
I would just be so obviously Catholic that they learn not to say this sort thing around you.
 
I sure do feel for you, I get the same animosity from my own family at times.

I am convinced that if we can live a loving, charitable life, then our example of trying to live the life Jesus teaches us to live will attract their curiosity.

Then we can evangelize them, not the other way around.

We must pray for patience, the Lord is our example. When they are ready to open their hearts to Jesus, He will be there for them.

Fortunately, today with the internet and various other resources like the “pillar of fire, pillar of truth” pamphlet from Catholic Answers, we can direct the curious to the Truth without public scrutiny or coercion.

They can research, learn and grow in their faith without feeling the peer pressure that puts so many off.

Stay loving, strong and patient in our Lord Jesus Christ!

You are in my prayers.

Mark
 
I can’t really add any new advice, others have certainly covered all the bases. But just letting you know, this type of thing happens all over the country in all offices. We get angry for not saying anything and defending our faith, but we’re usually caught off guard and not ready to know what to say. Maybe next time, say a brief prayer to the Holy Spirit to guild you…
 
phil8888 said:
Hi everyone,

I’m angry at my coworkers. we just had a meeting where there were about 10 of us, and the topic turned to religion. anyway, I was totally outnumbered. they all sang the same tune. they were saying, “oh well, the Bible is just what the church decided to put in there”, “oh, they just take whatever they want from the bible, and ignore the rest, or twist it around at church” “the bible is man-made anyway” and they kept saying everything was man-made.

then one guy made the comment about religion being just a weapon to use against other people. etc. etc. etc.

I was very angry, but I was completely outnumbered. it was me vs. everyone else, and I didn’t have anything to say. I don’t know if I just didn’t have convincing enough answers, or if I just didn’t want to speak up amid so much opposition. Anyway, please let me know your thoughts about this.

Phil
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You did the right thing. When you have people in that sort of environment with no education with regard to anything, it seems, about the Church or religion in general, it’s better just to remain silent. They are not looking to be educated, and they are just blowing off whatever steam they have in their frustration with their relationship to God. Just be a good co-worker and bring Christ into the workplace through example and kindness.
 
“I sure do feel for you, I get the same animosity from my own family at times.”

Amen. So do I. I’m the only Christian in my extended family. Everyone else (my wife excluded, of course) is an atheist.😦
 
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